BSB-regulated entities reach 32, with pro bono and solicitor-run start-ups
A Bar Standards Board-regulated entity that challenges unlawful detention is to put on free immigration advice clinics, including one at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre. Meanwhile, a north-west BSB entity run by two solicitors hopes to expand its boutique family law practice into overseas private client work.
Slater & Gordon records £20m UK profit
Slater & Gordon recorded a profit after tax of nearly £20m on turnover of £128m from its UK operation in the last financial year, its audited results have shown. The first month of Slater Gordon Solutions (SGS) – the new name for the professional services division acquired from Quindell – brought in £17m of income, at a net loss of £2.1m.
Confusion over complaints and ADR to continue, consumer panel chair predicts
Confusion over law firm complaints and the new European directive on alternative dispute resolution is set to continue, the chair of the legal services consumer panel has predicted. Elisabeth Davies said the panel was taken by surprise by the Legal Ombudsman’s change of heart on the issue.
Quotes? What quotes? Most conveyancing firms refuse to give them over the phone
Some 60% of conveyancing firms refuse to give fee quotes over the phone and, whether they do or not, the majority then fail to follow-up with their prospective client, ‘mystery shopper’ research has revealed.
Your Legal Friend launches shareholder group action against Quindell
Your Legal Friend, a trading name of Liverpool law firm Camps Solicitors, has confirmed that it has launched its long-awaited shareholder group action against Quindell plc.
Company set up by solicitor can be victim of age discrimination, says EAT in “hugely significant” ruling
A company set up by a senior solicitor to be a member of his firm’s limited liability partnership can be the victim of age discrimination, the president of the Employment Appeal Tribunal has ruled. It is believed to be the first discrimination case brought by a company.
Mayson: disconnect between lawyers and clients over purchase of legal services
At a time when “the cost of legal services has generally been allowed to rise to unsustainable levels”, lawyers and the clients need to reconnect the four key ingredients that go into the purchase of legal services – cost, price, value and relationship – Professor Stephen Mayson has argued.
High Court demands stronger penalties for solicitors who ran SDLT avoidance schemes
The High Court has overturned fines imposed on two solicitors for their involvement in stamp duty land tax avoidance schemes, saying that their conduct deserved more severe punishment. It said the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal had “seriously underestimated the gravity of its own findings”.
“A digital business that happens to do law” – is this the future?
One of the country’s leading local government innovators has told his council that “in future, we will no longer have a legal business that happens to use technology. Instead, it will be a digital business that happens to do law”. He also said that public sector lawyers have a “greater duty than most” to address the country’s access to justice deficit.
Report on ABS benefits says England and Wales experience “inconclusive”
A Canadian report on alternative business structures has issued a cautious verdict on majority non-lawyer ownership, judging the model to be as yet unproven, based on the experience so far in England and Wales and Australia.
