In recent months this column has chronicled the travails, opportunities and challenges faced by our profession in 2013 and beyond. In truth, the future faced by high street firms continues to give me cause for concern. Lack of confidence in the economy, an axe-happy government and 'Tesco Law' have
The Law Society has published new guidance for solicitors planning to offer specific, lower cost legal services in contrast to full case work.
‘Unbundling’ would allow clients on a budget to handle certain elements of a case
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read a certain speech by Lord McNally.
Appearing at the Grange Holborn Hotel earlier this week, the Minister of State for Justice addressed the current state of the family justice system, as well as the government’s
It is a rare solicitor who doesn't get asked, at some point in his or her career, what it is like to represent someone whom you believe to be guilty, or to whom you have taken a passionate dislike. For family lawyers, the curiosity focuses on
Recently retired Court of Appeal judge Sir Alan Ward used one of his final cases to condemn the government’s ‘emasculation’ of legal aid.
The judge raised the issue during a judgement issued in December on a dispute between
When my husband and I remortgaged our home to open our first office in east Leeds 30 years ago, we were determined to stand out and be spotted. We printed leaflets, announcing the arrival of a new law firm. I went out and about, introducing myself to all the local businesses, banks, estate agents and shopkeepers. We
The Law Society has published a new practice note aimed at solicitors attending local authority Children Act meetings.
Solicitors attend such meetings to plan and progress care arrangements for affected
Reading the comments left on the website of the Law Gazette last week I was struck by the vast number of seriously upset and angry solicitors who are making the same general point. They complain that we are the most over regulated profession in business today.
When you find yourself on the other side of that desk, it makes for an enlightening experience.
There was more solicitor-bashing this week with the release of a Legal Ombudsman (LO) report that states solicitors should treat clients “more commercially.” It suggests that solicitors should give clearer costs information and should stop using “legal” words such as “fees” and “disbursements”.
The Bar Standards Board is considering making it easier for people to instruct barristers directly. Barristers are being brought into closer competition with solicitors, but it doesn’t make much sense to me.
This is a slightly expanded version of my latest post for The Times, which appears on The Experts blog today. It has now been more than a year since the landmark Court of Appeal judgment in the case of Imerman v Tchenguiz. The decision, condemned …
The Times reports that radical reform of the selection of judges is needed to break the stranglehold of white Oxbridge males at the top of the judiciary. The report notes that in the past ten years, not a single solicitor has been appointed directly to the High Court.
Marilyn Stowe I chuckled when I read that the Bar Standards Board has given its approval to removing the prohibition on barristers conducting litigation work. If barristers offer litigation services, competing alongside solicitors, I think …
This is a slightly expanded version of my latest Family Business column in Solicitors Journal. Maybe Baby Even a working mum feels the pang of fear when an employee starts a family, confesses Marilyn Stowe It begins with a glowing, beaming, …
As noted in my previous post about Hildebrand Documents, the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal in the Marco Pierre White case alarmed me. I would like to look at the judgment in detail. I must warn you in advance: this is a lengthy post. However …
Divorce & Splitting Up by Marilyn Stowe is the essential how-to book for anyone who is getting divorced or splitting up from a partner. Read more >>
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Marilyn Stowe is the Senior Partner at Stowe Family Law LLP. Stowe Family Law LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA ref 469401. Stowe Family Law LLP is registered with Companies House, ref. 331570, and registered for VAT, number 918 5722 04. A list of members is available for inspection at our Harrogate office.
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