Bar students need more pupillage data to avoid “buyer’s remorse”
Bar students should be given detailed information from chambers about their pupillage criteria to avoid suffering from “buyer’s remorse” when they realise how difficult it is to succeed.
SFO ends six-year Quindell investigation with no further action
The Serious Fraud Office has ended its investigation into what happened before the sale of Quindell’s legal arm to Slater & Gordon and is taking no action, the prosecutor has confirmed.
SRA sends police money laundering reports linked to £180m of funds
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has almost quadrupled the number of suspicious activity reports it sends to the police about possible money laundering by law firms.
Good customer service now “just as important” as the legal work
Consumer law firms increasingly consider that customer service is just as important as resolving a legal matter satisfactorily, partly with an eye to online reviews.
Burford puts $100m aside to fund litigation run by diverse lawyers
Litigation funder Burford Capital has expanded its initiative to increase diversity in the law by committing $100m (£73m) of dedicated funding to cases led by female or ‘racially diverse’ lawyers.
Law Society attacks plan to end witnessing of LPAs
The Law Society has attacked plans to replace witnessing of lasting powers of attorney with electronic signatures and also force solicitors to use a digital portal.
Unbundled family law service to expand as SRA eyes pilot
A pilot version of an unbundled family law service for litigants in person has enabled them to save 70% on legal fees and is to be expanded; meanwhile, the SRA is to run its own unbundling pilot.
Judge dismisses 28 “identical” divorce petitions from online provider
The High Court has dismissed 28 divorce petitions drafted by online service iDivorces because they contained “absolutely identical” particulars. The company said the judge was “very understanding”.
Mergers, acquisitions and new firms abound in autumn rush
There has been a slew of mergers announced in recent days across the country, as usually happens at this time of the year when most firms still renew their professional indemnity insurance.
Big firms’ support for clients during pandemic hit billable hours but not profits
Support for clients during the pandemic cut larger UK law firms’ billable hours by 15% but most maintained profits. Clients are now demanding greater financial transparency and pricing flexibility.
