Market monitor
Three-quarters of law firms furloughed staff, survey finds
Three-quarters of law firms furloughed fee-earners last year and 84% support staff, a Law Society survey has found. Some 15% were forced to negotiate ‘time to pay’ arrangements with HMRC.
Anexo “took advantage” of firms furloughing staff and leaving PI
Listed legal services and credit hire business Anexo Group took advantage of competitors leaving the personal injury market or putting staff on furlough last year, it told investors yesterday.
Government reduces increase in small claims limit for non-RTA cases
The small claims limit for all personal injury claims other than RTAs will only rise to £1,500, rather than £2,000, and its introduction deferred, the government announced yesterday.
Dispersed US firm launches in UK with big ambitions
US dispersed law firm Rimon has entered the UK market as an alternative business structure, with plans to expand rapidly and challenge the likes of Keystone Law and gunnercooke.
Judge criticises firm’s failures in defending solicitor’s dismissal claim
A conveyancing solicitor has won her unfair dismissal and discrimination claim against a well-known Essex law firm by default after it filed its defence two days late.
Last chance saloon as MPs and peers urged to derail whiplash tariff
Claimant representatives are urging MPs and peers to push back on the “derisory and offensive” new tariff for whiplash injuries when put for approval in Parliament this week.
Top Chinese firm eyes non-lawyer partners with ABS move
A leading Chinese law firm has converted its London operation into an alternative business structure with a view to bringing non-lawyer partners on board. It is already in talks with some.
Rocket Lawyer fuels growth with £161m investment
Online legal services provider Rocket Lawyer has received a £161m funding boost to meet growing demand and scale up its cloud-based case management system.
Lawyers ramp up efforts to use law to fight climate change
The Chancery Lane Project, a global collaboration of lawyers looking to fight climate change, has published the latest set of model contract clauses, which it says are increasingly being taken up.
Listed business make major move with £30m law firm acquisition
RBG Holdings, the listed business that owns City law firm Rosenblatt, has more than doubled in size after announcing the £30m acquisition of London practice Memery Crystal.
Citizens Advice reveals huge demand for help during pandemic
Citizens Advice gave one-to-one advice to two million people during the year of the pandemic, the “vast majority” of them remotely, the service has said.
NDA initiative aims to promote benefits of standardisation
More than 700 individuals and businesses have agreed to use a standard non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for use when beginning negotiations over corporate transactions.
Senior City lawyers want to continue working flexibly – or will leave
The major City law firms are on notice that their big hitters want a permanent post-Covid change in work patterns or some will look to leave, new research has found.
160 firms sign up to consumer app aiming to transform access to lawyers
An app linking consumers to lawyers who provide free video consultations has been launched this week after three months of testing with 20 law firms – more than 160 firms have now signed up.
Solicitor unfairly dismissed for refusing Covid variation to contract
A solicitor fired after refusing a demand to vary her contract so her firm could furlough her or reduce her wages to help it cope with the impact of Covid has won a claim for unfair dismissal.
Blog
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
The power of participation for trainees and apprentices
It’s important as a trainee or an apprentice to get involved in the life of your firm – even under the pressure of discovering how to navigate professional life and now the demands of the SQE.
