Leasehold reforms

A fixed-costs regime and single tribunal to deal with leasehold disputes are among Law Commission proposals to make the home ownership process fairer. The consultation closes on 20 November. 

Co-op number one

ABS pioneer Co-operative Legal Services is now the largest provider of probate services in the UK, the business announced. It posted a half-year profit of £800,000 – up from £200,000 in the same period in 2017.

Arrests warranted

The Court of Justice of the European Union told Ireland’s High Court that the UK’s decision to leave the EU is not sufficient reason for refusing to execute European arrest warrants. 

Joint panel win

London-based public law firm Sharpe Pritchard has been appointed to the £130m Crown Commercial Service full-service panel following a joint bid with commercial firm Howes Percival. 

Poland suspended

The General Council of the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary agreed to suspend the membership of the Polish National Judicial Council after the country refused to back down over a new law which critics say will politicise the judiciary.

Missing clients

Law firms risk missing out on business because they fail to properly handle incoming calls and emails, mystery shopper research has found.