Europe/UK - Page 224
Barristers stage court strike over Legal Aid
The UK's Criminal Bar Association is predicting that criminal courts will grind 'to a halt' today as 'thousands' of their members 'made legal history by voluntarily choosing not to attend court'.
JK Rowling's lawyer fined £1,000
The solicitor whose breach of confidentiality over client JK Rowling led to her being outed as the author of a crime story has been fined £1,000 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Law lecturer loses job after helping students to appeal exam results
Dr Daniel Sokol, honorary senior lecturer in medical ethics and law who offered a legal appeals service against exam results, has had his employment contract terminated by King's College London.
UK anti-fraud body hampered by lack of funds
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is struggling to have the resources necessary to handle investigations, according to lawyers.
Divorce lawyers prepare for 10pc rise in January
Family lawyers in the UK are prepared for a 10% rise in instructions in January and a 25% increase in enquiries as many clients decide that the New Year is the most convenient time to make the break.
Over 100 UK law firms on brink of closure over PI
An increase in the number of law firms folding is predicted for early 2014 as 117 practices look set to start the year without professional indemnity cover.
Law firm links up to transport union
UK law firm Morrish Solicitors has signed up to a new-style Alternative Business Structure (ABS) with the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA).
Lawyers party harder than all except the fashion sector
While public sector workers are likely to head home at midnight after their Christmas parties, lawyers are ordering the cab at 3am.
UK firms divided into 'haves and have-nots'
The next year will be marked by an increased division between large and small firms, according to law firm Mills & Reeve.
Poor communications at root of 57pc of law firm complaints
The 2012/13 annual report of the Legal Complaints Commission says that poor communication by lawyers is a primary cause of a 'staggering' 57% of cases.
Criminal lawyers in revolt against Law Society
Angry criminal lawyers who depend on legal aid have passed a vote of no confidence in the president and chief executive of the Law Society of England and Wales.
Jones Day exports damages-based fees to London
Jones Day has begun to trial the use of damages-based fee deals with litigation clients in its London office.
CMS Cameron makes Scottish tie-up with Dundas & Wilson
The world's tenth largest law firm, CMS Cameron McKenna, has extended its reach in Scotland by acquiring Edinburgh- and Glasgow-based Dundas & Wilson.
UK law firms could be hit by new tax rules
Law firms could be disadvantaged by provisions which take effect in April to clamp down on payments made to partners which could be seen as the 'disguised salary' of employees.
New top 25 firm created in Wragge Lawrence Graham merger
The UK firms of London-based Lawrence Graham and Wragge from Birmingham are to merge to create a 770-lawyer practice just outside the top 20.
Pressures on crime lawyers produce poor service
Criminal lawyers in the UK are likely to get more frustrated with their clients after new government cuts come into place, according to an academic.
Job losses loom at Pannone after Slater takes consumer side
Over 100 people are thought to have been issued redundancy notices at Pannone at the part of the firm which has not been acquired by Australian practice Slater & Gordon.
Non-lawyers launch venture to overhaul crime defence work
A new company looks set to make its mark on UK criminal legal services.
London lawyers criticise UK 'naming and shaming' powers on banks
As banks rush to sign up to a voluntary code of conduct in the UK, City of London lawyers have warned that there is 'great concern' over new powers to name and shame those that do not sign up.
Insurance countdown for 141 UK law firms
A total of 141 UK law firms have until the end of December to find professional indemnity insurance or to face the risk of being shut down.