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.
Law Society attacks notion that education and training regime is broken
The final discussion paper produced by the Legal Education and Training Review “lacks rigour and is therefore unhelpful” in concluding that the current system is unfit for purpose, the Law Society has said. But it strongly backed creating alternative routes to qualification.
Lloyds to take minority stake in defendant firm after SRA approves ABS application
Leading defendant law firm Keoghs has secured “significant investment” from mid-market private equity investor LDC, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group. It is taking a 22.5% minority stake.
The commercial law firm that came in from the cold – newest ABS embraces regulation
A business offering corporate and commercial legal services has entered into regulation by becoming the newest alternative business structure (ABS) licensed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Licensed conveyancers attack regulator’s move into litigation and advocacy
Licensed conveyancers have spoken out against their regulatory body’s bid to expand its regulatory reach to litigation and advocacy services. However, they support it looking to regulate will-writing and estate administration .
