Minster expansion

Yorkshire-based PI specialist Minster Law is expanding into London with a new 30-strong team. This follows it acquisition by the BGL Group, owner of price comparison site Compare the Market.

Society in cyber drive

Government standards on cyber security will be relevant to law firms of all sizes, the Law Society said. It is contributing to the development of a standard, which it will encourage firms to adopt.

Layton takes over at CC

Magic circle firm Clifford Chance has elected corporate head Matthew Layton as global managing partner. Layton will replace outgoing managing partner David Childs, who served eight years in the role, next year.

Student registration abolished

Students enrolling on a legal practice course next September will no longer have to pay the Solicitors Regulation Authority an £80 fee if a proposal to end the registration requirement is approved after consultation.

Scottish fear cuts

Four out of five Scots fear Scottish government cuts to legal aid will hit the poorest in society, according to new independent polling published by the Law Society of Scotland. The Ipsos MORI research was published before an expected Holyrood consultation on the possible introduction of contracting in criminal legal aid north of the border.

Interventions overspend

The Solicitors Regulation Authority announced its overspend on interventions in 2012/13 amounted to £4m, of which around half was paid for through savings made by the regulator and half directly through fee contributions.

New HQ

Personal injury firm Asons has announced plans to build a new £7m headquarters in Bolton, Greater Manchester. The four-storey building will be built to accommodate up to 500 staff – almost double the number that Asons currently employs.

Right to a fair trial

The European Commission has published draft directives that would strengthen safeguards to guarantee fair trial rights. They strengthen the presumption of innocence; introduce special safeguards for children involved in criminal proceedings; and ensure all those suspected or accused of crimes have the right to legal aid.

 

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