News
Lords urge HMRC to delay LLP tax changes
An influential House of Lords committee has added its voice to calls for the government to delay its partnership tax reforms until 2015, so as to allow LLPs time to adjust to the changes.
LSB hits out at “jumble” of disciplinary regimes, but admits it can do little to improve them
The sanctions and appeals regimes of the frontline regulators are an inconsistent “jumble” of different powers that may protect lawyers rather than consumers, according to the Legal Services Board.
Moorhead: lawyers not as superior as they may think they are
Lawyers’ belief that they provide better-quality services than non-lawyers or are more ethical than other businesses is “highly questionable”, a leading legal academic claimed last night.
Second phase of apprenticeships scheme opens door to solicitor and conveyancer qualification
Key players in the legal profession have welcomed the second phase of a government-backed scheme that will create apprenticeships which for the first time will lead to qualification as a solicitor, while a new apprenticeship in conveyancing will also be developed.
Lord Chief Justice floats shift to inquisitorial system
The Lord Chief Justice has called for radical and bold action to protect the justice system in the face of retrenchment by the state, including considering a change to a more inquisitorial system in which judges question evidence.
Online legal service targets web commerce market with ‘law in minutes’
A long-standing seller of legal documents is set to launch a venture selling simple packages of documents aimed at website developers and people running online businesses.
Slater & Gordon focuses on “consolidation” after acquisitions spree – but what about Simpson Millar?
Slater & Gordon is to concentrate on improving the performance of its UK operations, after an acquisitions spree that it claims has given it a 5% share of the claimant PI market. It remains unclear what progress is being made with the previously announced deal to buy Simpson Millar.
LSB calls for 50-fold increase in SRA fining power
A consultation on a fresh attempt by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to increase its powers to fine law firms has closed with familiar battle lines drawn, with the Legal Services Board backing the move and the Law Society opposing it.
Gulf opens between profession and consumer groups over LSB lay chairs proposal
The Legal Services Board’s consultation on its plan to oblige frontline regulators to have lay chairs has met a barrage of opposition from regulators and lawyers, pitted against consumer advocates, which strongly backed the measure.
The future of working in law: ‘agile’ lawyers, entrepreneurs and smaller firms
The legal profession is poised on the brink of an employment revolution that will unleash a “pent-up productivity” which will bring it into line with other industries, a report has claimed.
Blog
AI’s legal leap: transforming law practice with intelligent tech
Just like in numerous other industries, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sector is proving to be a game-changer.
Shocking figures suggest divorce lawyers need to do more for clients
There are so many areas where professional legal advice requires complementary financial planning and one that is too frequently overlooked is on separation or divorce.
Is it time to tune back into radio marketing?
How many people still listen to the radio? More than you might think, it seems. Official figures show that 88% of UK adults tuned in during the last quarter of 2023 for an average of 20.5 hours each week.
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