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05 February 2014 / Simon Love
Issue: 7593 / Categories: Features , Regulatory
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Mind your step

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Simon Love provides a warning to firms facing financial difficulty

A year ago, the failure of a law firm was virtually unheard of. That sort of thing simply didn’t happen to solicitors. However, a number of high profile failures have made it clear that the solicitors’ profession is not immune to the prevailing harsh economic conditions. Following the intervention by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) into Follett Stock LLP in November 2013, Helen Herniman, the SRA’s Director of Client Protection, said: “The legal services market is facing a tough economic environment and other firms may find they are in a similar position. We’d urge all those who may be struggling financially to get in touch as soon as possible with either ourselves at the SRA, or other organisations that can offer advice such as their local Law Society.”

Why are more law firms at risk of insolvency?

It is undoubtedly the case that the solicitors market is having to face up to historic challenges on every front. All firms are grappling with the fact

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Thackray Williams—Lucy Zhu

Thackray Williams—Lucy Zhu

Dual-qualified partner joins as head of commercial property department

Morgan Lewis—David A. McManus

Morgan Lewis—David A. McManus

Firm announces appointment of next chair

Burges Salmon—Rebecca Wilsker

Burges Salmon—Rebecca Wilsker

Director joins corporate team from the US

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When an ex-couple is deciding who gets what in the divorce or civil partnership dissolution, when is it appropriate for a third party to intervene? David Burrows, NLJ columnist and solicitor advocate, considers this thorny issue in this week’s NLJ
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