header-logo header-logo

Resolution or revolution? (2)

14 October 2011 / David Greene
Issue: 7485 / Categories: Opinion , Legal services
printer mail-detail

David Greene predicts how the profession will respond to (& survive) the law’s “Big Bang”

Last week saw the formal introduction of alternative business structures (ABSs) with elements of the press referring to it as law’s “Big Bang”. While some commentators have made much of the proposed changes—a headline in The Times this week suggests the changes will “spell the end for thousands of solicitors”, (10 October) the process seems set to progress more as accrual than large explosions. For many litigators the ABS revolution may be more of a sideshow as they attempt to manage the Jackson reforms and the swathe of satellite litigation that will follow. History tells us that solicitors are adept at working with change, but what are the specfic challenges they face and how might they respond?

ATE

If there is one element of the Jackson package which causes them a problem it is the non-recovery of the ATE premium. The problem is deepened by the current debate on “Qualified One Way Cost Shifting” (QOCS). Jackson’s idea

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

Muckle LLP—Rachael Chapman

Muckle LLP—Rachael Chapman

Sports, education and charities practice welcomes senior associate

Ellisons—Carla Jones

Ellisons—Carla Jones

Partner and head of commercial litigation joins in Chelmsford

Freeths—Louise Mahon

Freeths—Louise Mahon

Firm strengthens Glasgow corporate practice with partner hire

NEWS
One in five in-house lawyers suffer ‘high’ or ‘severe’ work-related stress, according to a report by global legal body, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)
The Legal Ombudsman’s (LeO’s) plea for a budget increase has been rejected by the Law Society and accepted only ‘with reluctance’ by conveyancers
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
back-to-top-scroll