Fixed fees play major role in client satisfaction, survey finds
The use of fixed fees in family, probate and housing cases has risen significantly, leading to far higher rates of client satisfaction than when they pay by the hour, according to a major consumer survey.
Newly listed Australian law firm plans to follow Slater & Gordon to UK
The newest listed law firm in Australia – and the third biggest personal injury practice in the country – is eyeing up an acquisition in the UK, it has emerged. The fast-growing Shine Lawyers listed last week and saw its share price instantly increase by a half.
Solicitors’ support for OFR crashes
A Law Society survey finding that a growing number of senior solicitors think outcome-focused regulation places too heavy a burden on firms has drawn a rapid rebuttal from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Unanimous South Eastern Circuit backing gives green light to QASA boycott
The prospect of barristers boycotting the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates became almost certain on Saturday after all but one of more than 1,000 members of the South Eastern Circuit said they would refuse to sign up to it.
Consumer panel warns government against restricting choice of solicitor for legal aid clients
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has strongly criticised the government’s plan to deny defendants the right to choose their own solicitor under price competitive tendering, with new data showing that legally aided clients are more likely to shop around than any other.
Quindell shares back on the up as fellow PI ABS reports strong results
Alternative business structure Quindell Portfolio plc has seen its share price recover ground after it fell by more than a half in less than a week. Meanwhile, ABS and leading personal injury firm Fentons has announced record turnover for the last financial year.
Brilliant Law arms solicitors with credit card machines as ABS pushes commoditisation
Alternative business structure Brilliant Law has claimed an advance in the online sale of legal services to SMEs by tailoring each one to the needs of the purchaser for no extra fee – with solicitors even taking payment for them over the phone.
Legal Futures walks for justice
On Monday evening (20 May), the Legal Futures team will be joining thousands of lawyers and legal support staff from all areas, who are taking part in the London Legal Walk to show their support for the Legal Support Trust and access to justice. We are also one of the walk’s sponsors this year.
AXA calls for code of conduct for insurer/law firm ABSs
There needs to be greater control of alternative business structures (ABSs) set up by insurance companies to “ensure appropriate behaviour” and even a ban on ABSs operating in the small claims court, AXA Insurance has told MPs.
Hanging on the telephone? You must be calling the SRA
Just 17% of the 71,000 calls made to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s contact centre in the first quarter of 2013 were answered within the service level of 60 seconds, new figures have shown. There were also problems with the ethics helpline.
