Legal Services Act
Listed conveyancing service In-deed "struggling to convert quotes into clients"
In-deed, the AIM-listed online conveyancing service, may alter its business model after struggling to convert quotes into instructions, its chairman has revealed. Nonetheless, it is preparing to move into wills next year and planning a television advertising campaign.
Doors open to first wave of ABS applicants
The first wave of alternative business structures is on the way after the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) opened its doors for applications. The CLC will be able to start licensing ABSs from 6 October.
SRA: don’t blame us for ABS delay
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has strenuously denied it was responsible for the slippage of the timetable for licensing alternative business structures. On Tuesday, Professor Stephen Mayson accused regulators of failing the market.
Fixed fees more important to clients than brand names, says major research
Clients view fixed fees and online access to the progress of their case – but not brand names – as key elements of legal services they would buy, according to unique new research, while law firms are waiting for competitors to close under pressure from ABSs and legal aid.
Mayson: ABS implementation has become “something of a shambles”
The implementation of alternative business structures has become “something of a shambles”, Professor Stephen Mayson said yesterday. He accused regulators of failing the “new entrants, new capital and entrepreneurial law firms” poised to take advantage of the new regime.
General counsel eyeing legal services “production line”, Oxford research finds
The spiralling costs of legal services is prompting some leading general counsel to consider a “production line” approach to handling legal work, with more companies looking to go offshore or in-house, according to new research from an Oxford professor.
Bid to shut down will-writing companies as LSB launches regulation evidence call
The Insolvency Service last week presented petitions to wind up three will-writing businesses. The news comes as the Legal Services Board issues a call for evidence on whether to make will-writing, the entire probate process and estate administration reserved legal activities.
Big brand “could target” new national solicitor marketing operation
The latest national marketing organisation for solicitors could be an attractive takeover target for a big brand looking to enter the legal market, its founder has admitted. Lawyers2you, the consumer-facing brand of Birmingham law firm Blakemores, is being rolled out nationally.
Big brands set to roll out 24-hour legal advice service for £60 a year
A host of major businesses are being lined up to offer a new service providing consumers with help to handle a wide range of legal matters for an annual subscription of £59.99, we can reveal. CPP recently launched ‘Your Law’ and is to roll it out to high-profile business partners.
Scottish firm plots ABS and backs capital adequacy rules for law firms
Turcan Connell has signalled its intention to become one of the first alternative business structures in Scotland, while its joint senior partner has called for law firms to be subject to capital adequacy requirements. Douglas Connell said the introduction of ABSs provides a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for lawyers.
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”.
