Legal Services Act
Non-lawyer gains ABS licence for conveyancing practice
A conveyancing business set up by a technology specialist has become the latest alternative business structure. Peter Ambrose, the owner of The Partnership, based in Guildford, Surrey, described its licence as an “endorsement”.
Younger consumers attracted by idea of legal services from a supermarket
Nearly seven out of ten people are attracted to the idea of finding legal services on the internet and a similar number of younger adults are likely to go to supermarket providers, according to a survey.
OFT targets legal websites in push to improve standards among price comparison services
The Office of Fair Trading has written to five legal price comparison websites to urge them to ensure they are providing clear information to consumers, after a review suggested that some sites could do more to improve trust amongst the public.
All talk, no action? Most law firms in merger negotiations, but few end up in deals
Merger and acquisition talks are rife among law firms, although there is little evidence of many making it through to a deal, new research has suggested. According to the survey by NatWest, 62% of firms had received or made approaches in the past year.
Profits up as Knights benefits from Caan factor, while Parabis chief warns of accountant threat
Investment by Dragon’s Den star James Caan has given the law firm Knights privileged access to clients and helped boost fee income by 20%, according to its managing partner. Meanwhile Parabis chief executive Tim Oliver has warned about the entry of the big accountants.
QS defends "premature" attack ads and reports mixed results from WH Smith stands
QualitySolicitors (QS) has admitted its campaign of attack ads on ‘faceless’ legal advice may have been premature, but defended it on the grounds that the network’s solicitors wanted the message publicised.
New franchise targets advertising in Costcutter to reach "lower" demographics
A new high street franchise that aims to market member law firms to “lower” demographics in thousands of branches of independent food retailers working under brands like Costcutter, Nisa and Premier Stores went live yesterday.
ABS-in-waiting to double in size as non-lawyer backing prompts massive recruitment drive
The impact of non-lawyer investment into law firms came to the fore today as Liverpool personal injury practice Silverbeck Rymer announced plans to create 300 jobs over the next year and so more than double in size.
Stobarts, MyHomeMove and Riverview outline ambitious growth plans
Three of the best-known innovative players in legal services have revealed ambitious plans for the future, building on strategies that have seen them develop rapidly in a fast-changing market. They were speaking at this week’s Legal Futures conference.
Lawyers face £1.4m bill after government confirms end to ‘free’ ombudsman cases
Thousands of law firms are set to contribute £1.4m to the Legal Ombudsman after the government confirmed that they will no longer be eligible for two ‘free’ complaints every year. Meanwhile, LeO has not ruled out entertaining complaints by third parties, such as against the opposing party’s lawyer.
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.
