Market monitor
SME firm eyes ABS licence to share fees with non-lawyer collaborators
A law firm that works with non-legal businesses to offer SME clients a multi-disciplinary service is to convert to an alternative business structure so that they can share fees.
Commercial firm aims to create “biggest in-house chambers”
Leading commercial firm DAC Beachcroft has launched an “in-house chambers” which plans to expand rapidly and become “the biggest of its kind” by end of the year.
From M&A to Malta: New Year brings host of law firm growth strategies
The year has kicked off with a spate of law firm expansion activity, whether through mergers, huge team hires, file acquisitions or one Essex law firm maintaining EU links by opening in Malta.
Frenkel Topping and NAHL call off takeover talks
Talks about a reverse takeover of NAHL Group – the owner of National Accident Helpline – by fellow AIM-listed company Frenkel Topping have been called off.
Non-legal businesses fill pandemic income gap for Gateley
Rising income from listed law firm Gateley’s non-legal businesses almost made up for the loss in turnover from its core legal work during last year’s first lockdown, its interim results have shown.
QC and accountant set up ABS regulated by SRA
A commercial QC has taken the unusual step of setting up an alternative business structure with an accountant, in contrast with what he described as the “outmoded” chambers structure.
Whiplash reforms delayed AGAIN – but only for a month this time
The Lord Chancellor today announced yet another delay to implementation of the whiplash reforms, pushing the date back a month to May this year, but lawyers are saying that more time is needed.
Difficult year for Law PLC, with most firms seeing share prices dive
Acquisitive regional practice Knights was the only listed law firm to defy the Covid gloom and end 2020 with its share price higher than where it began, a Legal Futures analysis has shown.
Expert group lists worries about impact of whiplash reforms
A group of claimant and defendant representatives and judges has outlined a range of concerns about next year’s whiplash reforms, including claims management companies exploiting injured people.
NAHL and Frenkel Topping takeover talks to stretch into New Year
Talks about a reverse takeover of NAHL Group – the owner of National Accident Helpline – by fellow listed company Frenkel Topping are to continue into the New Year, they announced today.
Blog
The importance of benchmarking reports – and lessons on profitability
Regional firms reported the largest revenue growth this year (12%), outpacing their City counterparts. Yet many are not converting that growth into profitability.
Fixed recoverable costs: Sacrificing justice for predictability?
The extended fixed recoverable costs regime is failing to achieve its stated objectives. Instead of promoting fairness and efficiency, the rules are creating anomalies that undermine justice.
Expectations keep rising, so prioritise client experience
Law firms are facing growing pressure to place greater focus on client experience or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive legal market.
