Legal Services Act
Miscarriages of justice charity transforms itself into law firm
A registered charity has become a fully-fledged law firm in what is believed to be the first transformation of its kind, after it received approval from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Big firms hit hardest by fall in conveyancing transactions, report finds
The top five conveyancing firms handled 36% fewer transactions in the first quarter of this year, a report has found, and their market share dropped from 8% to 6%. On average, firms handled 14% fewer transactions and the number of firms also fell.
New-model firm pitches white-label regulation to overseas “non-dom” law firms
New-model practice Carbon Law Partners is set to launch a ‘white label’ service to enable foreign law firms to practise in England and Wales under their own brand, without having to seek regulatory approval or professional indemnity insurance in their own right.
Only 4% of CMC complaints relate to personal injury work, LeO reveals
Only 4% of complaints about claims management companies (CMCs) received by the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) relate to personal injury work, it has emerged, in the first release of figures since Leo began its new role.
Express Solicitors buys 450 personal injury cases in pre-pack deal
Manchester-based Express Solicitors has bought 450 personal injury cases in pre-pack deal with a Cheshire sole practice. A spokesman for Express said Ashfields was now insolvent.
External investment the key to changing profession, former Law Society president says as firm becomes ABS
External investment rather than the number of alternative business structures is the key to changing the legal profession, a former president of the Law Society has said. Meanwhile, well-known ABS Knights has changed structure to retain more of its profit.
Unique ABS aims to capitalise on push by Chinese companies to invest overseas
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has licensed a unique Chinese-owned alternative business structure targeting Chinese companies looking to invest abroad. It has been set up in association with Exeter-headquartered law firm Michelmores.
Gateley set to raise £30m from AIM listing, as Slater & Gordon’s acquisition of Quindell completes
National law firm Gateley is looking to raise £30m from its imminent listing on AIM, documents filed at the London Stock Exchange today have revealed. The firm is due to list on 8 June with a market capitalisation of £100m.
Major US divorce firm lands in UK with ambitions to dominate the market
A family law practice that specialises in acting for men and has more than 100 offices across the US has opened in London with the prediction that it could “very quickly dominate the UK market”. It is already running radio advertisements announcing its arrival.
Linder Myers heading for profit a year after avoiding administration
Manchester-based Linder Myers is heading back into profit little more than a year after escaping administration, its chief executive has said. Tony Stockdale, chairman of consultants Assure Law, helped secure a refinancing deal with RBS in March 2014.
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.
