Company & Commercial
City giant seeks to shift blame for errors that cost client £83m
City giant A&O Shearman can make the argument that others were to blame for a mistake that has so far cost its client Nationwide £83m, the High Court has ruled.
Law firm owned by accountancy consolidator to become ABS
The law firm set up last year by a fast-growing accountancy consolidator has applied to become an alternative business structure so as to expand its range of services.
Law firms urged to put ethics at heart of deciding who to act for
Law firms should adopt a ‘legitimate provenance of wealth test’ when taking on clients as part of an ethics-based approach that goes beyond legal or regulatory tests.
Legal market’s strong growth in 2024 set to continue this year
The UK legal services market grew by 10% to £52bn last year and is heading towards a strong 2025 too, according to new research.
Exclusive: Australian firm eyes major UK expansion with PE backing
An Australian law firm offering SMEs unlimited, on-demand legal services on a subscription basis is set to expand its UK operation after taking private equity investment.
Court allows City giant to progress ex-client’s claim on assignment
A major City law firm can continue bringing a case it took on assignment from former clients which could mitigate a possible professional negligence claim.
“Accusation without evidence” – tribunal slams SRA prosecution
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has castigated the Solicitors Regulation Authority for prosecuting a law firm and two partners based on “accusation without evidence”.
Innovative law group looks to upset competition with AI pricing
A legal business has pledged only to charge clients a “small mark-up” on services provided by AI, predicting that other law firms would “hate” it doing this.
Post Office scandal shows boards “need to oversee legal risk”
The Post Office scandal shows that company boards need to have “responsible oversight of legal risk” and not show “excessive deference” to legal advice, according to the IoD.
Embracing the Madness – firm begins acquisition push with music practice
A London law firm with a host of high-profile clients is targeting more acquisitions after bringing in a boutique practice particularly well known for its entertainment work.
London law firm takes stake in esports talent management agency
A London law firm has launched a talent management agency for esports and gaming professionals, in partnership with an established esports business.
Commercial firm launches all-embracing legal platform for SMEs
A national law firm has launched a legal platform aimed particularly at SMEs, which combines document generation with training, a ‘knowledge bank’ and advice from its lawyers.
Solicitor launches legal platform for recruitment businesses
A solicitor and former recruiter, and founder of a law firm which works entirely for recruitment consultancies, has launched an online platform to protect them from disputes.
M&A platform to offer buyers “completely automated” legal service
A law firm has developed a platform to provide buyers of small businesses with a “completely automated legal service” that could cost them as little at £2,000,
Listed law firm plans to double in size as it hits £150m revenue
Listed law firm Knights is planning to “double the business in medium term” as revenue hit £150m for the first time, although net debt rose to £35m.
Blog
Supreme Court redraws line between member and employee in LLPs
For anyone advising professional services firms on LLP structuring, and of course for those in LLPs themselves, last week’s Supreme Court ruling is an essential read.
Charting a new course for publicly funded legal services
The current Legal Aid Agency model is inherently flawed and it goes beyond mere data breaches – it cannot innovatively respond to increasing challenges.
Preparing people for the pace of technological change
While technology often dominates the conversation, I believe the most important challenge facing law firms is not adopting new tools – it is preparing people to adapt alongside them.
