Legal Services Act
Hundreds of firms given preview of complaints data to be published by LeO
Hundreds of law firms have been sent details of the complaints information that the Legal Ombudsman is set to publish about them, Legal Futures has learned. However, it is still not clear when it will actually be published, after the July target was missed.
ABSs and City law firms could be a volatile mix to the detriment of all, consultant warns
The advent of huge amounts of “unthinking external capital into the fragile ecosystem of the legal profession” could create many unforeseen and irreversible effects among City law firms, a well-known consultant has warned.
Exclusive: leading non-solicitor probate provider becomes ABS
One of the country’s leading non-solicitor probate providers will today be unveiled as the newest alternative business structure. Kings Court Trust has chosen to be regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
Whatever happened to the ProcureCo – part 2
Ian Dodd of the Bar Consultancy Network responds to our article earlier this week on the apparent disappearance of the ProcureCo concept a little over two years after the Bar Council launched it with great fanfare.
Exclusive: now the Canadians target UK’s online legal services market
An online legal document business from Canada is set to launch in the UK this month, starting with a will which it plans to promote through group buying websites like Groupon, Legal Futures can reveal.
Revealed: top investor backs new legal advice subscription service
A new service offering people an ‘online solicitor’ to provide unlimited initial legal advice for £14 a month – backed by leading investor and former Channel 4 chairman Luke Johnson – has recently gone live, Legal Futures can reveal.
Plymouth firm becomes first criminal law ABS
A firm in Plymouth has become the first criminal law practice to become an alternative business structure as the pace of new licences from the Solicitors Regulation Authority continues to step up.
High street firm becomes newest ABS as ‘virtual’ practice seeks licence
Gloucestershire high street firm Langley Wellington yesterday became the latest alternative business structure (ABS). Meanwhile, Berlad Graham has become the latest ‘virtual’ law firm to apply to become an ABS.
General counsel urge ‘self-serve’ model on businesses and weigh up law firm alternatives
In-house lawyers want to encourage non-lawyers within their businesses to take a more ‘self-serve’ approach to creating and managing low-risk and low-value contracts as a way to drive efficiency, new research has found.
Being a solicitor or barrister may soon not be enough: LSB eyes activity based regulation
The Legal Services Board has begun work on moving towards regulating lawyers based on the work they do, rather than on their professional title, Legal Futures can reveal. However, it acknowledged that there will be huge historical and cultural barriers to overcome.
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.
