Legal Services Act

The number of law firms involved in conveyancing has dropped below 4,000 for the first time for many years, while the top 1,000 have a bigger share of the market than ever, according to new research.

The personal injury market is experiencing a “calm before the storm”, with law firms trying to assess their options rather than actively planning to exit, ‘We buy any files’ pioneer Neil Hudgell has said.

The Civil Liability Act reforms will lead to a sharp contraction in the claimant personal injury (PI) market, with firm closures and staff redundancies, according to a survey of solicitors.

Recruiting and retaining talent is the top priority among mid-sized law firms, ahead of efficiency and financial performance, according to a benchmark survey of preoccupations as they devise strategy.

The executive director of strategy, policy and communications at the General Dental Council has been named as the new chief executive of the Legal Services Board.

Gateley – the first listed law firm – is expected to announce an 18% rise in turnover in its annual results, with profits up 10%, it told shareholders today. However, its share price dipped on the news.

The decimation of legal aid has contributed to “the systematic immiseration of millions across Great Britain”, the UN’s expert on poverty and human rights said yesterday.

Regulators need to monitor the development of legal technology and issue guidance to help maximise the opportunities it presents while delivering the necessary protection for consumers.

Shares in Knights rose yesterday on the back of a strong trading update, with their price now doubled since the national law firm floated last June. Revenue for the financial year is expected to be up 50%.

Evidence of misrepresentation, dishonesty and fraud by medical agencies supplying solicitors with expert reports means the government should consider formally regulating them, MedCo has argued.