LSB not convinced by plan to force law firms to publish prices
The Legal Services Board has said that “further discussion and evidence” is needed before it is prepared to back proposals to force law firms to publish average prices. The LSB was responding to a report by the Legal Services Consumer Panel.
AIM-listed business makes fourth law firm acquisition with Abney Garsden deal
Fairpoint Group, the AIM-listed company that has become a predominantly legal business, unveiled its fourth acquisition in two years yesterday after snapping up south Manchester firm Abney Garsden, best known for acting for victims of child abuse.
Metamorph kicks off acquisition strategy by buying Linder Myers in pre-pack
Alternative business structure Metamorph Law has taken the first step in its plan to consolidate dozens of law firms by acquiring north-west firm Linder Myers in a pre-pack deal. Assure Law, the business consultancy that in 2014 saved Linder Myers from administration and installed its chief executive as the firm’s CEO, is also a minority shareholder in Metamorph.
High Court rejects appeal from solicitor who “neither thought nor cared about” the rules
The High Court has rejected an appeal against striking off from a solicitor who “neither thought nor cared about” the rules governing his profession. Robert Scott argued that because he had been found not to have acted dishonestly, he could not be found to have lacked integrity.
Third judge sacked for viewing pornography at work failed to disclose it to SRA
A third judge removed from the bench for watching pornography on judicial IT equipment has admitted not telling the Solicitors Regulation Authority about it when applying for a practising certificate shortly afterwards.
Government eyes stronger powers to discipline solicitors as part of insurance fraud crackdown
The government yesterday accepted recommendations for stronger fining powers for the Solicitors Regulation Authority, a lower burden of proof before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, and the need to introduce further measures to discourage ‘late’ personal injury claims, in the next stage of its crackdown on fraudulent behaviour.
Dual-qualified barrister disbarred 10 years after being struck off as solicitor
A barrister turned solicitor has been disbarred 10 years after he was struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. He did not tell the Bar about the decision and the Bar Standards Board only became aware of it last year when Lloyd Aneke applied for restoration to the roll of solicitors.
Barrister loses appeal over costs award after successfully defending herself at Bar tribunal
The Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling that a barrister who successfully defended herself in disciplinary proceedings should not be paid costs at the £120 hourly rate allowed by a tribunal-appointed assessor. But it upheld the basic principle that barristers in such situations can claim their costs at a rate higher than that of a normal litigant-in-person.
Solicitor launches website to help SMEs and consumers access unbundled advice
A Yorkshire solicitor has launched a website to help small businesses and consumers obtain fixed price unbundled advice. James Martin, founder and director of ClaimItOnline, launched today, said the website was particularly aimed at small businesses with disputes worth up to £50,000.
LSB and SRA oppose ban on professional McKenzie Friends
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has joined the Solicitors Regulation Authority in opposing a ban on professional McKenzie Friends. The LSB said the judiciary had not explained why a ban was necessary, what harm it would address or what the consequences might be for consumers.
