Blakemores boss outlines financial blows that led to demise and says “Lawyers2you nearly saved us”
The managing partner of Blakemores – which suddenly closed on Monday – said the firm was almost saved by its consumer-facing Lawyers2you brand but succumbed to a string of financial blows. Guy Blakemore gave a candid interview to Legal Futures.
Survey: personal injury law firms face financial meltdown
Nearly a fifth of the north-west’s specialist personal injury law firms are considering shutting up shop due to the financial impact of the government’s civil costs reforms, with many predicting huge cuts in their profitability as a result of the new RTA portal fees, new research has revealed.
Hundreds of solicitors and firms in the dock for COLP and COFA failures
More than 600 solicitors and law firms are facing action over their failures in nominating compliance officers, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has revealed. It said the level of non-compliance was disappointing.
Private investor backs two solicitors’ ABS start-up
Two Manchester solicitors have set up an alternative business structure (ABS) with the backing of a private investor to provide commercial services on fixed fees and retainers. Other new licencees include QualitySolicitors Talbots and midlands law firm Wright Hassall.
ABSs offer opportunity to thriving in-house lawyers, says Law Society
The number of in-house lawyers has not been affected by the economic crisis and alternative business structures (ABSs) offer general counsel an opportunity to expand their services, according to the Law Society.
Reform agenda to create “two-tier Bar”, with bulk of chambers to suffer
Legal aid cuts, the Jackson reforms and the introduction of competitive tendering for criminal law work will split the Bar into a two-tier profession, with mid-sized generalist chambers set to suffer, a specialist Bar consultant has predicted.
DAS buys law firm as it bids to build major consumer brand
Legal expenses insurer DAS has finally secured the law firm acquisition that will kickstart its bid to become one of the UK’s top legal services providers. DAS, which is owned by German insurance giant Munich Re, has bought Bristol law firm CW Law.
Number of private practice solicitors falls for first time as Law Society warns of ABS threat
The number of qualified solicitors in private practice fell last year for the first time since records began. A new legal service market assessment by the Law Society also warned that that a small number of successful ABSs could radically reshape the market for high street legal services.
Government backs Level 4 apprenticeships to offer new route into law
A new route into the legal profession is launched today in a bid to improve access and diversity in the law. The Level Four Higher Apprenticeship in Legal Services is designed to help firms recruit a new breed of talented paralegals who could in time become chartered legal executives.
Family office for wealthy Russians joins ABS ranks
A company that specialises in helping wealthy business people from Russia and Eastern Europe relocate to London has acquired an alternative business structure licence in order to add legal services to its business services portfolio.
