Legal Services Act
SRA stays on report over ABS licensing
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to remain on report over its performance in licensing alternative business structures until it outlines how it will stop making “disproportionate” requests for information from applicants, it has emerged.
Quindell shares jump on positive news of Slater & Gordon deal
Alternative business structure Quindell plc indicated today that progress is being made on Slater & Gordon’s acquisition of its legal arm. The AIM-listed company’s shares jumped by 40% in early trading as a result.
Lawyers using libel threats to “intimidate” clients who post negative reviews online
Lawyers are increasingly using threats of libel action to intimidate clients into taking down negative reviews from comparison websites, it was claimed yesterday by a member of the Legal Services Consumer Panel.
First ABS attached to a barristers’ chambers launched in Liverpool
Liverpool-based 7 Harrington Street Chambers has launched what is believed to be the first alternative business structure attached to a barristers’ chambers. It opened for business last week, with three barristers and 7HS practice director as its directors.
Morgan Stanley’s Quindell hokey cokey – you put your money in, then take it out
Morgan Stanley has dumped Quindell stock just four days after becoming the alternative business structure’s second largest shareholder, it has emerged. Quindell’s shares jumped on Monday after announcing that it had taken a 5.03% stake.
LeO receives almost 1,000 CMC ‘contacts’ in first three weeks
The Legal Ombudsman has received just under 1,000 consumer ‘contacts’ about claims management companies in its first three weeks of complaints handling, it has emerged.
National Accident Helpline moves into conveyancing
National Accident Helpline has today unveiled its move into the conveyancing market by spending £4.3m to buy a lead generation business specialising in the sector that owns the website of failed alternative business structure In-Deed.
LSB to call on regulators to make law firms and chambers “accountable” over diversity
Regulators need to do more with the diversity data they now collect in order to drive improvements in recruitment and particularly progression and retention within the profession, the Legal Services Board will shortly say.
Business Growth Fund to consider more law firm investments
The growth capital fund which became the first external investor in a high street law firm last week has said it will consider investing in other legal practices.
Slater & Gordon heats up TV advertising battle as Quindell share price rollercoaster continues
The TV advertising battle between legal brands stepped up this week with Slater & Gordon launching a new campaign with the message ‘Your case is our cause’. Meanwhile, the share price of Quindell plc, part of which S&G is in talks to buy, continues to fluctuate.
Blog
Small steps, big impact: how SME law firms are making legal tech work
For SME law firms, the priority is turning the potential of tech into measurable impact: success is driven not just by the technology, but by how firms approach planning and implementation.
Why housing disrepair claims against councils have leapt by nearly 400%
Housing disrepair claims against councils have surged dramatically in recent years, with some areas reporting increases approaching a staggering 400%.
Client accounts: Opportunity, obligation and the risks in between
The profitability gap between well-run firms and the rest is not primarily a function of size, location or practice area – it is a function of financial management.
