Legal Services Act
Buckland announces independent review of criminal legal aid market
The Lord Chancellor is to launch an independently led review of the criminal legal aid system with the aim of improving its sustainability, but denied that it discriminates against BAME and women lawyers.
Law Society and Bar Council at odds over quarantine exemption
The Law Society has spoken out against a government clarification sought by Bar Council that means anyone self-isolating after returning from abroad can break quarantine to attend court.
Law firm offers clients behavioural science consultancy
A global law firm has launched what it believes is the legal industry’s first offering focused on behavioural science, aimed at helping clients make better decisions in areas like compliance.
Law firm referral network weathers virus shock
West Midlands referral network Hub.Legal has reported that referrals of work from its 125 member firms have recovered to their pre-Covid level – but several are looking to merge.
Charity works to improve access to justice for Roma families
The charity Law for Life, which specialises in public legal education, has created a film for Roma families in their own language as part of work to improve understanding of the child protection system.
Law firm sues ex-client for slander after panel removal
A law firm and its owner are suing a former client for slander and malicious falsehood over comments allegedly made explaining why the firm was removed from its legal panel.
Another big investment in alternative legal services providers
Investment in alternative legal services providers stepped up yesterday after a US private equity company took a majority stake in Factor, the managed services firm that used to be part of Axiom.
Slightly less grim recovery in prospect for Ince & Co creditors
The prospects of creditors of what was Ince & Co have improved modestly over the past year, but they still face losing most of their money, according to joint administrators Quantuma.
Utah become first US state to embrace ABSs
Utah has become the first US state to embrace alternative business structures in response to what has been described as an access-to-justice crisis exacerbated by Covid-19.
Chambers blames government approach to justice system for decision to close
The impact of Covid-19 on the justice system and the government’s response has led a mid-sized London set to announce its closure, saying members are not prepared to take the financial risk they are facing.
Blog
Why this is the year for law firms to embrace generative AI
After more than a year of pilots, proofs of value and early experimentation, firms are increasingly embedding AI into day-to-day workflows.
Client account interest is not spare change
The proposed Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts scheme is being framed as a sensible, international, “tried and tested” way for the profession to help fund a justice system under strain.
The formula for finance-enabled business development
Client concentration or over-dependence now counts as a top strategic risk for 26% of firms. Cross-selling is an antidote – a way to bolster revenue resilience without relying on client acquisition.
