Legal Services Act
Your Legal Friend launches shareholder group action against Quindell
Your Legal Friend, a trading name of Liverpool law firm Camps Solicitors, has confirmed that it has launched its long-awaited shareholder group action against Quindell plc.
“A digital business that happens to do law” – is this the future?
One of the country’s leading local government innovators has told his council that “in future, we will no longer have a legal business that happens to use technology. Instead, it will be a digital business that happens to do law”. He also said that public sector lawyers have a “greater duty than most” to address the country’s access to justice deficit.
Report on ABS benefits says England and Wales experience “inconclusive”
A Canadian report on alternative business structures has issued a cautious verdict on majority non-lawyer ownership, judging the model to be as yet unproven, based on the experience so far in England and Wales and Australia.
Simpson Millar vendors receive £3m earn-out after hitting targets
The shareholders who sold national law firm Simpson Millar to Fairpoint Group plc in June 2014 have received their full £3m earn-out after the practice exceeded its first-year financial targets. Fairpoint paid an initial £7m in cash – on a debt-free, cash-free basis – and 1.4m shares in the group.
City firm amends LLP deed after becoming first to take on status as socially responsible business
Bates Wells & Braithwaite has become the first UK law firm to gain ‘B Corporation’ certification to mark its social and environmental performance, and as part of the process had to amend its LLP deed to provide that the firm is not just run for the benefit of the partners.
Exclusive: Barristers’ chambers sets up ABS to attract overseas clients
A barristers’ chambers is set to launch an alternative business structure to help it obtain international work, because it will give the appearance of a solicitors’ firm to foreign clients who do not understand direct access.
AIM-listed legal marketing business eyes up further acquisitions as it unveils strong results
National Accident Helpline today reported strong first-half results as it looks for further acquisitions in both the personal injury and conveyancing markets. The AIM-listed legal marketing business said revenue was up 15% to £25.4m for the first six months of 2015, with operating profit increasing 21% to £6.5m.
ABS round-up: Waivers for Kingston Smith, Fletchers gains licence, and more
Leading accountancy firm Kingston Smith has been granted a wide range of waivers from Solicitors Regulation Authority rules as part of its groundbreaking transfer of alternative business structure regulator. We also have ABS news from Fletchers, Express Solicitors and Legal Recoveries & Collections.
US firm enters battle for tech start-ups with free legal documents and guidance
US firm Cooley – which launched in the UK at the start of the year – has become the latest to make a play for the UK technology start-up market by introducing a British version of its online resource centre, including free legal documents.
Business services pioneer launches ABS to extend offering to clients
A pioneering business services company that was one of the first in the world to sell corporate information online has launched an alternative business structure, with ambitions to add a range of legal services to its offering.
Blog
Five golden links for a caring Christmas and New Year
This time of year always sharpens thoughts about how we look after and support elderly clients and those, elderly or otherwise, who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.
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.
