Market monitor
DWF splashes the cash (and shares) for outsourcing firm
Listed firm DWF has again leveraged its new purchasing power by spending £14.2m to acquire a US-based legal and managed services business, adding 360 people to its staff complement.
“Dramatically different” pricing the key to law firm’s growth
The owner of a commercial law firm based on a ”dramatically different” approach to pricing has said he believes the firm can enter the top 100 without buying other firms.
Conveyancing revolution to hit over next decade
The role of the conveyancer is undoubtedly going to change as much of the administrative side of the role becomes automated over the coming years, a new report has predicted.
Good times for listed firms and one of their founders
Two listed legal businesses have unveiled positive trading updates, with the founder of City firm Rosenblatt to receive £1m in return for extending his lock-in with the business.
Most clients satisfied with lawyers – if they use them
The vast majority of clients are happy with the services they receive, according to the largest ever legal needs survey, but only 55% of those with legal issues actually sought out professional advice.
Evidence “points to value” of reservation agreements
Those already using reservation agreements say they are improving the home-buying process, it has been claimed, although the public and industry are split on whether they will work.
Name of whiplash portal revealed as registration opens
The name for the new whiplash portal was released yesterday as registration formally opened, amid warnings from insurance lawyers that motor fraud is moving into other areas.
Law Society: Legal services productivity on the rise
Productivity in the legal services sector rose by 17% in the five years from 2013 to 2018, a report by accountants KPMG for the Law Society has found.
High Court rejects judges’ complaints about online divorce service
The High Court has granted declarations that an online service has not broken conflict of interest rules or the Legal Services Act by helping divorcing couples draft their own documents and not use lawyers.
Keoghs’ PE investor exits after insurance industry sale
Leading insurance law firm Keoghs – which has enjoyed private equity investment for seven years – is to be bought by a private equity-backed professional services and technology business.
Blog
Whistleblowing guidance for in-house lawyers – a call to arms
In-house lawyers are in a unique position to spot wrongdoing. But reporting it is not just potentially dangerous from a personal point of view.
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.
