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.
Most chambers failing to meet CPS equality and diversity standards, DPP reveals
Two-thirds of barristers’ chambers which provide legal services to the Crown Prosecution Service are failing to meet equality and diversity standards, it has emerged in the first survey of its kind. Speaking at a Bar Standards Board event, Keir Starmer, the director of public prosecutions, said he supported the BSB’s desire to make its diversity rules obligatory.
The eyes have it – the case for QualitySolicitors
QualitySolicitors chief executive Craig Holt explains why lawyers need their eyes testing if they underestimate the impact of the Legal Services Act, and how QS aims to build a 30-40% market share.
Call for clarity over compliance officers that all firms need to appoint this year
The Solicitors Regulation Authority urgently needs to provide more guidance on the role of the compliance officer for legal practice (COLP), which every law firm will be required to have from October, a leading legal regulation specialist has warned.
Bid to create national law firm franchise
A bid to create the first solicitors franchise was launched this week. Face2Face Solicitors is initially aimed at small private client law firms and will provide franchisee solicitors with centralised back-office systems – including accounts, IT and regulatory compliance – and central marketing and business development, to enable them to focus on the legal work.
Former Law Society president joins LSB as SRA unveils 12.5% cut in staff numbers
Former Law Society president Ed Nally was today appointed to the Legal Services Board (LSB) to fill a vacancy that has been open for more than a year. Meanwhile, the Solicitors Regulation Authority is to cut around 80 jobs as it prepares for outcomes-focused regulation and the licensing of alternative business structures from 6 October 2011.
New challenge to Jackson: defendant delay costs six times more than other delay
Defendant action is a factor in at least one in four of delayed civil cases, and costs six times more than other causes of delay, the leading legal costs academic has claimed.
CMCs face cash-call after regulator suffers major budget shortfall
A shortfall in the funding of claims management company (CMC) regulation – due to escalating enforcement action and a contraction in the size of the industry – has led to a cash call this month on the 3,000-plus businesses in England and Wales.
Clarke told: implement Jackson and you will face human rights challenges
The government could face challenges under the Human Rights Act if it presses ahead with the Jackson reforms, a leading counsel’s opinion has warned. Nigel Pleming QC and Colin Thomann of 39 Essex Street said there are “real prospects” of a challenge because of the reforms’ impact on claimants with catastrophic injuries.
Council for Licensed Conveyancers is first to apply to become an ABS regulator
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) is on course to become the first body licensed to regulate alternative business structures, after submitting its application to the Legal Services Board. The CLC, which oversees 10-15% of the conveyancing market, has also applied to extend the range of reserved activities it regulates from conveyancing and probate to awarding rights of audience and the right to conduct litigation.
