Legal Services Act
“Far removed from fat cats” – High Court praises lawyers
Lawyers acting pro bono in a complex family law case countered the stereotyped image of ‘fat cats’, a High Court judge has said in praising their “commitment to the delivery of justice”.
Falling budget sparks Law Commission independence concern
The Law Commission’s funding model is to be reviewed to address concerns about a lack of independence from government, following a review of its operations.
DWF to raise £75m from groundbreaking listing
DWF will raise around £75m from listing on the London Stock Exchange, the firm said today as it announced its plan to float in March and confirmed that it had received a positive reaction from investors.
Gauke: Innovation and tech the way forward on legal aid
The justice secretary said yesterday that innovation and technology, rather than significant increases in legal aid spending, are the way to improve access to justice.
Lawyers “must make way” for justice innovation to take hold
A report on global access to legal services has identified established legal professions led by lawyers as a block to progress and urged them to step aside in favour of non-lawyer leaders.
Legal Services Board begins hunt for new chief executive
The Legal Services Board is on the hunt for its fourth chief executive in nine years after Neil Buckley decided to stand down after just over three years in the role.
Law Society calls on LeO to focus on rulebook changes
The Law Society has called on the Legal Ombudsman to make “concrete, specific plans” on how it going to cope with the new SRA rulebook, which will allow solicitors to practise from unregulated firms.
Business environment holding back M&A, says listed firm
A cautious business environment, prompted in part by Brexit, is holding back corporate work and its own acquisition activity, listed law firm Rosenblatt said yesterday.
DWF float: “Haircut” for partners but free shares for staff
The partners of DWF will “take a haircut” following its proposed stock market listing, but staff will receive free shares as part of the plan to widen equity participation, its chief executive has said.
LSB closes Law Society investigation after censure prompts reform
The Legal Services Board has closed its investigation into the Law Society’s governance arrangements – which led to an unprecedented public censure last year – after a series of reforms.
“A new type of law firm” is needed to tackle PI reforms
A “new type of law firm is needed” to respond to next year’s PI reforms, National Accident Helpline has said as it confirmed its new ABS would open in April. Also news from Anexo, Watchstone and S&G.
Knights on the march with fourth deal and soaring share price
Knights has unveiled its fourth acquisition in the eight months since it listed with a £10m deal to buy Oxfordshire firm BrookStreet des Roches and saw its share price soar as a result.
DWF unveils plan for blockbuster stock market listing
Top-25 law firm DWF unveiled its long-anticipated plan to float today, and will be the first law firm to list on the main London Stock Exchange. DWF is thought to be looking to raise £50-100m.
Network-owned law firm eyes first acquisition in London
A Manchester law firm taken over last month by an international network of professional services firms is looking to buy a London practice as its first post-acquisition move.
“Senior judge’s salary enough”, divorcing husband told
A divorcing husband’s income was equivalent to that of senior judges and more than sufficient for his post-divorce needs, the High Court has ruled.
Blog
Why AI and leadership choices will define law firm profitability in 2026
Despite rapid advances in legal technology, the future of law will not be determined by software alone. It will be shaped by leadership decisions.
Legal director: an alternative to partnership
Firms are increasingly acknowledging the need for alternative senior roles – positions that offer influence and recognition without the obligations of ownership.
It’s time for law firms to ask tougher questions
For years, many law firms have treated ID verification as a box-ticking exercise. Run a liveness check, match a face to a document and move on. But that is no longer good enough.
