Report: Firms talk of the future but continue to embrace the past
Law firms are facing a “pivotal moment” where they need to turn talk of improving efficiency into action, with those that are seeing the competitive advantage, new research has claimed. It said firms “appear to be in a holding pattern, pledging forward-looking action, while cleaving to traditional thinking”, such as hourly billing.
Claims management regulator bids to stem unauthorised businesses
The Claims Management Regulator has stepped up its focus on businesses operating without authorisation, particularly those in the holiday sickness market, after receiving more than 200 complaints in just three months. It prosecuted one company earlier this month, resulting in a £40,000 fine.
Legal Ombudsman: Finances finally in order but now performance needs to improve
The Legal Ombudsman has to improve its performance, the chief ombudsman admitted yesterday as its annual report showed that it lagged badly on the speed with which it dealt with complaints. However, user satisfaction with the service – the proxy used for quality – was well above target, although it fell significantly on the year before.
Government eyes £650m “legal services marketplace” for public sector advice
The government is planning to create a UK-wide £650m “legal services marketplace” from which the public sector will procure commercial legal services, it has emerged. It will cover central government departments and their associated bodies, including the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, along with the wider public sector.
Singapore targets UK law firms and tech start-ups as bridgehead to Asia
Singapore has begun marketing itself to UK law firms wanting to access Asia’s lawtech start-up community, as well as UK start-ups wanting to expand beyond these shores, with what it says in south-east Asia’s first lawtech accelerator.
Struck-off solicitor wins right to sue for loans made before intervention
A sole practitioner who was struck off six years ago has won the right to sue for loans he made before his East London firm was closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A deputy High Court judge ruled that eight out of 19 loans at issue did not vest in the Law Society (acting through the SRA) on the date of the intervention.
Ex-FBI cyber chief warns lawyers over corporate espionage
Basic digital housekeeping like keeping software up-to-date and backing up data separately from your network will solve most cyber-security issues – with corporate espionage one issue law firms have to face – according to a former assistant director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Suspended barrister sanctioned again for not attending court hearing
A barrister currently serving a suspension for conducting litigation without authorisation has now received a hefty fine for failing to attend an Upper Tribunal hearing without good reason. He was fined £5,000 by a Bar disciplinary tribunal – a large sum by its standards, although a tenth of the maximum it can fine – for failing to act in the best interests of his client.
Law Society unveils tech crowdfunding deal as Legal Geek hears about conservative clients
The Law Society has agreed a deal with a crowdfunding platform to connect solicitors with lawtech start-ups looking for investment. Meanwhile, a lawyer at a magic circle law firm told yesterday’s Legal Geek conference that while clients welcomed the idea of innovation, when it comes to the crunch they often chose old-style methods.
Website to offer clients family and immigration advice from £4.99
A new online service for family and immigration clients is launching today, giving them access to lawyers at prestige firms such as Withers and Farrer & Co. The founder said she wanted the website to help “thousands of people” reduce their legal costs in a “very substantial way”. Users can buy answers to legal questions for between £4.99 and £200.
