Market monitor

Setfords – the consultant-led law firm with private equity backing – has secured its first-ever merger as it targets firms to speed up growth.

Unconscious bias in the legal profession against women is so deep-rooted that ‘NewLaw’ businesses trying to reshape legal services are just as affected.

Big Four accountancy firm EY made a major statement about its legal ambitions today by announcing its intention to buy Riverview Law, the innovative ABS.

The prospect of a ‘no deal’ for the law after Brexit – whether for practice rights or civil justice cooperation – is growing, the chairman of the Bar has warned.

LegalZoom, the US-based online legal services provider that owns an ABS, has received a $500m investment – believed to be the largest ever in the legal world.

Fast-growing alternative business structure Progeny Group has acquired its third wealth management firm in little more than a year, also launched a wide-ranging legal subscription service.

Some 35 Labour MPs have signed an early day motion in Parliament calling on the government to withdraw its planned increase in the small claims limit for personal injury.

Fundamental rights to legal advice and representation for people accused of crimes are at risk, the justice select committee has warned.

MPs on the justice select committee have called on the government to explain why it considers the proposed increase in the small claims limit to £5,000 “proportionate”.

A legal tech business spun out of a law firm run by a former City solicitor and his technologist brother has secured £3.1m in private equity investment.

There was surprising unanimity yesterday in support of the Ministry of Justice’s decision to delay implementation of its whiplash reforms by a year to April 2020.

The UK’s first listed law firm, Gateley, unveiled strong annual results yesterday, as the partners from when it went public have seen a “healthy return” on their shares.

Implementation of the government’s whiplash reforms is to be delayed by a year to April 2020, the Ministry of Justice has announced, with the new online portal tested six months earlier.

“Seismic change” is on the horizon for the profession because of the direction of technology, a Legal Futures roundtable on the law firm on the future has heard.

The UK’s first listed law firm, Gateley, has made another non-legal acquisition by buying a “human capital” consultancy for what could reach £3m.