Legal Services Act
Consumers not persuaded by cheap conveyancing quotes, major survey finds
The large majority of home movers do not opt for the cheapest conveyancing, and are generally happy with the service provided by their solicitor or licensed conveyancer, major new research has found.
Entrepreneur-backed Defence Hub promises to “revolutionise” criminal defence market
A new business owned by “non-solicitor entrepreneurs” who have already invested £10m is promising to revolutionise the way in which criminal defence work is undertaken. Defence Hub is predicting that it will turnover more than £50m in its first year.
LSB: we will attack the barriers to “radical change”
The Legal Services Board has pledged to attack the “cultural resistance to radical change” that it said was necessary for the legal market to thrive. It will also target unnecessary restrictions on new business structures and the cost of regulation.
Small firm ‘virtual network’ with big ambitions prepares to launch
A ‘virtual network’ of law firms that claims to be the first of its kind is gearing up to launch in February, aimed at giving smaller higher street firms a national reach and helping them compete with larger firms.
Top debt advice company buys high street law firm
One of the country’s largest debt advice companies has bought a high street law firm to offer additional services to customers and become “a major player in the legal services market”. MoneyPlus Group is backed by private equity firm Palatine.
Exclusive: acquisition strategy to propel Slater & Gordon to the top of Google
Slater & Gordon’s series of acquisitions is set to topple the likes of Irwin Mitchell and Thompsons and gain it the leading position in the hugely competitive online personal injury market, an analysis seen exclusively by Legal Futures has found.
Exclusive: Vara calls on legal aid “realists” to step forward
The prospect of a strike by legal aid lawyers is “regrettable”, but there are lawyers who will operate under the new regime, justice minister Shailesh Vara has insisted. Mr Vara also urged lawyers to embrace the innovation showcased by alternative business structures.
LeO confronts challenges to its relevance and announces budget cuts
The Legal Ombudsman is to attempt to build an early intervention capacity, including mediation and arbitration. Launching its 2014-17 draft strategy and budget, LeO also said it would seek to shave a further 5% off the cost of each case it handles.
QualitySolicitors bids to ditch all hourly billing for fixed fees
QualitySolicitors is to launch the ‘QS Price Promise’ that could see all 120 member firms ditch hourly billing early next year, it announced today. It wants to become “the first consumer legal service to offer fixed fees for all legal services – including litigation”.
S&G sets up research fund as fellow consumer ABS targets London
Slater & Gordon has announced a commitment of more than £500,000 to help fund research into the social and medical issues that impact its clients. Meanwhile, Minster Law has opened a 30-strong London office as part of its continuing growth.
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.
