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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

Shakespeare Martineau—David Vaughan

Shakespeare Martineau—David Vaughan

Shakespeare Martineau appoints new London office head as firm continues investment in capital

Browne Jacobson—Kevin Moore

Browne Jacobson—Kevin Moore

Browne Jacobson strengthens All-Island life sciences platform with appointment of leading Galway MedTech lawyer

Clarke Willmott—Latitude Law

Clarke Willmott—Latitude Law

National law firm strengthens commercial offering with acquisition of leading immigration practice

NEWS
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The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners
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