Let lawyers control supply of electronic legal documents, report says
Lawyers should control the supply of “so-called standard electronic documents”, such as confidentiality deeds or contracts, a report has suggested. The report also highlighted the ethical and regulatory issues raised by artificial intelligence.
“Superficial” partners lack knowledge of clients’ businesses, report finds
Many senior partners lack all but a “basic knowledge” of their clients’ businesses, leading to “superficial” interactions and a “disconnect between law firms and their clients”, a report has found. As a result, in-house counsel are now looking at alternative providers.
Solicitor who transferred £1.3m to Belize disciplined for money laundering breaches
A solicitor who transferred nearly £1.3m to an offshore bank account in Belize has been suspended for a year for breaches of the money laundering regulations and accounts rules. A disciplinary tribunal said she have have unwittingly facilitated the movement of monies during the course of a suspected fraud.
Innovative corporate firm eyes external investment as it looks to offer non-legal services
An innovative Cardiff law firm has secured an alternative business structure (ABS) licence as it looks to private equity to expand what it offers the mergers and acquisitions market beyond legal services, with its corporate financier chairman also becoming a shareholder.
Groundbreaking conveyancing ABS strengthens grip on market with acquisition
The country’s biggest conveyancing business, My Home Move, has consolidated its position by acquiring Advantage Property Lawyers, the sixth biggest conveyancer and a significant player in the north-east of England in particular. My Home Move will soon be pass the 100,000 completions a year mark as a result.
Solicitors, trainee and paralegal jailed after landmark convictions for insurance fraud conspiracy
Two solicitors, a trainee and a paralegal are among six men who have today been jailed for a total of 13 and a half years at Liverpool Crown Court for insurance fraud that cost victims £426,000. The first City of London Police Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department prosecution involving solicitors, each was sentenced for conspiracy to defraud by false representation.
ABS licence for FTSE-250 wealth manager highlights overlooked law firm acquisition
A second alternative business structure license handed to a FTSE-250 wealth management company has highlighted a law firm acquisition three years ago that went virtually unnoticed. It was given to Rathbone Trust Legal Services, part of Rathbone Brothers plc, a City institution with origins dating to 1742.
BSB-regulated pro bono charity folds due to lack of cash and “exhaustion” of barrister founder
A Bar Standards Board-regulated charity that provided pro bono legal representation in challenging the unlawful detention of migrants and asylum seekers has been wound up just 15 months after it was authorised due mainly to problems with funding. It appears to be the first BSB entity to be dissolved.
Solicitor and firm fined in first criminal prosecution by Pensions Regulator
A solicitor and the firm where he is a partner have been ordered to pay more than £16,000 in fines and costs for refusing to give documents to The Pensions Regulator which were required as part of a wider investigation. They are the first criminal convictions secured by the regulator, but the firm has hit back strongly at its approach.
Five years on from its ABS licence, Co-operative Legal Services sees income and profits jump
Co-operative Legal Services recorded a 22% jump in turnover in 2016 and tripled its profit as it continues to recover from the difficulties it experienced in previous years. The legal services operation is also to be brought together with the Co-op’s funerals business to create a Life Planning division.
