City firm Olswang has pledged to cut its carbon emissions by 10% in 2010 as part of a new environmental campaign. The 10:10 campaign, launched last week, was set up ahead of December’s climate change talks in Copenhagen. Olswang, the only law firm among the founding members of the campaign, also provided pro bono advice.

Society attacks MoJ cutsThe Law Society has called on the Ministry of Justice to clarify its ‘incoherent’ and ‘deeply flawed’ consultation on criminal legal aid cuts.

Chamber starts workThe General Regulatory Chamber, a first-tier tribunal in the new unified tribunals structure, opened this month to deal with disputes formally heard by the charity, estate agents and consumer credit appeals tribunals. Five other tribunals, including the Information Tribunal, will move across next year.

Excellence awards recordThe Law Society has received a ‘record number’ of entries for this year’s Excellence Awards, which will be presented on 22 October. Meanwhile, places are still available for its two-day human rights symposium in Colchester, beginning on Friday 11 September.

PII helpline launchedThe Law Society has launched a dedicated helpline to assist firms in the run up to the professional indemnity insurance renewal deadline. The service will provide information to firms experiencing difficulty obtaining quotes and answer other indemnity-related questions, tel 020 7320 9545. The Society has also launched a guide to buying indemnity insurance together with the Association of British Insurers and the British Insurance Brokers Association.

Divorce online increaseDivorce online, which offers low-price uncontested divorces, has taken a 5% share of the divorce market, up from 3.5% in 2007.

In-house trainingThe College of Law has launched a new study route for the professional skills element of the training contract, aimed specifically at in-house trainee lawyers. The ‘client care and professional standards’ core module is designed for trainees working in commercial organisations and will give training on how the code of conduct applies to the in-house role.

Berwin defers distributionCity firm SJ Berwin held back its normal quarterly distribution of profits to partners in May and August this year, citing the need for additional short-term funding. Partners have been paid their standard monthly drawings. Interim managing partner Rob Day said slowing distribution payments was better than increased bank borrowing, and partners would eventually be paid what they are due.

Top rankings for adviceMagic circle firms Linklaters and Slaughter and May each advise 25 FTSE 100 clients – more than any other firm, according to the latest rankings from investment adviser Hemscott.