News in brief: CIPA chief eyes ABSs, Co-op boss to bow out, law firms are “cybercrime target”, and more
Our regular round-up includes strong backing for intellectual property ABSs, Eddie Ryan leaving Co-operative Legal Services, a new digital copyright licence for law firms, an “unacceptable” lack of transparency over PII commissions, and a warning that law firms are being targeted by online espionage.
LSB urges SRA to speed up review of “unsustainable” in-house lawyer rules
The Legal Services Board has told the Solicitors Regulation Authority that it needs to complete its review of in-house practice as soon as possible because the current regulatory arrangements are not sustainable.
Internet revolution “yet to reach legal services” as consumers cry out for better online help
The Internet revolution has “yet to reach legal services”, new Legal Services Board research has found, meaning consumers jump at the idea of an ‘official’ online resource to help them resolve their legal issues.
SRA defends bid to increase power to fine law firms from £2,000 to £250m
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has rejected calls for it to have greater powers to fine ABSs than traditional law firms. It has also dismissed suggestions by the Law Society that it should not have substantial fining powers at all.
High Court rejects bid to replace “kiss of death” practising certificate conditions with undertakings
The High Court has rejected a bid to replace conditions on a solicitor’s practising certificate with undertakings despite claims that the current state of the professional indemnity insurance market made them the “kiss of death” to a continuing career.
Give non-clients the right to complain about lawyers, says consumer panel
Non-clients should have a general right to complain about lawyers – such as parties affected by delays in the conveyancing process and beneficiaries of a defective will – the Legal Services Consumer Panel said today.
“Disruptive” procurement business targets legal market
A “disruptive” services procurement platform that allows small and medium-sized businesses to put out tenders to an expert community and manage them, all via the cloud, is set to enter the legal market.
CA overturns ban on in-house lawyer acting in case against former employer
The Court of Appeal has overturned an injunction that prevented an in-house lawyer from advising on litigation against her former employer. But it acknowledged that the case raised difficult issues around lawyers moving jobs with confidential information.
Law Society’s portal extension verdict: good in principle, bad as planned
The vertical and horizontal extension of the existing RTA portal is a good idea but cannot be done by the government’s target of next April, the Law Society has warned – and the case to cut fees has not been made out.
Foundations of ABS, CFAs and other key legal regimes under microscope of govt red tape exercise
Many of the regulations underpinning the regulatory regime for legal services – including those designating the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Council for Licensed Conveyancers as ABS licensing authorities – are under the microscope as part of the government’s Red Tape Challenge, it has emerged.
