Law Society mulls levy on CQS firms to fund advertising campaign
The Law Society is to ask members of its Conveyancing Quality Scheme whether they would fund a dedicated advertising campaign, it has emerged. Chief executive Des Hudson raised the possibility at a meeting of the Conveyancing Association last week.
Exclusive: ‘Save the Legal Industry’ campaign warns Cameron of 100,000 jobs losses
Law firms are rallying around a campaign to warn the government that 100,000 jobs across the legal services industry will be lost over the next year as a result of its “savage” civil justice reforms, Legal Futures can reveal.
Robertson cautions criminal bar over opposition to plea-only advocates as QASA mutiny grows
Criminal barristers’ steadfast objection to the inclusion of plea-only advocates in the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates will be viewed by the public as self-interest, the vice-chair of the Bar Standards Board has warned.
Firms sign up to professional referral network that “cuts out costly panel managers”
Forty-eight law firms have already signed up to a new business networking tool that helps solicitors capture referrals directly from other professional services and claims to cut out “costly panel managers”.
SRA reveals financial instability indicators as it relaxes rule on reporting non-material breaches
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has outlined the three key financial ‘warning signs’ against which it will assess firms’ financial stability as a key element of its supervisory work over the next year. It is also to end the need for firms to submit an annual report on non-material rule breaches.
‘Unbundling’ the new craze as lawyer-backed family mediation service launches
A lawyer-backed service that assists divorcing couples during mediation, charging fixed fees to halve the cost for clients, is being billed as a possible lifeline for family legal aid lawyers after 1 April. It came as the Law Society president urged solicitors to explore ‘unbundling’ legal services.
Consumer group urges "NHS Direct for law"
There is “a compelling moral and economic case” for the Legal Services Board to pursue initiatives such as an NHS Direct-style telephone service to help people find the legal advice they need, its consumer adviser has urged.
Law Society president embraces ABS status
A virtual firm that is looking to share profits with its consultants and a leading personal injury practice have become the latest alternative business structures. Scott Moncrieff & Associates, known as Scomo, was founded by Law Society president Lucy Scott-Moncrieff.
Grayling bangs drum for UK legal services abroad and targets £350m Indian prize
India could be worth £350m a year to UK lawyers if the Indian government can be persuaded to open up access to its legal services market, the Lord Chancellor has told City law firms. Chris Grayling was speaking at the launch of a renewed push to promote the UK legal services sector.
HighStreetLawyer network eyes ABS and external finance as it unveils growth plans
Law firm networking brand HighStreetLawyer.com will look to become an alternative business structure in the future to finance ambitious growth plans. Managing director Gary Yantin said the focus for the next 12 months is to grow its number of member firms.
