SRA: Legal Services Act regime “struggling to remain relevant”
The rate of change in the legal market makes it “increasingly difficult” for the regulatory framework laid down by the Legal Services Act to remain relevant, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned.
Firm’s “drinking culture” led solicitor to alcoholism
A solicitor who became an alcoholic after taking part in the drinking culture of a former firm has been fined by a tribunal after two drink-driving convictions.
Majority of firms have furloughed staff, survey finds
Most law firms have implemented a furloughing strategy, looking at reductions of up to 40% in headcount to survive the coronavirus crisis, while partners are reducing drawings too, according to a survey.
Tax schemes “discourage investment” in legal start-ups
Government schemes to help SME companies grow by offering investors tax relief exclude legal businesses and so constrict technological innovation in the market, it has been claimed.
LeO weighs using big data to aid decision-making
The Legal Ombudsman is exploring whether to use big data and machine learning technology to suggest outcomes and make recommendations in resolving complaints about lawyers.
One in seven female solicitors suffer bullying or discrimination
One in seven female solicitors have experienced bullying, discrimination and harassment in the workplace over the past year, while there is also a large gender pay gap, Law Society research has revealed.
Week 3 of lockdown: Dark clouds of cash flow gather
Week three of lockdown saw the start of a cash squeeze on law firms, with no money yet from the government, and predictions of a grim summer, according to research.
Firm did not discriminate against assistant sacked after three days
A conveyancing assistant dismissed by a law firm for turning up late on each of her first three days was not a victim of sex discrimination, an employment tribunal has ruled.
Susskind: No return to old ways after Covid-19 crisis
Many of the technologies and techniques that have been “forged in the heat” of the coronavirus crisis will usurp old ways of practising when life returns to normal, Professor Richard Susskind has predicted.
Firm that was ‘future of criminal practice’ is wound up
A North-East law firm that pitched itself as the future of criminal legal aid practice a decade ago by combining barristers and solicitors was formally wound up last month.
