Legal Services Act
BLP integrates key elements of City law firm innovation
Berwin Leighton Paisner has sought to be raise the bar for innovation in the City with the launch of a four-pronged ‘Integrated Client Service Model’. It combines process mapping, outsourcing, ‘virtual transaction teams’, and the opening of a ‘legal services delivery team’ in Manchester.
Radiant opens South Africa in-sourcing centre as it targets ABS to bring top retailer onboard
Innovative legal practice Radiant Law has moved to an in-sourcing model for some of its work by opening an office in South Africa last week – while also applying for an alternative business structure licence to enable a leading retailer to become its chairman.
High Court rejects barrister’s challenge to LeO finding of poor complaint handling
A barrister has failed in his judicial review of a decision of the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) that he did not deal with a complaint properly. LeO has welcomed the ruling for setting the bar high when challenging its decisions.
Grayling gives accountants ABS and probate green light
The Lord Chancellor yesterday approved the application by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) to become a regulator of probate services and licensing authority for alternative business structures.
Allianz launches latest insurer ABS
Allianz has become the latest insurance company to set up an alternative business structure, launching ALP Law LLP in partnership with specialist personal injury firm Serious Law.
Admiral reveals ownership stake in joint venture ABSs
Admiral Group is the overwhelmingly dominant partner in the joint venture alternative business structures (ABSs) it has set up with law firms Lyons Davidson and Cordner Lewis, the insurer’s annual results have shown.
LSB presses on with statutory guidance forcing regulators to liberalise education and training
Statutory guidance that requires legal regulators to move away from assuming would-be lawyers have to spend a certain amount of time training before they qualify was published yesterday by the Legal Services Board.
Acquisition by Helphire will “future-proof” NewLaw in shrinking PI marketplace
The law firm acquired last week by accident management giant Helphire believes it has secured its place in a future slimmed-down personal injury market, and will be one of the ‘last men standing’ now it can offer a one-stop shop.
MoJ pushes for crime market consolidation despite its own research warning over speed of change
Many criminal law firms will have to merge, or enter into joint ventures, or form alternative business structures, to survive, after the government announced yesterday that it would push ahead with legal aid reforms that are predicated on market consolidation.
Pioneering ABS bought by listed accident management company in £40m+ deal
Leading accident management company Helphire Group plc has acquired alternative business structure (ABS) pioneer New Law in a deal that could ultimately be worth more than £40m.
Blog
AI in family law – drawing the line for clients and lawyers
AI is becoming increasingly intertwined with family law. Clients are using it to draft initial enquiries, prepare statements and, in some cases, to support themselves as litigants in person.
Why AI and leadership choices will define law firm profitability in 2026
Despite rapid advances in legal technology, the future of law will not be determined by software alone. It will be shaped by leadership decisions.
Legal director: an alternative to partnership
Firms are increasingly acknowledging the need for alternative senior roles – positions that offer influence and recognition without the obligations of ownership.
