header-logo header-logo

Grasping the nettle

25 January 2007 / Desmond Hudson , Desmond Hudson
Issue: 7257 / Categories: Features , Profession
printer mail-detail

Des Hudson explains why firms need to meet the challenge of modern client expectations head on

It is always difficult to spot seminal points of change when embroiled in them, and generally it’s best to avoid forecasts. That said, 2007 is likely to prove to be one of the most important years in recent history for our profession and for the Law Society—primarily because the Legal Services Bill will complete its passage through Parliament.

By the end of this month the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) and the Legal Complaints Service (LCS) will have been launched. This is an important step on the road to modernising the profession. The SRA will deal with all regulatory and disciplinary matters, and set, monitor and enforce standards for solicitors. Formerly known as the Law Society Regulation Board, it acts solely in the public interest. The LCS is for members of the public wishing to make a complaint about solicitors. This independent and impartial body will work with solicitors to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently, before the

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll