Trading Standards publishes guidance on conveyancing referral fees
The clock on a possible ban on referral fees from lawyers to estate agents has started running after new guidance on disclosure was published by National Trading Standards.
Addict solicitor struck off after hiding cocaine offence
An experienced solicitor has been struck off after accepting a caution for possession of banned drugs, failing to report it to the regulator, and misleading police.
Solicitors and QC “cannot rely” on without prejudice negotiations
Allowing a City law firm and QC to rely on ‘without prejudice’ communications to defend allegations of professional negligence could “undermine the policy of encouraging parties to settle disputes”.
PI claims and motor premiums falling, says ABI
There has been a “slowly decreasing volume” of personal injury claims since 2016, the Association of British Insurers has said, but LASPO only helped reduce PI costs “slightly”.
Three law firms now invested in fintech innovator
City giant Linklaters and US firm Orrick have joined Allen & Overy by investing in tech company Nivaura, a cloud-based service for the issue and administration of financial instruments.
Private equity investor puts “millions” into two more law firms
Private equity firm BGF – which describes itself as the most active growth investor in the world – now has stakes in four law firms after adding two linked property practices to its portfolio.
Acquisition number 7 for law firm consolidator
Consolidator Metamorph Law has made its first acquisition for a year – and seventh in total in less than three years – by buying Hampshire legal practice Verisona Law and adding £5m to its turnover.
Solicitor struck off for fraud conviction and attempting cover up
A “stressed” solicitor has been struck off after receiving a suspended prison sentence for pretending claims had concluded and paying clients damages they had not in fact been awarded.
Barrister apprentices on way as training reforms are approved
The Legal Services Board has approved the new training regime for barristers that will open up four routes to qualification, including an apprenticeship, and strength regulatory oversight of the inns of court.
Now is not the time to rewrite Legal Services Act, says Law Society
Now is not the “appropriate time” to embark on wholesale reform of the Legal Services Act, the Law Society has told the independent review into the regulation of legal services.
