Discrimination claims against leading firm an “abuse of process”
An employment tribunal has ruled that claims of racial discrimination and harassment brought against national firm Shoosmiths amount to an abuse of process.
New ABS combines legal and accountancy advice
A litigation-focused legal and accountancy alternative business structure, which opened for business this month, is set to benefit from an “explosion” in contested probate cases.
Law firms need to offer “holistic services”, says Glaisyers boss
Law firms of the future need to offer clients a “holistic service” beyond just legal advice, according to the boss of a law firm bought by a multi-disciplinary European network last week.
Regulators “must guard against misuse of lawtech”
AI-backed lawtech has the potential to improve access to justice but also carries a danger that automating law will be used negatively, an innovation charity has warned.
What transparency? Only 28% of websites show prices
The profession has a long way to go to meet the new price and service transparency requirements, with just 28% of firms compliant or close to compliant, our research has found.
Drunk barrister “cannot remember” misconduct at Bar Mess event
An experienced barrister told a disciplinary tribunal that he was so drunk at a Bar Mess event he “cannot remember” his “entirely unacceptable” behaviour towards a male pupil.
Law Society to start onsite visits to check firms’ CQS compliance
The Law Society is dramatically beefing up oversight of its Conveyancing Quality Scheme by introducing onsite compliance checks and many more desk-based assessments.
Employment tribunals set for online justice pilot
The employment tribunals are set to host the pilot of an end-to-end online service through which cases would be run, the president of tribunals has revealed. Machine learning could also be introduced.
Quarter of conveyancers “not transparent” on fees
A quarter of consumers believe their lawyer was “not transparent” on conveyancing fees, new research has shown on the day new price and service transparency rules come into force.
Law Society’s £30m cut of practising fees faces scrutiny
The £30m that the Law Society levies on solicitors for its representative work is to be put under the microscope by the Legal Services Board next year.
