City firm launches groundbreaking six-year apprenticeship route to qualification as solicitor
Eversheds and BPP University Law School have launched a six-year apprenticeship scheme leading to qualification as a solicitor. The law firm is believed to be the first to launch a scheme at this level, but its shape depends partly on the fate of the Solicitors Qualification Examination.
ABS results: Fairpoint on the up but Minster Law sees turnover tumble
Fairpoint Group plc – the one-time debt management operation that has transformed into a mainly legal services operation – has reported a “strong financial performance” for 2015 and plans to keep growing in 2016. Meanwhile, turnover at Minster Law, which is owned by BGL Group, more than halved.
Budget: Government to beef up CMC regulation with switch to FCA oversight
The regulation of claims management companies is to move to the Financial Conduct Authority as part of a major shake-up that will see all CMCs have to seek reauthorisation and subject to an additional levy to fund the transition.
LeO urges right to redress for clients of unregulated legal providers so they can better compete
The government review of the Legal Services Act needs to give clients of unregulated providers access to the Legal Ombudsman so as to close off a “competitive advantage” enjoyed by those that are regulated, the complaints body said this week.
Solicitor launches contract lawyer and paralegal matching service
A City solicitor who qualified at Ashurst has set up a contract lawyer and paralegal matching service designed particularly for firms needing help with e-discovery. Toby Gascoyne said the web platform was currently working with three law firms and around 100 lawyers and paralegals.
Law Society criticised by its own FoI adjudicator over Blacker e-mails
The Law Society has apologised to its freedom of information adjudicator after failing to provide him with an “additional and substantial” body of information relating to ‘Harry Potter solicitor’ Alan Blacker, also known as Lord Harley. Adam Sowerbutts described the incident as “troubling”.
Property management firm turns itself into ABS
A property management firm specialising in residential blocks of flats has turned itself into an alternative business structure, in what is understood to be first move of its kind. “At the moment we’re a property management company with a legal capacity. In 10 years’ time, it is likely to be the other way round,” said director Matthew Young.
Controversial miners’ compensation firm goes into administration
Raleys, one of the law firms most strongly criticised for misconduct during the miners’ compensation scandal, has entered administration. Administrators have been appointed and Leeds firm Ison Harrison has taken over existing clients.
Lawyers line up arguments against Online Court
Responses to Lord Justice Briggs’ recommendation to create an Online Court (OC) have pitted sceptical solicitors and barristers against others who have given the scheme a more generous reception. Lawyers were worried about the impact of a change in the approach to justice represented by the OC, and the dangers of removing them from it.
SRA eyes ‘innovation space’ to help firms and new entrants shake up the market
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is considering creating an ‘innovation space’, which it said would “help existing firms develop their businesses and encourage new firms to come into the market”. “An innovative legal sector is essential for delivering the efficient, affordable services the public needs,” it said.
