Legal Services Act
LSB calls on government to back bid for huge increase in SRA’s fining powers
The Legal Services Board has called on the government to support a bid by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for a massive increase in the amount it can fine law firms. The SRA wants to increase its power to fine law firms from £2,000 to £250m, and to £50m for individuals.
ABS-in-waiting unveils £120m contract with top insurance intermediary
A leading insurance intermediary has agreed a £120m contract with the proposed alternative business structure (ABS) being put together by Quindell Portfolio. Quindell is awaiting SRA approval for its acquisition of Liverpool law firm Silverbeck Rymer.
Ombudsman hints at giving users of online legal services access to redress
Consumers using online legal services should have access to proper redress, the Legal Ombudsman has suggested. Adam Sampson said he was not convinced there is a difference between a legal product and a legal service.
Solicitors halt slide in probate work and "should now target DIY applicants"
The number of solicitor applications for a grant of probate has steadied after four years of decline and the profession should now target helping those who do it themselves, it was claimed yesterday.
Riverview unveils “groundbreaking” fixed-fee divorce service for wealthy couples
Riverview Law has today launched a barrister-led service for high net-worth couples that it claims is the first to publish and guarantee the cost of divorce. The initial conference costs from £1,000 for a junior and £2,000 for a QC.
Regulators and professional bodies strike MDP deal
Twelve regulators and professional bodies from the legal, accountancy, financial and property sectors have finally signed a formal agreement aimed at co-ordinating the oversight of multi-disciplinary practices.
Council plans joint venture ABS with law firm to target public sector clients
Kent Legal Services – the legal arm of Kent County Council – is planning to launch an alternative business structure in conjunction with regional law firm Geldards, it has emerged.
SRA hanging in-house lawyers out to dry with unclear ABS rule, Law Society claims
Solicitors Regulation Authority is acting unreasonably by leaving it to in-house lawyers to decide whether the law requires that their legal teams become alternative business structures, the Law Society has claimed.
LSB rejects Bar Council criticism over advice from leading City firm
The Legal Services Board has rejected criticism from the Bar Council over its use of leading City law firm Hogan Lovells during the investigation into changes to the cab-rank rule.
Italian firm plots multi-disciplinary ABS
Leading Italian multi-disciplinary firm Pirola Pennuto Zei & Associati has applied to become an alternative business structure, it has revealed. Pirola wants allow accountants and lawyers in its London partnership to share revenues and profits.
Blog
The SRA needs to admit it got it wrong about SLAPPs
The High Court judgment in Ashley Hurst v SRA in January raises serious questions about the regulator’s approach to allegations of SLAPP-like behaviour.
Why menopause support belongs on every law firm’s agenda
Progression in the law slows significantly as women approach senior leadership. Most will be at the height of their careers around the average age menopause symptoms begin.
Law firms need to go beyond document checks
At the root of every failed compliance review is a familiar phrase: a calm assertion of “but we did a document check”.
