Legal Services Act
SRA: Most firms secured insurance but mergers on the rise
This year’s indemnity insurance renewal season has not been as bad as some had predicted, but there has been an uptick in mergers and acquisitions, the SRA has revealed.
Abuser fails in argument that ‘Covid pressure’ made conviction unsafe
The Court of Appeal has refused a man leave to appeal his conviction on the ground that the jury may have felt under pressure to return a verdict because the coronavirus crisis was developing.
Unregulated firms “will force traditional practices to get better”
The change last year allowing solicitors to practise from unregulated businesses will force traditional law firms to improve their service offering, the Competition and Markets Authority has been told.
Solicitor who sold business for £61m: I couldn’t do it in a law firm
The traditional law firm model does not support entrepreneurs who want to build and sell a business, according to the solicitor who last week sold his company for £61m.
Legal Ombudsman seeks 19% budget hike
The Legal Ombudsman is planning a 19% increase in its budget for 2021/22, and a further 6% the year after, arguing the scheme is currently in an “unsustainable position”.
ABS owned by insurance claims firm enters Australia
The alternative business structure owned by global insurance services firm Crawford & Company is expanding into Australia after buying up a leading defendant practice in the country.
Big Four giant signals ambition with City firm acquisition
Big Four firm Deloitte yesterday issued a statement of intent to the London legal market by announcing that it is to acquire leading technology and digital media law firm Kemp Little.
Ex-DWF boss becomes ABS’s chair as he launches new venture
The former chief executive of DWF has re-emerged as non-executive chair of flexible lawyer business The Legal Director and announced the creation of his own ‘digital law firm’.
New chambers goes virtual – for now
Crucible Law opens its doors virtually this week following the closure of predecessor set Charter Chambers in the teeth of the pandemic’s impact on the justice system.
Former UN chief hits out at “activist lawyer” label
The former secretary-general of the United Nations has condemned Home Secretary Priti Patel’s recent attack on “activist lawyers”. Ban Ki-moon also urged the legal profession to reform itself.
Blog
The Decent Homes Standard scandal
It is well established that the UK has the highest proportion of inadequate housing in all of Europe. But what if the heart of the problem is even worse than we think?
The evolving standard: AI and professional negligence
AI creates an obvious professional negligence risk. Using it carelessly may fall below the standard of reasonable skill and care. As may failing to use it, in certain circumstances.
The ongoing rise and challenge of housing disrepair in council properties
Britain’s housing disrepair crisis has quietly evolved into one of the most consequential legal and political issues facing the country’s social housing sector.
