Conveyancing regulator warns HSBC and other lenders about restricted panels
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has waded into the row over HSBC’s 43-strong conveyancing panel, expressing concern that “the limited size panel risks inadvertently restricting consumer choice and distorting competition in the conveyancing market”.
Spin-out firms merge to create largest debt recovery practice
Debt recovery law firms Drydens Lawyers and Fairfax Solicitors, both created by spin outs from national firms, are to merge creating the UK’s largest debt recovery and debt litigation legal practice. It will have a workforce of around 300 and turnover of approximately £15m.
SRA warns solicitors off SDLT evasion schemes
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has issued a formal warning to lawyers to think twice before becoming involved in stamp duty land tax schemes. It will look “very closely” at the conduct of any firm actively involved in such schemes,
BT seeks ABS licence for claims management arm
The claims management arm of telecoms giant BT has applied to become an alternative business structure, it has emerged. But it is not looking to enter the consumer market.
Firms are their own worst enemies when potential clients call, says mystery shopping report
Law firms are “their own competitors” because the poor way many deal with telephone enquiries is pushing away nearly half of their potential clients, a mystery shopping exercise has concluded. Nearly half said they would actively encourage people not to use the firm they called.
Neuberger: cross-examination and disclosure next on reform agenda
An investigation into the benefits of cross-examination and disclosure could be next on the costs reform agenda, the Master of the Rolls has indicated. At the same time, an interim report into the national costs management pilot has found signs that it is producing benefits.
Exclusive: private equity firm behind UK's first ABS on the hunt for another investment
The private equity firm behind the UK’s first – and so far only – alternative business structure is beginning the hunt for another investment in the law, Legal Futures can reveal.
Cameron insurance summit: full steam ahead on Jackson and cutting PI fees
The outcome of yesterday’s high-profile Downing Street insurance summit appears to have put paid to any hopes among claimant lawyers that there is a compromise to be reached over the Jackson reforms.
Prospect of MDPs "catching the imagination" of large law firms, survey finds
Large law firms are showing increasing interest in forming multi-disciplinary practices with non-lawyer professionals, according to new research. The survey of 126 of the top 250 firms by accountants Smith & Williamson found that a third are interested in joining with a non-legal practice.
Quality scheme risks independence of advocates, leading judge warns
The proposed Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates threatens the independence of advocates, a senior judge claimed yesterday. Lord Justice Moses argued that quality of advocacy is best assured through compulsory training and more active reporting of poor advocates by judges.
