Hybrid working disconnect between fee-earners and support staff
Too many law firms have different and disconnected hybrid working arrangements for fee-earning and support staff, meaning lawyers end up undertaking more administrative tasks.
McFarlane urges shift away from mediation in mandatory pre-divorce meetings
Mediation should no longer be the focus of divorce information meetings and they should be run by “generalist” lawyers and social workers as well as mediators.
Solicitor had cannabis at courthouse to help with Covid anxiety
A solicitor caught with cannabis in a court building, which he said he had to calm his anxiety after the start of lockdown in 2020, has been censured for his misconduct.
Acquisition number 13 for listed law firm pioneer Gateley
Pioneering listed law firm Gateley has bought a second firm of chartered patent attorneys this year with a £2.5m deal to buy Symbiosis IP Ltd, its 13th acquisition since listing in 2015.
Government to launch review of civil legal aid sustainability
The government is to launch a review of civil legal aid in the coming weeks, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed. The aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability of providers.
Big law firms failing to provide “modern digital experience”
The largest law firms are failing to provide a modern digital experience for visitors to their websites, with 86 of the top 100 global practices lacking effective websites.
Ex-solicitor labelled “disgrace to profession” refused return to practice
A former solicitor, labelled a “dishonest crook, swindler and cheat” by a Crown Court judge 14 years ago after being convicted of assisting illegal immigration, will not be returning to practice.
Shortage of solicitors a “real risk” to Northern Ireland
There is a “real risk” to legal services in Northern Ireland from a shortage of solicitors, both in terms of legal aid provision and the ability of commercial firms to grow.
Solicitor’s overcharging warning to firm was a protected disclosure
A solicitor’s warnings to his law firm that it was overcharging a client were protected disclosures under employment law, a tribunal has ruled.
UK law firms banned from handling transactional work for Russians
UK law firms will be unable to provide “transactional legal advisory services” to Russians after the government ratcheted up the sanctions regime yet further.
