The Independent Financial Advisers Association and mutual insurance broker LIBM applied for a judicial review of last years’ October statement by the Securities and Investments Board (SIB) on its review of pensions selling. DJ Freeman acted on behalf of the IFAA and LIBM and judgment was given on 12 May after a six-day hearing. There […]
PR AGENCIES are fighting it out for the prestigious £100,000-plus Bar Council media and parliamentary relations contract. The deadline for tenders for the job of promoting the Bar Council to both the public and policy-makers closed last week. The key job has been undertaken by PR and lobbying firm Westminster Strategy since 1989. Bar head […]
Often firms waste money on systems not suited to their needs and, more importantly, which do not help the practice run more efficiently or profitably. The return on capital invested in these cases is likely to be minimal. In the smaller firm this is particularly critical. They may not have a managing partner, are unlikely […]
A BITTER row has broken out over new guidelines for conveyancing firms after property solicitors accused the Law Society of treating them like “silly little children”. The Solicitors’ Property Group says the society imposed its new conveyancing code of practice on them. They claim that they were offered just two weeks to produce a considered […]
The British Legal Association is to call for the abolition of the Solicitors’ Complaints Bureau at a requisitioned meeting at the Law Society. Members of the 15,000-strong BLA voted at its annual general meeting to support a motion for abolishing the SCB, returning disciplinary matters to the Law Society and discontinuing all other SCB functions. […]
Attorney General Sir Nicholas Lyell is under pressure from MPs on all sides of the house for an explanation after allegations that he unintentionally misled Parliament in relation to the Levitt trial. The Independent published alleged court documents and diaries of counsel relating to the case in 1993 which purport to show the Serious Fraud […]
A LEGAL advice charity is demanding more protection for “whistleblowers” in a report on fraud and corruption by officials at the Ministry of Defence. Public Concern at Work (PCW) wants a hotline for those who expose wrong-doing, and clauses written in to MoD contracts to penalise firms which do not punish fraudsters. PCW – which […]
The Chelsea Set’s former Crown Court at 1 Hans Crescent in Knightsbridge is coming up for sale, returning it back to its former privately-owned glory 100 years after it was built. The court is to be offered with vacant possession. Although it goes on the market in two or three month’s time, some uncertainty hangs […]
There is no doubt about it, technology can be a rewarding investment that can deliver mass savings and improve customer service. But what does the future hold in store for law firms and where will further financial and productivity gains come from? The main battle has been won; client server, open system computing is widely […]
ALL THREE presidential hopefuls claim comfort from The Lawyer’s opinion poll which showed strong support for the anti-establishment candidate Martin Mears alongside general apathy over the elections. The Lawyer polled more than 1,000 practitioners. Of the 300 who had made up their mind who to support, 40 per cent plumped for Hodge, 37 per cent […]
Cyril Dixon THE LEGAL battle against plans for a new £900 million terminal at Heathrow Airport is spearheaded by a lawyer from Surrey County Council. Surrey’s principal solicitor Joanna Mortimer is co-ordinating the legal team for 10 local authorities opposing the terminal five proposals. The hearing, at the Ramada Hotel on the Heathrow complex, is […]
THE TREASURY is finalising its beauty parade of private practice lawyers to help draft the 1996 Finance Bill amid growing political controversy and lawyers’ concerns about conflict of interest. A large number of City law firms, many of which are represented on the Law Society’s revenue law committee, and leading barristers have been invited to […]