Will-writer eyes conveyancing opportunity after receiving ABS licence, while IFA plans MDP
A will-writer is planning to use his new alternative business structure (ABS) licence to expand into the conveyancing market, Legal Futures can report. Further, an IFA is planning a specialist multi-disciplinary ABS with a law firm focusing on the over-55s.
Law Society calls on Cable to broker long-term peace agreement with lenders
The Law Society has called on the government to lead a “mediated dialogue” with mortgage lenders to deliver “an amicable long-term solution” to the ongoing arguments over conveyancing panels. It has asked business secretary Vince Cable to intervene.
Jackson effect to the fore as Antony Hodari makes high-profile acquisition
The reshaping of the personal injury market ahead of the Jackson reforms continued apace today as leading Manchester firm Antony Hodari acquired a direct marketing capability by buying well-known brand Paul Rooney Partnership.
Mortgage fraud inquiry delays SRA’s draft conveyancing strategy further
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to review efforts to combat mortgage fraud, a move that will push back final approval of its draft conveyancing strategy to 2014 – more than two years later than first planned.
Accountants told to respect spirit of legal services reforms if they want to regulate probate
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales needs to abide by the spirit of the legal services reforms if it is to regulate probate work, the Legal Services Consumer Panel has urged.
Exclusive: country’s largest multi-office firm eyes national expansion
The largest multi-office practice in the country has set its sights on establishing a national high street presence, possibly with the aid of external investment, after a period of significant growth, Legal Futures can reveal.
SRA cedes handling of insolvency complaints
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has brought in the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) to handle complaints against solicitor insolvency practitioners. It follows criticism by the Insolvency Service of the SRA.
Lawyers2you network reaches London, Leeds and Manchester
Shopping centre legal brand Lawyers2you added London, Leeds and Manchester to its growing list of locations this week as it plans also to target some of the capital’s most popular markets and in time introduce video conferencing as well.
SRA reaches out to firms posing financial stability risk
All law firms judged to present a risk of financial instability are to be contacted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority by the end of this month, Legal Futures can reveal. However, it is urging firms facing financial difficulty to overcome their mistrust and contact them early.
LPO warning to law firms as general counsel freeze them out
The global legal process outsourcing market will double in value by 2015 to more than £2bn but general counsel are increasingly freezing out law firms and buying outsourced services direct, according to new research.
