Law Society elects next deputy vice-president as Townsend finds new role
Robert Bourns, senior partner at Bristol-based commercial firm TLT, is to be the next deputy vice-president of the Law Society. Meanwhile, a new role for former SRA chief executive Antony Townsend was announced today.
Fast-growing law firm throws accountancy services into the mix
Fast-expanding multi-office law firm HCB has joined forces with a firm of accountants in a bid to provide “joined-up professional services”. HCB chief executive Mike Gahan has taken a 51% stake in Hatch.
Ratings-driven legal research website goes live
A legal research website which relies on crowdsourcing and ranks content according to user ratings, launched this week. My Learned Friend is backed by £60,000 of funding from a local technology investor.
Would you like a will with your beans? Supermarket law becomes a reality
The prospect of law firms opening offices in supermarkets has become a reality in Canada, with a practice opening three within stores of retail giant Walmart amid plans to take the concept ‘coast to coast’.
Is world’s largest ‘find a lawyer’ service coming to the UK?
The world’s largest lawyer rating website could be heading for the UK after raising £22m in new capital, Legal Futures can reveal. Avvo, a US-based company, applies its proprietorial rating to more than 97% of lawyers in America.
Quindell bids to reassure market after share price plummet
Alternative business structure Quindell plc moved to reassure the stock exchange yesterday after a negative research note sent its share price plummeting. Having started the day at around 40p, Quindell’s shares on AIM fell as low as 17p before recovering somewhat to 23.75p.
High Court overturns “unlawful” Legal Ombudsman decision to cut firm’s fees
The High Court has struck down an “unlawful and irrational” Legal Ombudsman decision to reduce a law firm’s fee and compensate its client for distress and inconvenience.
Rise and rise of DIY probate casts doubt over impact of big brands
The number of applications for grant of probate by personal applicants has risen for the third year running, raising questions about the impact of new entrants to the market, according to new figures.
£22m loss for Co-operative Legal Services
Co-operative Legal Services made a loss of £22m in 2013 when the impact of a slower rate of growth than previously planned for is taken into account, the group announced today.
Partners sanctioned over misuse of client money
A Lancashire solicitor has been struck off after misusing more than £400,000 of client monies to prop up her ailing firm. Kimberley Bridge was struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal this week for nine counts of dishonesty.
