London-based Italian lawyers sanctioned over volume overseas conveyancing
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has ruled that three Italian lawyers based in London committed a host of accounting irregularities while acting for clients in overseas property deals.
Feel the LegalForce – new concept goes live in US and UK
LegalForce, a US concept for delivering legal services, has today simultaneously launched in the US and UK, with plans to open a new type of legal retail store in the heart of London’s technology industry, Legal Futures can reveal.
Strong growth will not return to legal market until 2016, forecasts Law Society
The legal services market should return to something near pre-recession levels of growth in 2016, the Law Society has predicted. An economic study it published yesterday said the profession’s ‘real’ turnover fell marginally in 2012 and would then slowly recover for the next three years.
Leading ABS set to open up entry to the law through 'Learning Academy'
Co-operative Legal Services will launch a ‘Learning Academy’ later this year that will offer all staff training for a range of skills and qualifications, including becoming solicitors and chartered legal executives.
ABS first as accident management company buys law firm
Vamco has become the first accident management company to buy a law firm after being awarded an alternative business structure (ABS) licence. The Surrey-based business has acquired Kingsley Law, previously part of the Nesbit Law Group.
National firm to use ABS licence to target non-legal acquisitions
National law firm Simpson Millar is eyeing up the acquisition of non-legal businesses as part of its expansion plans now it has secured an alternative business structure (ABS) licence, it has revealed.
Law Society hits out at SRA plans for whistleblower deals
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s proposed whistleblowing policy could undermine the role of compliance officers, fail to work because of mistrust by lawyers, and clash with solicitors’ ethical duties, according to the Law Society.
Insurer wrong to reject law firm's blanket notification of possible claims, High Court rules
A professional indemnity insurer was wrong to reject a law firm’s blanket notification of possible claims, the High Court has decided in what is believed to be the first ruling of its kind. Meanwhile, the Law Society has issued a warning to solicitors to check potential insurers’ credit ratings.
Bristows becomes first large City firm to win ABS status
Commercial law firm Bristows has been granted an alternative business structure (ABS) licence, becoming the largest City practice so far to have taken the plunge. The 34-partner, 74 fee-earner firm is best known for its intellectual property work,
Legal consultancy offers exit strategy for PI firms “without firesale”
Personal injury law firms that are looking to exit the market as a result of the 1 April Jackson reforms are being targeted by a new consultancy that promises they can retain high levels of the work-in-progress on their book of cases.
