Alternatives To Solicitors

A few years ago, rules were changed to allow firms of solicitors to be owned by third parties and not just the partners. The legal market is evolving and alternatives to solicitors are becoming more common. In a further extension, Legal Executives are seeking to...

Trainee Solicitor Or Stacking Shelves?

There is pressure from the Junior Lawyers Division and to protect minimum salaries of more junior workers in the legal industry, in particular trainee solicitors. From August, employers will only be required to pay trainee solicitors the national minimum wage which is...

Claims Online

Issuing claims online has been possible for a number of years through Money Claim Online and Possession Claim Online. Historically, firms of solicitors have sent claims to court in the post with cheques for court fees and they have been slow to adopt the online...

Direct Access Barristers

Barristers have for a number of years been able to take instructions directly from clients, provided they have taken the appropriate training. This is known as direct access. In a report by the Bar Council and Bar Standards Board, it is reported that one in five...

Relief From Sanctions – Mitchell Update

  Are The Rules On Relief From Sanctions To Be Relaxed? The Mitchell decision sent shockwaves through the litigation system. Failure to comply with deadlines meant cases could be severely hindered and could have huge costs implications for both litigants and...