Market monitor
Profits down but wills and divorce enquiries surge at Co-op
Revenue from legal services at the Co-op was flat in the first six months of this year, but profits fell by a third, the group’s half-year results have revealed.
Council shuts down law firm’s offices for “flouting” Covid-19 rules
A law firm linked with 18 cases of Covid-19 was ordered to shut its office with immediate effect last week after being accused of showing “disregard” for the health of its staff.
Listed firm records good results despite Covid-19
Listed law firm Keystone Law saw its turnover rise 6.5% in the first half of its financial year despite new instructions shrinking by nearly a third in the wake of lockdown.
Community Justice Fund grants hit £6m in four months
The Community Justice Fund has now handed out more than £6m in grants since it was set up in May to support not-for-profit legal advice providers through the pandemic.
Demand for fraud partners “to rise dramatically” after pandemic
Demand for partners who specialise in white collar crime will increase just as dramatically after the pandemic as it did after the financial crisis in 2008, a report has predicted.
Metamorph leads way in autumn merger rush
Law firm consolidator Metamorph has unveiled its latest acquisition as one of a slew of mergers and acquisitions that has been announced. Insurance renewal season usually sees activity increase.
DWF partners rake in £4m from first share sales
Partners at DWF cashed in shares worth £4.25m yesterday at the first opportunity to sell some of the stock they received when it listed, as the firm announced a pause in M&A activity.
Solicitor launches unregulated nanotech firm
A solicitor has launched what he believes is the first legal consultancy in the UK devoted entirely to nanotech firms, the latest to use the rules that allow solicitors to practise from unregulated firms.
Ruling exposes claims of Ince’s ex-French partners
The joint administrators of Ince & Co have been granted permission to apply to stay or dismiss claims brought against them in France by the former French partners of the City law firm.
Shop nationally for cheaper legal fees, LSB tells consumers
Research showing significant regional variations in the price of legal advice “for what are fundamentally the same services” should encourage consumers to shop around, the Legal Services Board said today.
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
