Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Post magazine - 28 June 2012
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SRA boosts ranks as ABS demands outstrip forecast
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has urged companies interested in converting to an alternative business structure to contact them before setting out business plans, after being flooded by expressions of interest.
Personal injury firms feel pinch as pressure to consolidate intensifies
The sudden demise of Manchester-based personal injury law firm Donns, with ongoing cases sold on and all staff made redundant, has been hailed as a portent of market shake-up and consolidation, with other firms set to be swallowed up.
Legal boss airs concern as first three ABSs are revealed
Spencers Solicitors director John Spencer has responded to the identity of the first three alternative business structures licensed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority by raising concerns over the impending referral fee ban.
Abbey to buy law firm on ABS go-ahead
Abbey Legal managing director Chris Ward, pictured, has said the insurer will buy a stake in a law firm as soon as the Solicitors Regulation Authority gives the green light to its Alternative Business Structure application.
Quindell recruits CGU/NU IT merger expert
Acquisitive Quindell Portfolio has appointed the man who oversaw the GA/CGU/Norwich union IT integration, Dave Peffer, to bring together its recent purchases into a single service.
Journey through the dark: the effect of ABS on solicitors' professional indemnity business
The effect of the arrival of alternative business structures on solicitors' professional indemnity business remains unclear, with no indication of what's at the end of the tunnel.
Quindell integrates claims firms
Insurance outsourcing firm Quindell Portfolio has appointed Gillian Baker to a newly formed strategy and integration advisory board for all its claims businesses.
SRA receives 121 ABS applications
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has revealed it has received 121 Stage 1 applications from organisations wanting to be regulated as an alternative business structure.
BT Claims to serve insurers and brokers
Telecoms firm BT's in-house claims arm has applied to the Solicitors Regulation Authority to become an alternative business structure, with plans to offer services to insurers and brokers.
Market fears for unintended consequences as first ABS approval nears
The first alternative business structure could be greenlighted as early as next week.
Law firms' ABS will lead to M&A activity
Alternative business structures that allow non-lawyers to control and own law firms will result in a frenzy of mergers and takeovers, according to the latest Insurance Market Update from Deloitte.
Legal expenses insurer DAS returns to profit and applies to SRA to buy a law firm
DAS has reported that it increased gross written premiums by 16% in 2011, returning a pre-tax profit of £9.7m compared with losses the previous year.
Editor's comment: Speculation turns into action
The chatter around ‘Tesco Law’, alternative business structures and law firm consolidation appears to be getting louder each week as another eye-opening deal is unveiled to the media.
Private equity: Parabis secures Duke Street backing as links are made to prospective ABS bid
Duke Street takes a majority stake in the Parabis Group, opening the way to achieve ABS status
ABS applications to the SRA at 96 and counting
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has today revealed that the number of firms which have officially requested to be licensed as alternative business structures has almost reached the 100 mark.
Quindell to add to Silverbeck ABS deal
Quindell is set to announce purchases and partnering arrangements to add to its alternative business structure deal with law firm Silverbeck Rymer.
Law firm sale hinges on SRA approval
Solicitors Regulation Authority approval is required before one of the first law firm takeovers can go ahead.
Travelers launches new PI products
Travelers has launched a new professional indemnity product offering aimed at the publishing and general media sectors.
Legal groups to fight Travelers PI refusal
The Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority are to take on insurer Travelers over its aggregating of fraud claims and subsequent capping of a solicitors’ professional indemnity insurance policy.
Solicitors reminded of responsibilities in PPI cases
Solicitors have been reminded of their responsibilities by the Solicitors Regulation Authority when canvassing for clients that want help with claiming for mis-sold payment protection insurance.