City lobby group highlights strength of regional legal centres, with Manchester and Leeds leading the way
The strength of the UK’s regional legal centres has been highlighted in a report of the state of legal services by TheCityUK, which gave an overview of the sector outside the capital for the first time. The lobby group’s annual legal services report also highlighted London’s role as the leading centre globally for international arbitration.
Gordon Dadds eyes next acquisitions after unveiling strong maiden results as listed business
Gordon Dadds expects to complete at least two acquisitions in the coming months, its chief executive said today on the back of strong financial figures, the first published results since the firm floated on AIM in August. Revenue increased 14.5% to £12.9m for the six months to 30 September, with operating profits up 44% to £3.5m.
Keystone shares jump 20% on first day of trading
Keystone Law made its debut on the London Stock Exchange yesterday and saw its share price jump 20% in the first day of trading. Meanwhile, the UK’s first listed law firm, Gateley, issued a strong trading update, with revenues up 10% over the first six months of the current financial year.
Strike-off for legal aid fraud solicitor who also let untraceable junior staff member into firm
The head of a Bradford law firm has been struck off after being convicted of conspiracy to defraud the Legal Aid Agency and also failing to supervise an unpaid junior member of staff who is suspected of producing fraudulent decree absolutes – and whose surname nobody at the firm can remember.
Government confirms intention to introduce CMC cold-calling ban
The government has emphasised its intention to introduce a ban on cold-calling by adding it to the long title of the parliamentary bill that will bring the ban about. The news comes as the bill has been amended to cap at 20% the fees CMCs and lawyers can charge consumers for claims management services in relation to PPI claims.
Profitability on the rise for small and mid-sized firms but cash is tight, survey finds
The last financial year has continued a return to profitability for many small and mid-sized firms, although cash is tight as lock-up has increased, according to an analysis of the accounts of more than 100 law firms of up to 30 partners.
SDT warns that revised dishonesty test could cause delays in trying solicitors
The recent Supreme Court ruling that changed the test of dishonesty could cause delays and more hearings at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, its chief executive has warned. The prediction came as the tribunal’s 2018 budget of £2.8m – a fall of 2.5% on the current year – was ratified by the Legal Services Board.
Budget documents indicate that whiplash reform is “coming soon”
The government’s whiplash reforms will have to be published soon to meet Treasury forecasts published with Wednesday’s Budget, a leading insurance law firm has suggested. BLM said the material “appears to indicate that government expects to implement these reforms before April 2019”.
BSB to lower standard of proof in disciplinary cases as it names new chair
The standard of proof in disciplinary cases involving barristers is being lowered to the balance of probabilities following a decision yesterday by the Bar Standards Board. Meanwhile, a former Labour minister has been appointed as the next chair of the board.
Solicitor who faked SRA email to help trainee qualify is struck off
A solicitor has been struck off for dishonestly creating a false email that he sent to a law firm supervising his wife’s training contract, purporting to be from a Solicitors Regulation Authority authorisation officer. He claimed its purpose was to break a logjam preventing his wife from completing her training.
