Fairpoint outlines ambition to build Simpson Millar into a consumer brand
AIM-listed Fairpoint Group wants to see its soon-to-be-acquired law firm, Simpson Millar, become a recognised consumer legal brand, its chief executive has told Legal Futures. He also confirmed that its financial backing will enable Simpson Millar to accelerate acquisition activity.
From ABS to LSB – BT lawyer appointed to oversight regulator
A senior lawyer at telecoms giant BT – which owns an alternative business structure – has become the newest member of the Legal Services Board. David Eveleigh has been joined on the board by Marina Gibbs, the director of competition policy at Ofcom.
LawNet targets expansion with Marston hire
Leading law firm network LawNet is set to expand after appointing well-known banker Chris Marston as its new chief executive. Mr Marston, currently head of professional practices at Lloyds Banking Group, will start in the new role in July.
Exclusive: major blow to Co-op Legal Services as Blacklaws departs
Christina Blacklaws, who has spearheaded the development of Co-operative Legal Services, left the alternative business structure at the end of last month, Legal Futures can reveal.
Council legal team launches procurement exercise to find ABS partner
Kent County Council’s legal services team is expecting a bumper response from law firms and other legal services providers after starting a unique procurement exercise for a joint venture partner within an alternative business structure.
Criminal barristers vote 2:1 to accept government legal aid deal
Criminal law barristers yesterday voted two to one in favour of calling off their industrial action and accept the deal offered by the government. However, fewer than half of the Criminal Bar Association’s 4,000 members voted.
Regulators pledge data for comparison sites, as panel goes undercover to investigate web advice
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has conducted a ‘mystery shopping’ exercise to assess consumers’ experience of online self-help tools for a divorce. Meanwhile, work by the panel to open up data held by regulators to be used by legal comparison websites took a major step forward.
AIM-listed financial services business agrees £15m deal to buy Simpson Millar
An AIM-listed consumer financial services business is to acquire national law firm Simpson Millar – which had last year looked like being bought by Slater & Gordon – for £15m.
SRA’s approach to licensing ABSs “damaging competition, consumers and access to justice”
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s approach to licensing non-traditional businesses as alternative business structures is “impacting competition, access to justice and negatively affecting consumers”, the Legal Services Board has claimed.
Virtual firm offers to “insulate” capital for partners
A virtual firm launched yesterday which hopes to attract 50 corporate and commercial lawyers billing a total of £15m a year by 2019. Carbon Law Partners aspires to the success of virtual law firms such as Keystone Law and Setfords.
