In an unusual break from its mantra of transparency, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has decided it will no longer hold public board meetings or give members of the legal press permission to attend.
Continue reading “SRA gets secretive, blocking public and press access to board meetings”
With business rates relief and tax rises for the self-employed stealing the limelight in today’s budget, government documents also reveal deeper cuts to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), with its spending slashed by 15% over the next three years. Continue reading “Spring budget 2017: Chancellor offers business rates relief as MoJ cuts continue”
Changes could mean a one-third increase for City offices
With bank debt and real estate costs two of the most common causes of law firm distress, increases in business rates were met with concern by real estate professionals and lawyers in the Square Mile last month.
In a move that could increase the future loss element of personal injury claims by 30% in catastrophic cases, the government is planning to significantly cut the discount rate that calculates the value of injury awards.
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has commenced a probe into the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regarding its independence from the Law Society. Continue reading “Law Society under pressure as LSB launches probe into independence from SRA”
The Supreme Court has ruled that the UK cannot leave the EU without parliamentary approval, in a decision which means there will be a debate in the House of Commons to determine how Article 50 can be triggered. Continue reading “Mishcon’s claimants succeed as Supreme Court rules an Act of Parliament is required to trigger Brexit”
The City’s top lawyers have met with the Lord Chancellor to discuss the future of the industry ahead of Brexit negotiations. Continue reading “‘The best possible deal’: Truss meets with the City’s top lawyers ahead of Brexit, promises another Global Summit”
The chief executive of the Law Society Catherine Dixon has joined a panel of experts instructed to advise London mayor Sadiq Khan in upcoming Brexit negotiations.
Continue reading “Law Society chief executive appointed to London mayor Sadiq Khan’s Brexit panel”
Matrix Chambers has concluded an investigation into top silk Ben Emmerson QC following allegations of sexual assault during his work on the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and found he did not commit any act of sexual assault or harassment. Continue reading “Matrix Chambers clears Ben Emmerson QC after investigation into sexual assault allegations”
‘There is a pause in the activities firms like ours service. The question is, for what? Business may get used to a continuum of uncertainty.’
Steve Cooke, Slaughter and May
After a year of mergers, Brexit, and Trump, law firm leaders reflect on the 12 months gone by and size up the year ahead
A COMPLETE WORLD
‘The world has become more complex, and clients are looking for advisers who can cut through the red tape and help them navigate the choppy waters. That’s our sweet spot – the harder a deal becomes the more we feel at home.’
Charlie Jacobs, senior partner, Linklaters Continue reading “The last word: 2017 – the year ahead”
