News in brief: "intimidating letters" solicitor suspended, solicitors warned over PPI, and more
Our latest news round-up reports on the SDT’s sanction on Andrew Crossley for letters sent to alleged file-sharers, the question of forcing out older partners reaching the Supeme Court, the SRA warning solicitors who take on PPI cases, and the latest on practising certificate renewals.
Consumers call for fixed fees as small law firms struggle
Law firms and other legal providers that offer consumers fixed fees “are likely to have a clear competitive advantage” over those that bill by the hour, new research has shown. It also forecasts that the legal market will grow this year, mainly thanks to larger law firms, with smaller ones struggling.
Academic report attacks "excessive and over-zealous" Jackson reforms
The Jackson reforms are “excessive and over-zealous” in their impact on personal injury work, failing to achieve their core objective of promoting access to justice at proportionate cost, an academic study has concluded. Dr Claire McIvor said the judge’s recommendations “blatantly prioritise the interests of defendants”.
Irwin Mitchell ramps up ABS preparations by naming senior PwC partner as chairman-designate
National law firm Irwin Mitchell has named the former vice-chairman UK of PricewaterhouseCoopers its chairman-designate as it continues preparations to become an alternative business structure.
Need to get COLP and COFA’s consent to take on roles will be "powerful tool"
The requirement for compliance officers in law firms to consent to their appointment will be a “powerful tool” to ensure they are listened to, it was predicted last week. Firms were also told that they are likely to need a “compliance plan” as evidence of their approach to outcomes-focused regulation.
How to compete with LPO providers
The fallout from the financial crisis as well as growing threats from the legal process outsourcing industry is making it even more difficult for legal practices to juggle client expectations and fee income, says Peter Collins. Many are looking to manage their own resources more effectively.
Tebbit and Mackay join LASPO fight as ATE working group reports to Ministry of Justice
Former cabinet minister Lord Tebbit and one-time Lord Chancellor Lord Mackay have thrown their weight behind amendments to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill.
Co-op to ramp up staffing as it waits for ABS go-ahead
Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) has begun staffing its family division after launching what it described as the largest recruitment drive in its history. CLS is looking to appoint up to 150 new positions. It currently has around 400 staff.
MPs seek action over PI lawyers’ fees but question value of referral fee ban
MPs have accused personal injury solicitors and insurers of losing sight “of the interests of their customers as a whole by encouraging claims to be maximised”. They called for action over the level of fees paid to lawyers while questioning the effectiveness of the referral fee ban.
SRA bids to scrap minimum salary for trainees
There is no regulatory justification for retaining the 30-year-old policy of minimum salaries for trainee solicitors, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has said. It also admitted to concerns that the Legal Education and Training Review’s timetable is too tight.
