Legal Services Act
LSB praised for scuppering indemnity cover cut
The Legal Services Board has been praised for extending the time limit for its decision on whether to approve plans to cut the minimum indemnity limit for law firms, which meant the Solicitors Regulation Authority was unable to implement it this year.
Huge growth for Quindell’s legal services division
Alternative business structure Quindell plc today proclaimed itself the largest personal injury law firm in the UK and the “largest public company law firm globally” as it announced its results for the first half of 2014.
SRA set to open up solicitor register to comparison websites
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has committed to opening up its register of solicitors to comparison websites, while the Legal Ombudsman has today made its decisions available in a downloadable format.
LeO to review internal guidelines after barrister cleared of misconduct
The Legal Ombudsman has announced that it will be reviewing its internal guidance after a barrister was cleared of misconduct because LeO failed to share information.
SRA abandons indemnity cover cut this year after LSB warning
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has extended the time it has given itself to decide on the proposed cut in the minimum indemnity cover limit for law firms from 10 October this year to 17 August 2015.
Local authority ABSs “will improve access to justice”
Alternative business structures (ABSs) set up by local authorities should improve access to justice without threatening private practice law firms, according to the lawyers who advised on the first two council licences.
Barrister cleared of misconduct because of ombudsman’s “failure to co-operate”
The Bar Disciplinary Tribunal has told the Legal Ombudsman that “co-operation is a two-way process”, in a case involving a failure to share information with the lawyer who was the subject of a complaint.
Last hurdle before accountants can offer probate services: a two-day course
Passing a two-day course will enable accountants to start offering probate law services to the public, after the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales yesterday officially received the power to regulate probate and licence alternative business structures.
ABSs set to cross the Atlantic
The global spread of alternative business structures (ABSs) took a major step forward yesterday after a report by the Canadian Bar Association strongly backed their introduction.
Second local authority ABS: we are not a threat to law firms
HB Public Law, the shared legal service set up by Harrow and Barnet Councils, has been granted an alternative business structure licence by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
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.
