AI revolution could hit access to justice for people on low incomes
Artificial intelligence could have a knock-on impact on legal services for poorer people, such as weakening pro bono assistance by cutting the number of commercial lawyers, according to a report by leading researcher into online law, Professor Roger Smith.
Brexit ‘brain drain’ is already happening, City partner tells MPs
A ‘brain drain’ of lawyers caused by Brexit is already happening, a senior Clifford Chance partner has told MPs on the justice select committee. Simon Gleeson, lead legal advisor to the main UK banking and financial services industry bodies regarding Brexit, said corporations were already moving in-house lawyers to mainland Europe.
Growth of alternative providers – especially Big 4 – could push law firms into ‘contractor’ role
Large law firms should consider becoming “general contractors” to manage their clients’ disaggregated legal needs amidst growing demand from in-house lawyers to use alternative legal services providers – with the Big Four accountants a threat “that cannot be overstated” – a new report has suggested.
Dishonest ABS owner who ignored costs ruling is struck off
A solicitor who lied to clients and ignored a High Court costs ruling has been struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and ordered to pay costs of nearly £100,000. His ABS was the first to be closed by the SRA on the grounds of a manager’s suspected dishonesty.
Give advice not options, ABS chief tells lawyers
Lawyers must be prepared to give their clients advice rather than a range of options, the managing director of a fast-growing wealth management and legal services firm has said. The Progeny Group has doubled in size in the past year to 70 staff, including 15 lawyers, and aims to grow just as quickly this year.
Solicitor looking to retire duped by property fraudster posing as his saviour
A solicitor who thought he was selling his practice so that he could retire, but in fact inadvertently allowed criminals into his practice to commit property fraud, has been suspended after admitting he was naïve and had behaved like “an idiot”.
Positive client reviews “mean higher fees for lawyers”
Lawyers who attract a sufficient number of positive client reviews are able to charge higher fees, the head of an online lawyer-matching service has claimed. He also said that having a single “odd-ball review” among a dozen good reviews could increase a lawyer’s standing.
Housing association chief takes reins temporarily at the Law Society
A non-lawyer housing specialist has been named interim chief executive of the Law Society ahead of Catherine Dixon’s departure tomorrow. Paul Tennant has worked for various housing associations since 1982 and most recently was chief executive of Orbit Group.
FOI request suggests few criminal law ‘touting’ reports
Eyebrows were raised yesterday after a freedom of information request on ‘touting’ by criminal defence law firms – in which agents for rival solicitors poach potential clients even if they have representation – suggested few complaints have been made to the regulator.
City firm launches ‘alternative legal solutions’ platform
City law firm Fieldfisher has created an ‘alternative legal solutions’ platform that offers financial services clients “customisable and process-efficient services, all of which go beyond the traditional law firm offering” – and at a lower cost.
