Legal Services Act
“Ambitious” Jacoby & Meyers targets major recruitment drive in race to become UK legal brand
The largest consumer law firm in the US is set to mount a bid to build a trusted national legal brand in the UK, potentially recruiting thousands of lawyers and with a global marketing budget of tens of millions of dollars.
Bank problems “will not affect” Co-operative Legal Services
The problems with the Co-operative Bank will not have an impact on the growth of Co-operative Legal Services, its director of policy said yesterday. The assertion came as the SRA published guidance highlighting the risks of ‘group contagion’ in the legal market.
Pioneering solicitor hands in PC to focus on online legal service without regulatory burden
One of the early pioneers in online legal services has relinquished her practising certificate in favour of working full-time for the web-based business she has built up over the past 12 years.
SRA imposes controls on relationships within AA group after ABS award
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has imposed a series of conditions on AA Law that aim to control the relationship between the law firm and the breakdown giant’s insurance and claims-handling operations.
Mainland EU states “open to ABS invasion”
Protectionism among the mainland European bars is unlikely to stop determined UK-based alternative business structures from entering their markets, with various avenues open to them, according to new research.
MDPs “struggling” to make it through ABS licensing process
The process of approving alternative business structures seems to be weighted against multi-disciplinary practices and business services firms, it has been claimed. The Legal Services Board also expressed concern over the impact on ABS licensing of senior departures from the SRA.
London-based international network eyes employment law expansion
An innovative London-based business law network is targeting employment law in a bid to expand its global client base. Transatlantic Law International (TALI) has member firms in 80 countries around the world, with Reading firm Boyes Turner its English representative.
Saga gains ABS licence with claim to offer “law for the people, not for the lawyers”
Over-50s specialist Saga has today been granted an alternative business structure (ABS) licence to launch a joint venture law firm with fellow ABS Parabis Law. It aims to rebalance a market that “appears to be stacked in favour of the provider rather than the consumer”.
Would you like a will while I’m changing your tyre? AA Law receives ABS licence
The AA will next month launch its own law firm after being granted an alternative business structure licence by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. AA Law will start trading on 1 December as a joint venture between the motoring giant and national firm Lyons Davidson
Future of mid-tier law firms under threat, says PwC
Many of the UK’s leading law firms need to “radically” restructure this businesses if they are to survive, PwC warned today. It also revealed that almost a quarter of the top 100 have reported material rule breaches to the Solicitors Regulation Authority this year.
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.
