SRA widens scope of plans to make law firms publish prices
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is planning to extend its plans to force law firms to publish prices from conveyancing, private client and divorce work, to personal injury, employment and motoring offences, it revealed today.
SDT fires starting gun over possible appeal in Leigh Day case
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal yesterday published its 214-page ruling in the Leigh Day case, meaning the Solicitors Regulation Authority now has to decide whether to appeal. The ruling also details for the first time the disagreement among the three tribunal panel members – an extremely rare occurrence.
Exclusive: Law Society settles ‘abuse of dominant position’ case amid war of words
The Law Society has settled the case that saw the Competition Appeal Tribunal rule that that it abused a dominant position, Legal Futures can reveal. The details of the agreement on damages and costs are confidential, which was criticised by the successful claimant, who also questioned the society’s behaviour throughout the matter.
Inns of Court accused of not doing enough to combat homophobia as research uncovers discrimination
Many LGBT+ barristers believe the Inns of Court are not doing enough to combat homophobia at the Bar, according to a ground-breaking study which suggested that “homophobia is stronger at the Bar than in the general population”.
CMCs to face re-authorisation under new regulatory regime as SRA defends activity over cold-calling
Claims management companies will have to be authorised afresh by the Financial Conduct Authority before they can operate under the new regime, it has emerged. The FCA would set the bar higher when authorising CMCs than it had been set 10 years ago when the MoJ started regulating them, the current regulator said.
Exclusive: Leading insurer ditches legal services offering
Leading insurance company LV= has ditched its legal services offering, less than two years after starting it, Legal Futures can reveal. In January 2016, it launched a joint venture with Bristol-based law firm Lyons Davidson to offer fixed-fee advice for a range of consumer legal services.
Women lawyers “more risk averse” about applying for QC
A report from the body that oversees Queen’s Counsel appointments has recommended a raft of changes to encourage women to apply and bring the numbers of female silks nearer to the proportion eligible in the profession. Women appear more reluctant to apply for a number of reasons, it found.
Smart contracts market “on course to grow rapidly”
The market for blockchain-backed ‘smart contracts’ should grow quickly, according to a partner at a global law firm, who is already working with the emerging technology. Lee Bacon, a partner at Clyde & Co, made the prediction as his firm launched a consultancy aimed at advising insurers and other clients on them.
March of accountants halted as Lidington rejects bid to handle tax litigation and advocacy
The Lord Chancellor, David Lidington, has unexpectedly rejected the Legal Services Board’s recommendation that chartered accountants should be able to handle litigation, advocacy and legal instruments in taxation work. It is the first time the Ministry of Justice has rejected a regulatory extension of this nature,
Brilliance has its limits – pioneering ABS shuts down
Pioneering alternative business structure (ABS) Genus Law – which started life with the somewhat bolder name Brilliant Law – closed last month, with its book of business sold to fellow ABS Alpaca Law, it has emerged. Meanwhile, another groundbreaking ABS, Co-operative Legal Services, announced a rise in turnover but dip in profits for the first half of 2017.
