Qatar mission
The Law Society is to send a trade mission to Qatar to highlight the country’s strength amid other Middle East business hubs. Alison Hook, head of international, said opportunities exist in the energy, construction, maritime, education, tourism and telecommunications sectors, among others. The mission will take place between 31 May and 4 June. More information at international.lawsociety.org.uk/ip/Africa.
Intel to fight record fine
Microchip giant Intel has said it will appeal a record €1.06bn (£950m) fine for alleged anti-competitive business practices. The European Commission levied the penalty after finding that the company gave rebates to computer makers for using its chips, and paid stores to stock only computers containing Intel chips. Neelie Kroes, European commissioner for competition, said there had been a ‘serious and sustained violation’ of antitrust rules’.
Bribes ‘appeal to firms’
A quarter (25%) of European companies believe it is acceptable to give a cash bribe to win work, according to the European Fraud Survey by accountants Ernst & Young, while 13% of senior managers said that distorting their company’s financial performance was justifiable to survive the recession.
Nicholson joins commission
Slaughter and May partner and competition specialist Malcolm Nicholson has joined the Competition Commission as a reporting panel member for the next eight years. The commission, which investigates mergers, markets and major industry, has 45 panel members.
ABS licences in 2011
Licences for alternative business structures will be available from mid-2011, the Legal Services Board said. In a discussion paper on how they will be regulated, the board warned that it will license ABSs directly if existing regulators fail to put in place appropriate regimes. A ‘high-level ABS implementation group’ will ensure implementation is kept on track.
Shah joins QC panel
Razi Shah, a partner at Windsor firm Appleby Shaw, has been appointed a solicitor member of the QC appointments selection panel. Sir Colin Budd, former ambassador to the Netherlands and Helen Pitcher, chief executive and deputy chair of executive advisory firm IDDAS have been appointed as lay members.
Goods refund backing
The right to a refund for faulty goods enjoys ‘widespread support’ among consumers, a Law Commission and Scottish Law Commission study has found. It was consulting on a proposed European Commission directive that questions the need to retain UK consumers’ rights to reject faulty goods provided they act within a reasonable time.
APIL backs MP motion
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has welcomed Halifax MP Linda Riordan’s early day motion calling for regulation to stamp out ‘third party capture’ of accident victims. Denise Kitchener, the association’s chief executive, said high-pressure tactics force injured people to settle claims ‘for thousands of pounds less than they are worth.’
Indemnity for charity cash
Firms donating unclaimed client money to the Law Society Charity now enjoy indemnity for sums over the previous limit of £50. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has agreed that unlimited donations will be protected if a client asks for the money back. The change is part of the charity’s transition to a more active fundraising role.
Task force to monitor abuse
A government task force has been set up to spot early signs of domestic violence and abuse experienced by women and girls. One in three women are victims of domestic violence at some time in their lives, Health Secretary Alan Johnson said.
Push for immigration clarity
The Law Society has launched a scheme to help law firms overcome confusion around tier-5 immigration rules and continue recruiting the best legal talent from the global market. Some 40 national and international law firms have said they are interested in joining the scheme. To register interest, email: tier5@lawsociety.org.uk.
AWS unveils business gong
The Association of Women Solicitors has announced a new award scheme to celebrate women solicitors in business. The awards are the brainchild of new AWS chairwoman, Clare McConnell. McConnell, a partner at Stephenson Harwood, said: ‘Equipped with the correct business skills and training, women lawyers will continue to rise and move closer to eradicating under-representation of women solicitors in positions of responsibility.’
