Law Society fends off criticism of how it assures quality of CQS firms
Claims that the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme does little to actually check the quality of the work solicitors do have been rejected by Chancery Lane. It was reported recently that since the scheme was launched in 2010, assessors have visited only 12 of the 3,000-plus members of the scheme.
Survey predicts partnerships out, ABS in
Most lawyers expect the law firm partnership model to wither over the next decade, as the legal services market embraces alternative business structures and technology, while ditching hourly billing – according to a new survey.
Government shelves personal injury reform
The government has unexpectedly shelved its reform of personal injury claims – at least for now, it has emerged today. An email from the Association of British Insurers, seen by Legal Futures, said “the Secretary of State has decided she does not want to proceed with the reforms at the moment”.
High Court throws out £5m fraud claim against solicitor and legal executive
The High Court has thrown out a £5m fraud and conspiracy claim against a newly qualified solicitor and experienced legal executive who acted for a Docklands developer. Mr Justice Mann said the pair had suffered “years of anxiety” as a result of the claim, “culminating in a trial which they should not have had”.
SRA imposes conditions on PwC’s new ABS licence
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has imposed conditions on PricewaterhouseCoopers’ new alternative business structure licence to ensure that lawyers working for the ‘big four’ firm continue to observe key principles of conduct when handling unreserved work.
MPs start probe into impact of Brexit on legal services market
MPs have launched an inquiry into the implications of Brexit for the justice system, including what it means for lawyers themselves. The justice select committee said it wanted to present the government with “recommendations concerning the questions which it will need to address in the eventual Brexit negotiation process”.
Knights shifts from private equity to direct lending to fund next stage of growth
Fast-growing alternative business structure Knights Professional Services has moved on from private equity funding and giving away an ownership stake, and turned to a major European lender to finance to next stage of its expansion. We revealed last month that James Caan has sold his stake in the firm.
First shareholder class action filed against Slater & Gordon
The first shareholder class action over the huge fall in Slater & Gordon’s share price has been filed, with a second to follow shortly. Australian law firm Maurice Blackburn said that “in light of the amount of lost shareholder value, the compensation sought is expected to be of very significant magnitude”.
Law firm’s ballet dancers advert was “mild innuendo” and not sexist, advertising watchdog rules
An advert for family law services featuring the torsos of four female ballet dancers with their arms crossed over the chests with the tagline ‘Protect your assets’, was “mild innuendo” and not offensive, the Advertising Standards Authority has ruled.
Second time unlucky for solicitors as SDT repeats strike off verdict
Two City solicitors struck off following a rare private prosecution before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal have been struck off for a second time, two years after the High Court remitted the verdict but upheld a finding of dishonesty.
