Exclusive: ombudsman decides against allowing third parties to complain about lawyers
The Legal Ombudsman will not allow third parties to bring complaints against lawyers for the time being, Legal Futures has learned. However, it will in future accept complaints from prospective clients, while the limit for compensation will rise from £30,000 to £50,000
From school-leavers to lawyers – CILEx and College of Law strike ‘one-stop shop’ training deal
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) has formed a strategic collaboration with the College of Law to offer legal employers training options for all staff, from school leavers to fully qualified lawyers.
New indemnity insurers capture market share as solicitors pay less for their cover this year
Greater competition for business has led to a small fall in the amount of money solicitors paid for their basic professional indemnity cover this year, figures from the Solicitors Regulation Authority show. New entrants captured more than 10% of the market.
ABS application bottleneck as just three make it through to decision phase in six months
Just three alternative business structure applicants made it through to the decision phase over the past six months, with 167 still going through the application process, new figures from the Solicitors Regulation Authority have shown.
Bar Council steps up war of words with Legal Services Board
The Bar Council has issued a sharp rebuke to the Legal Services Board for criticising how it is approaching the legal services reforms, saying that while “our regulators talk about key performance indicators, we talk about the interests of justice”.
Conveyancers mull ABS conversion – but don’t think new competition will improve client service
More than half of conveyancing firms are open to becoming alternative business structures, even though few believe they will improve services for clients. They are also more worried about lenders’ panel selection decisions than new competition.
Pioneering legal website launches law firm referral panel
The company that says it was the first in the UK to provide free online legal advice for both businesses and consumers is to launch its first law firm panel for referrals – although it will not charge for them.
Over 3,000 PC applications logged as SRA overcomes early teething problem
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has insisted that its online practising certificate renewal system is working normally, despite a technical hitch occurring one day after the applications process opened last week.
Law centre submits ABS application as not-for-profit sector gears up for legal aid cuts
A north London law centre is on course to become the first owner of a not-for-profit alternative business structure, subject to receiving approval. The venture is an example of government-approved efforts by law centres to mitigate the effects of legal aid cuts.
Niche corporate firm and conveyancing arm of property MDP become latest ABSs
A West Midlands corporate transactions law firm that has advised on deals worth more than £20bn has become an alternative business structure, as has a practice working within a leading Bristol property services group.
