LSB introduces hierarchy in lawyers’ ethical duties
New requirements to strengthen ethical standards now expressly state that lawyers must place their duties to the court and to act with independence, above acting in the best interests of their client.
PE-backed firm sees capping billable hours as key to growth
A law firm that limits its solicitors to 25 billable hours a week has seen annual growth of 40% over the last two years.
MPs probe chair-elect of LSB over conflict of interest risk
MPs yesterday grilled the prospective chair of the Legal Services Board over a potential conflict of interest with her existing role as chair of King’s Counsel Appointments.
Listed law firm eyes biggest acquisition
Listed law firm Knights has confirmed that it is in talks with a leading South-East practice in what would be by far the biggest deal it has ever done.
Ex-manager who failed to refer work to law firm has to repay debt instead
A tax specialist owes his former law firm £204,000 in overpayments he received while an employee after failing to refer work that would cover his debt, the High Court has ruled.
No strike-off for solicitor’s “spontaneous dishonesty”
A solicitor who signed a deed as a witness to a signature when she had not actually been present has escaped being struck off.
Half of clients think AI can replace solicitors
As many as half of law firm clients believe that AI can replace a qualified solicitor, although most say this would only be for routine matters.
Search fund buys conveyancing and private client law firm
An investor-backed search fund has acquired a conveyancing and private client law firm as the start of a ‘buy and build’ strategy aimed particularly at SME practices with succession issues.
Three-quarters of SDT cases take longer than six months
Only 24% of Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal cases concluded within six months last year, according to new figures from the organisation.
Research highlights how even-handed Commercial Court judges are
There is no “statistically meaningful bias” by Commercial Court judges towards claimants or defendants, a report has found. Claims values, meanwhile, have surged.
