Consumers back complaints publication but could misuse information, research finds
Consumers believe that a lawyer who has provided a bad service should be “named and shamed”, research released today has found. However, there are signs that consumers are likely to use published information “in a way that may be at odds with the Legal Ombudsman’s reasons for publication”.
Barristers express concern over equality and diversity monitoring
Widespread doubts exist among barristers over aspects of the Bar Standards Board’s equality and diversity reforms, it emerged last week at a consultation event on proposed code of conduct rule changes, where concerns were raised over details of proposed monitoring requirements.
Revealed: nearly 350 firms apply for Conveyancing Quality Scheme
Some 342 law firms have applied to join the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) since it opened last month, the Law Society has revealed to Legal Futures. A spokesman said the number is growing rapidly, with around 20 new applications a day at the moment.
LSB ramps up preparations for regulating ABSs directly
A director of the Office of Fair Trading is heading a new committee to oversee the Legal Services Board’s contingency planning to regulate alternative business structures directly, Legal Futures can reveal.
Mid-sized City firms likely to be main target of external investors, LSB to predict
The Legal Services Board (LSB) believes that medium-sized City law firms are likely to be the primary targets for external investors, Legal Futures can reveal. It is one of the predictions in a draft impact assessment of alternative business structures that is still being worked on at the LSB.
Ombudsman highlights risk of rising complaints following Jackson reforms
Implementation of the Jackson reforms could have an impact on the number of complaints against solicitors, the Legal Ombudsman has told the government. It said ending recoverability could cause consumers “to take more of an interest in their lawyers’ fees”.
The formula for law firm success? As easy as E=mc2, says Mayson
The reasons why one law firm succeeds while another doing similar work fails, boil down to knowing your market, committing to your sector and its clients, and the partners’ contribution, according to a legal thinktank.
Minister behind ABSs warns over the threat they pose to legal ethics
Lord Falconer, who as Lord Chancellor steered the Legal Services Act through Parliament, last week warned about the challenges alternative business structures provide for “the preservation of legal ethics”.
Chambers not complying over complaints as SRA tells solicitors they need not help
Four out of ten barristers’ chambers have flouted a regulatory requirement to notify lay clients of their rights to complain about poor service, amid a continuing furore over difficulties in complying with the scheme, it has emerged. Meanwhile, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has confirmed that solicitors are under no obligation to assist barristers in contacting clients directly in order to meet their obligations.
LeO to show its claws with High Court order forcing solicitor to comply
The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) is to show its claws for the first time by seeking a court order to force a solicitor to provide access to documents, it has emerged. It will be the first use of LeO’s powers under the Legal Services Act.
