No let-up: impact of Covid on Legal Ombudsman laid bare
Covid did not significantly reduce the number of dissatisfied clients contacting the Legal Ombudsman but it hit the organisation’s ability to deal with them, according to figures out today.
Partner and firm fined for not recognising ‘own interest’ conflict
A partner and law firm failed to spot a restrictive covenant on a purchase and then did not tell its developer client, continuing instead to act for him when litigation over it ensued.
Lammy hits out at “absolute scandal” of judicial diversity
It is an “absolute scandal” that just 1% of judges are Black, the shadow Lord Chancellor has declared in the wake of figures that showed a decline in the number of solicitors on the bench too.
Law firm rebuked for AML failure caused by third-party ID checker
A law firm has been rebuked after a failure to perform proper due diligence on the identity of a client – for which it relied on a third party – led to a fraudulent property sale.
Exclusive: First firms join new umbrella ABS platform
The first law firms have joined a platform developed by virtual firm Carbon Law Partners, where they will operate as trading names under its umbrella alternative business structure.
Investment in lawtech companies doubles but firms lag behind
The average annual growth rate for investment in UK lawtech companies over the past three years has hit 101%, a much bigger number than that seen in sectors such as finance or health.
SMEs eye multi-disciplinary advisers amid increasing need for legal help
Nearly half of SMEs (48%) expect their need for legal advice to increase in the next 18 months, while there is strong interest in multi-disciplinary services, a survey has found.
LSB pushes for greater take-up of legal expenses insurance
Consumers who do not have legal expenses insurance greatly overestimate how expensive it is and are missing out on its potential to fill some justice gaps, research has argued.
From Cardiff to Norwich, Southampton to Newcastle – Knights eyes more M&A
Listed law firm Knights is eyeing up acquisition opportunities across England and Wales after its performance rebounded strongly in the second half of the year to take turnover over £100m.
Blockchain network aims to provide “missing link” for conveyancing
A house in Kent is the first being sold using a blockchain network that connects conveyancers with estate agents and mortgage lenders.
