Number of law firms continues to rise, now up 25% in a decade, figures show
The number of law firms in England and Wales has continued its inexorable rise, with 25% more in practice than a decade before, new figures have revealed. The Law Society’s annual statistical report also shows the impact of the recession on the largest City practices.
Are rigid fixed fees the future post-Jackson? One Yorkshire law firm thinks so
A Yorkshire firm of solicitors has launched a menu pricing litigation product under which it will shoulder the risk of costs overruns, giving clients budgeting certainty as an alternative to conditional fee agreements. The move is an early example of litigation specialists positioning themselves for a post-Jackson, post-recoverability of costs landscape.
SRA weighing up evidence of insurers discriminating against BME solicitors
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is weighing up whether evidence that the underwriting criteria used by professional indemnity insurers disproportionately affects black and minority ethnic solicitors amounts to unlawful discrimination, Legal Futures has discovered.
Co-op Legal Services reports strong growth as it gears up for ABS application
Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) continues to grow strongly, with income up nearly 20% in 2010, the Co-operative Group’s annual results have shown. Meanwhile, a spokesman has confirmed that CLS will apply for an alternative business structure licence at the earliest opportunity.
“Excessively cautious” ombudsman puts off complaints-publishing decision for a year
The board of the Legal Ombudsman has put off until spring 2012 the decision on whether to name law firms on the receiving end of complaints, a move condemned by the Legal Services Consumer Panel.
Edmonds reappointed for second term at helm of Legal Services Board
David Edmonds was today reappointed as chairman of Legal Services Board for a second three-year term. Mr Edmonds, who is paid £63,000 a year for a minimum of 70 days’ work, will now be in post until 30 April 2014.
Litigation reforms mean less work but better cash flow for lawyers, government predicts
Law firms face a reduction in work as a result of the latest reforms to civil litigation, government documents have predicted. Impact assessments accompanying yesterday’s consultation on reform of the county courts say they will lead to “reduced levels of legal services business”.
Govt to implement Jackson and reform county court – but “solicitors will adapt”
Lord Justice Jackson’s blueprint to reform the cost of civil litigation is to be implemented almost in full, Lord Chancellor Ken Clarke announced today, with the government predicting that law firms will adapt to retain their profitability, and that it may encourage new players into the market.
Lord Judge opposes licensed conveyancers’ bid to become litigators and advocates
The Lord Chief Justice has spoken out against licensed conveyancers being granted rights to conduct litigation and advocacy. Lord Judge said they are areas of work which lie outside the proper sphere of activity of a licensed conveyancer and he could see no strong public interest in giving them those rights.
The future for personal injury practice set to become clearer today
Personal injury lawyers will today get a stronger vision of the future of their practices when the Ministry of Justice unveils the way forward on its reform of civil litigation costs. Lord Chancellor Ken Clarke will make a statement today outlining its response to the green paper consultation. Check back on Legal Futures after 3.30pm.
