Legal Ombudsman sets lowest budget to date but fears staff turnover following expenses row
The legal profession is set to pay less than ever for the Legal Ombudsman in the coming year, although the organisation has warned that the recent furore over its employee benefits scheme has increased the risk of extra costs arising from higher staff turnover.
Solicitors urged to learn from retailers to help improve client satisfaction
Problems with communication continue to dog solicitors, the results of the largest-ever client research have shown, while the way they follow up potential leads is another area where major improvement is needed.
High Court rejects challenge to closure of ABS from solicitor who “lost ethical compass”
The High Court has rejected a challenge to the closure of an alternative business structure by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. It was the first time an ABS closure decision has been tested in the High Court.
SRA widens definition of ‘small firms’ by doubling turnover limit
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has widened its definition of a ‘small firm’ by doubling the annual turnover limit from £200,000 to £400,000. The limit of four on the number of managers is not changing.
Gateley eyes acqusitions as it says listing will give “first-mover advantage”
National law firm Gateley has today formally announced its intention to float on AIM, saying the “first mover advantage” it will gain by being the first listed law firm will provide “a platform to expand and diversify”.
Former City and Foreign Office lawyer appointed to Ministry of Justice
The new ministerial team is taking shape at the Ministry of Justice, with a former City solicitor keen to replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights among the new appointees.
‘Named and shamed’ barrister gets judge removed from disciplinary appeal hearing
Tariq Rehman, the barrister ‘named and shamed’ by the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) for the number of complaints against him, has succeeded in a last-minute bid to remove the judge hearing his appeal.
Gap in the market for “go-to employment advice website”
There is still a gap in the market for an “essential, go-to website for employment law”, Professor Roger Smith, solicitor and former director of JUSTICE, has said in an update to his report on digital delivery for people on low incomes.
Gateley confirms that work has begun on becoming first listed law firm
National law firm Gateley has confirmed reports that work to become the first publicly listed law firm is underway after it appointed bankers to advise on a £130m float on AIM this summer.
Cambridgeshire financial advisers use ABS to buy law firm
Cambridgeshire financial advisers Beacon Wealth Management have used an alternative business structure to buy a local law firm. Tony Larkins, managing director of Beacon, said it had always been his aim to own a law firm and accountancy practice.
