Legal Services Act
Small law firms fear collapse as Covid-19 drains work
Nearly three-quarters of small law firms believe they may have to close their doors in the next six months as result of the coronavirus crisis, Law Society research has found.
Ex-Lord Chancellor Gauke returns to old firm
Former Lord Chancellor David Gauke, who lost his seat at December’s general election, has returned to his old firm Macfarlanes as head of public policy.
Consumer panel slams compensation fund reforms
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has attacked SRA plans to reform the Compensation Fund, saying it should instead stop draining the fund to pay for closing down law firms.
Firm targets mass overturning of Post Office convictions
Hull-based Hudgell Solicitors has begun work on trying to overturn as many as 500 potentially unsafe convictions as a result of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal.
Crisis “will create opportunities” for firms that survive
Some law firms will go out of business, but the coronavirus crisis will “undoubtedly create opportunities” for those “agile” enough to take advantage of them, the founder of a legal consultancy has predicted.
What crisis? Conveyancing firm secures £1.1m investment
Ground-breaking conveyancing law firm Muve has completed a £1.1m equity funding round, despite the property market grinding to a halt during the Covid-19 crisis.
City firm commoditises commercial law advice
A City law firm has launched a low-cost commercial law service, using a subscription model and fixed fees, as a “direct response” to the needs of business clients hit by Covid-19.
NAHL eyes conveyancing work as profits tumble
Profits at NAHL plc – the company that owns National Accident Helpline – tumbled by nearly 80% in 2019 as it emerged it is testing whether to start handling conveyancing matters itself.
Regulators “confirm commitment” to Legal Choices amid control dispute
Seven of the eight frontline regulators have “confirmed their continued commitment” to the Legal Choices website, despite the Solicitors Regulation Authority no longer wanting to run it.
Strong growth at Keystone as it hits out at firms that furlough
A growing number of listed law firm Keystone Law’s consultants are employing their own lawyers as the model develops, the company said today as it unveiled double-digit growth.
Blog
On good authority? GenAI and the reputational risks to law firms
As GenAI’s influence grows, so do the risks which are already playing out in courtrooms across England and Wales, where some early adopters are setting precedents they would rather not.
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.
