Birss: Costs budgeting-lite and GHR for counsel on their way
The next steps to implement the Civil Justice Council’s 2023 costs review are underway, although it is not yet certain how far the guideline hourly rates will be extended to counsel.
Commercial firm launches all-embracing legal platform for SMEs
A national law firm has launched a legal platform aimed particularly at SMEs, which combines document generation with training, a ‘knowledge bank’ and advice from its lawyers.
Leading lawyer “gobsmacked” by SRA review of asylum firms
A leading immigration lawyer was “gobsmacked” by a Solicitors Regulation Authority finding that legally aided work was perceived as being “of lower quality”.
Barrister-led legal compliance business bought by private equity
Barrister-led legal compliance business Briefed is to merge with a firm of recruitment consultants, following its acquisition by private equity firm Omni Partners.
CMC partners with university to pioneer housing disrepair app
A claims management company has worked with Salford University to launch an app, backed by artificial intelligence, that identifies housing disrepair.
Solicitor suspended for role in advance fee frauds
A solicitor involved in advance fee frauds has been suspended for a year on the basis that it was mainly the fault of a convicted fraudster he worked with.
Family lawyer convicted over offensive text to ex-partner
A family law specialist convicted of sending a malicious communication to his ex-partner has been rebuked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Suspension for solicitor who misled court, client and firm
A junior solicitor who failed to tell her law firm or client that its defence and counterclaim in a personal injury matter had been struck out has been suspended for 12 months.
Law firms abandoning partnerships “to raise external funding”
The main reason why larger law firms are moving away from traditional partnership structures is the lack of ability to raise external funding, a report has found.
Welsh legal blueprint urges tech grants, nearshoring and talent retention
The Welsh government should provide grants for SME law firms to invest in legal technology, and offer law students bursaries if they agree to stay in the country for five years, a report says.
