LeO to review internal guidelines after barrister cleared of misconduct
The Legal Ombudsman has announced that it will be reviewing its internal guidance after a barrister was cleared of misconduct because LeO failed to share information.
Government approves standards for legal apprenticeships
The Department for Business Innovation and Skills has approved the standards for its new legal apprenticeships, allowing young people to qualify as solicitors, chartered legal executives, licensed conveyancers and paralegals through workplace-based training.
Accountant’s reports safe from public exposure after FoI ruling
The Law Society’s freedom of information adjudicator has rejected a bid to open up public access to accountant’s reports submitted to the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Big increase in demand for non-traditional legal services, City report predicts
Global demand for non-traditional legal services, such as contract lawyers and document-review services, will rise sharply over the next five years, research for Allen & Overy has found.
SRA abandons indemnity cover cut this year after LSB warning
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has extended the time it has given itself to decide on the proposed cut in the minimum indemnity cover limit for law firms from 10 October this year to 17 August 2015.
Local authority ABSs “will improve access to justice”
Alternative business structures (ABSs) set up by local authorities should improve access to justice without threatening private practice law firms, according to the lawyers who advised on the first two council licences.
Barrister cleared of misconduct because of ombudsman’s “failure to co-operate”
The Bar Disciplinary Tribunal has told the Legal Ombudsman that “co-operation is a two-way process”, in a case involving a failure to share information with the lawyer who was the subject of a complaint.
Barristers’ clerks attack law firms over contract payment terms
Law firms are imposing contracts on barristers they would never sign themselves, the chair of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC) has said. One term obliges solicitors only to use their “best endeavours” to pay counsel.
BSB and IPS to launch joint youth advocacy review
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) and ILEX Professional Standards (IPS) are contacting research organisations to prepare the way for an independent review of advocacy in the youth courts.
Last hurdle before accountants can offer probate services: a two-day course
Passing a two-day course will enable accountants to start offering probate law services to the public, after the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales yesterday officially received the power to regulate probate and licence alternative business structures.
