Marine mutual launches ABS to reduce claims, not make profit
A mutual marine liability insurer covering the smaller vessel sector has launched an alternative business structure to service member and non-member clients, with the object of reducing claims and not generating profit.
A thousand more law firms exempted from submitting accountants’ reports
A thousand more law firms will no longer be required to submit accountants’ reports, the Solicitors Regulation Authority decided at yesterday’s board meeting. The change is set to be introduced on 1 November 2015.
Gove announces review of Legal Services Act
There will a review of the Legal Services Act 2007 during this Parliament, the Lord Chancellor Michael Gove announced today. Giving evidence to the justice select committee, he also addressed legal aid, the importance of the criminal Bar, court transformation and court fees.
SDT blames mySRA problems as it rejects misconduct charges against solicitor
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has rejected misconduct charges against a solicitor who said he was the victim of technology problems with the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s online system, mySRA, that meant he was not aware of conditions attached to his practising certificate.
SRA to ask solicitors what they think about misconduct offences
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to ask solicitors how they judge the seriousness of misconduct offences in a new initiative on professional standards. The move will result in a policy statement and decision-making framework for the regulator’s staff.
Personal injury CMCs enjoy sharp rise in income to £310m as market stabilises
The turnover of personal injury claims management companies (CMCs) bounced back 27% to £310m last year as the market began to “stabilise”, it has emerged. Applications by personal injury CMCs for authorisation from the Ministry of Justice also increased by almost two-thirds.
Think tank calls for compulsory pro bono and oaths for newly-qualified lawyers
An influential think tank has called for the introduction of compulsory pro bono for lawyers, set at 10% of their “work output”. It said that for many lawyers, the law had become “no more than a revenue-generating business”.
Time for law firms to go back to school, says BPP chief
Legal apprenticeships “are going to be massive” and law firms will have to respond by recruiting A-Level students straight from school, the dean of BPP Law School has predicted. Peter Crisp said he also believed the SRA would “force through” a centralised assessment test for would-be solicitors.
QC to offer free direct access video surgery
A leading QC is to take part in a pioneering free direct access video surgery later this month. Stephen Harvey QC will be discussing business risk and regulation via a new online video platform. The approach has also won the backing of the Bar Council.
Small law firm partners charging only £50 per hour, survey finds
Some partners in small law firms are charging £50 per hour – only £10 more than the lowest paid fee-earners, a survey has found. In some firms equity partners took home less than non-partners.
