“Beyond comprehension” why struggling law firm failed to make HMRC arrangement
A tribunal judge has described as “beyond comprehension” the failure of a financially struggling law firm to make special arrangements with HMRC under the ‘time to pay’ scheme.
Firms line up to help develop probate apprenticeship
The Department for Business Innovation and Skills has given the green light to a 10-firm consortium led by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers to develop a specialist probate apprenticeship.
Neil Hudgell Solicitors doubles in size with purchase of Rapid
Highly acquisitive personal injury firm Neil Hudgell Solicitors has doubled in size with the purchase of rival Hull firm Rapid Solicitors, creating a £20m practice. The combined firm will have over 220 staff and handle more than 10,000 claims.
BSB uncovers chambers with financial problems and tells them to prepare “emergency plans”
The Bar Standards Board has told three chambers with financial problems to “prepare emergency plans” to minimise the impact on clients should they be forced to close.
Parliament gives green light to open up probate and conveyancing rights
The House of Lords yesterday gave the final go-ahead for chartered legal executives and others with appropriate expertise to offer probate and conveyancing services without the supervision of solicitors.
SRA’s “flexible” approach to MDPs backed by LSB
The Legal Services Board has backed a new “flexible” approach by the Solicitors Regulation Authority aimed at making it easier for multi-disciplinary partnerships to become licensed as alternative business structures.
Keystone Law takes private equity investment
Leading ‘dispersed’ law firm Keystone Law has taken £3.15m investment from boutique private equity firm Root Capital in return for a 35% stake in the business. It will in part be used to buy out founding partner Charles Stringer.
Government plugs hole in inducement ban by stopping solicitors using third parties
The government has secured an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill banning inducements for personal injury claims offered by unregulated third parties linked to law firms.
Legal Services Board names new chief executive
The director of regulation at water company Affinity Water has been named the new chief executive of the Legal Services Board (LSB). Richard Moriarty will join the LSB in early 2015 with a background spanning a number of regulated sectors across the economy.
Falconer condemns Grayling’s “heart-breaking” comments on role of Lord Chancellor
Lord Falconer, the former Lord Chancellor, has condemned the “heart-breaking and disappointing” comments made about the role by its current incumbent, Chris Grayling.
