Although the prices of legal services continue to rise, consumers can benefit from more legal services being offered remotely and pricing becoming more transparent, as shown by new research from the Legal Services Board (LSB). The LSB’s survey of the prices of individual legal services in England and Wales looks at commonly-used legal services –…
Read More legal services offered remotely, but prices continuing to increase
Not every Board meeting involves momentous decisions; some are just as important for the steady guidance they provide to our ongoing work. Our June meeting was very much about making sure that key projects are progressing in the right direction and that our governance obligations are met. We began by reviewing a draft of our…
An independent review of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) actions before it closed law firm Axiom Ince Limited has led the Legal Services Board (LSB) to take enforcement action against the SRA. The LSB has issued binding directions to avoid a repeat of the regulatory failures identified. These directions are designed to ensure that the SRA…
Read LSB orders SRA actions after £60m client money loss at Axiom Ince
We began our April meeting with a presentation from Michael Stych, the CEO of Contend Legal. This is an AI-powered chatbot service that provides information in response to users’ legal questions. Although Contend Legal operates in an unregulated area, not within the LSB’s oversight, we conduct research into unregulated providers and consider their impact on…
Read Chair’s blog: addressing today’s challenges, embracing tomorrow’s opportunities
In its business plan for 2025/26, published today, the Legal Services Board (LSB) has outlined its priorities, which aim at improving outcomes for consumers and the public. These priorities include work to improve ethical standards within the profession, as well as work to protect the public from risks emerging from market developments. Alongside its policy…
As the interim Chair of the LSB, it is my pleasure to report on our board meeting on 25 March, as well as other recent events. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate my fellow Board member, Flora Page KC, who has recently taken silk. LSB business plan and budget for 2025/26…
The two largest legal regulators in England and Wales have fallen short of expected standards, according to the latest annual performance assessment published today by the Legal Services Board (LSB). The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar Standards Board (BSB) together regulate more than 90% of legal professionals in England and Wales. Both failed to…
Read Major legal regulators fall short in latest performance assessment
New regulatory measures to strengthen ethical standards in the legal sector have been proposed today, to initiate a significant shift in how lawyers’ ethics are taught, overseen and supported in workplaces. The Legal Services Board (LSB) is seeking views on how regulators support lawyers to fully understand and uphold their ethical duties throughout their careers….
Read New regulatory proposals to strengthen lawyers’ ethical standards
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has provided written evidence to the review of litigation funding by the Civil Justice Council (CJC). Our response draws on a number of sources including the LSB’s own literature review of litigation funding, which was published in 2024, and the potential it identifies to improve access to justice. We note that this…
The Chair of the Legal Services Board (LSB), Alan Kershaw, has notified the Lord Chancellor that he stands down from his role this week, citing personal considerations. LSB Chief Executive Craig Westwood said: “Alan leaves with our gratitude for the leadership he has provided during his time as Chair of the LSB. He has brought…
The Legal Services Board (LSB) today announces the appointment of Michael Mack to the Legal Services Consumer Panel (LSCP). Michael will take up his appointment from 1 April 2025 for an initial three-year term. Alan Kershaw, Chair of the LSB, said: ‘I would like to congratulate Michael on his appointment. His experience, particularly in helping…
Read LSB confirms appointment of new member of the Legal Services Consumer Panel
Our first Board meeting of 2025 took place on Tuesday 21 January. It was a pleasure to be joined by our new Board Apprentice for this year, Liz Marshall. We had two substantive items to discuss: first, the LSB’s approach to regulatory oversight; and second, a draft policy statement about professional ethics and the rule…
Read Chair’s blog: regulatory oversight and professional ethics in focus
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