Legal Business Awards
Its that time of the year again. Where the country's leading legal movers
and shakers blow the dust off their diner jackets and cocktail dresses and
get ready to hit the town. Yes it's time for the Legal Business Awards. The
Legal Business Awards are the Oscars of UKs legal world, the highlight of
the legal calendar. For a little taster of the event click on the link
below.
http://awards.legalbusiness.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=
6990&Itemid=593
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
"Children's Rights Vs Press Freedom - Who Wins?"
"Children's Rights Vs Press Freedom - Who Wins?"
Eventy is pleased to be helping Quarriers to organise a
conference taking place on 11th November focussing upon
"Children's Rights Vs Press Freedom - Who Wins?". It is a
national conference taking place at the Forum in Bath and
there has already been a great deal of interest in the
event from both the public and the media.
The media provides the majority of the public with their
window on the world. It is their source of news,
information, gossip, debate and education. The media also
has enormous responsibility in balancing entertainment
and/or the public right to know with social health
and protection for the vulnerable. Where is the correct
balance between the rights of children and the freedom of
the press? All of the debates will have the opportunity
for the audience to participate and question speakers. A
final question and answer session will pull the conference
together with recommendations and future action proposed.
We are delighted that the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP will be
joining us as a key note speaker, along with Lynn Geldof,
European Regional Communications Advisor for UNICEF.
Martin Bell - Broadcaster & previously MP for
Tatton, Cheshire - will be hosting our final Q+A session of
the day. There are also a range of organisations involved
ranging from the UK Youth Parliament and Children's Express
to CAFCASS, the British Association of Social Workers
and the Voice of the Listener and Viewer. Delegates will
come from a range of professions and services from
solicitors and charities to social care and press offices.
Eventy is pleased to be helping Quarriers to organise a
conference taking place on 11th November focussing upon
"Children's Rights Vs Press Freedom - Who Wins?". It is a
national conference taking place at the Forum in Bath and
there has already been a great deal of interest in the
event from both the public and the media.
The media provides the majority of the public with their
window on the world. It is their source of news,
information, gossip, debate and education. The media also
has enormous responsibility in balancing entertainment
and/or the public right to know with social health
and protection for the vulnerable. Where is the correct
balance between the rights of children and the freedom of
the press? All of the debates will have the opportunity
for the audience to participate and question speakers. A
final question and answer session will pull the conference
together with recommendations and future action proposed.
We are delighted that the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP will be
joining us as a key note speaker, along with Lynn Geldof,
European Regional Communications Advisor for UNICEF.
Martin Bell - Broadcaster & previously MP for
Tatton, Cheshire - will be hosting our final Q+A session of
the day. There are also a range of organisations involved
ranging from the UK Youth Parliament and Children's Express
to CAFCASS, the British Association of Social Workers
and the Voice of the Listener and Viewer. Delegates will
come from a range of professions and services from
solicitors and charities to social care and press offices.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
New heights in online advertising
New heights in online advertising
31/10/2005 onrec.com
The latest IAB (Internet Advertising Bureau) findings show that value of online advertising revenue this year in the UK is set to top £1billion, for the first time.
The findings have been lauded by CEO of the online job-board Yngve Traberg, which recently launched a ground-breaking new website, and looks set to ride the rising tide of online advertising success.
Traberg said: “With the number of online users available, it has now become paramount for companies to have a coherent online advertising strategy. For the job market in particular, the Internet is a powerful tool for making the right connection between employers and would be employees. Clearly the more experienced people are in using the Internet, the faster they will be able to take up the opportunities it provides. Consequently the number of candidates who look at the Internet as their primary source of new career opportunities will increase, as online advertising has.”
The IAB findings, which have been produced in conjunction with the World Advertising Center and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, have highlighted a rise of 62 per cent in online advertising to £490million for the first half of 2005, while in comparison, overall advertising rose by just three per cent.
The findings pinpoint the rise in the number of broadband Internet connections as the reason behind the revenue increase. "The growth in online advertising is showing no sign of slowing down," said Paul Pilkington, from PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
"The Internet is an exceptional medium in that it now acts as a source of entertainment, information and communication for the majority of the
UK population.
"Advertisers are realising this and allocating their budgets accordingly.”
These half-year figures have prompted the IAB to predict online advertising revenue to surpass the £1bn mark.
This it the first time that online advertising has achieved growth above billboard advertising, and with the first-half figures higher than the entire revenue for 2003, showing no signs of change, the online future is looking bright.
31/10/2005 onrec.com
The latest IAB (Internet Advertising Bureau) findings show that value of online advertising revenue this year in the UK is set to top £1billion, for the first time.
The findings have been lauded by CEO of the online job-board Yngve Traberg, which recently launched a ground-breaking new website, and looks set to ride the rising tide of online advertising success.
Traberg said: “With the number of online users available, it has now become paramount for companies to have a coherent online advertising strategy. For the job market in particular, the Internet is a powerful tool for making the right connection between employers and would be employees. Clearly the more experienced people are in using the Internet, the faster they will be able to take up the opportunities it provides. Consequently the number of candidates who look at the Internet as their primary source of new career opportunities will increase, as online advertising has.”
The IAB findings, which have been produced in conjunction with the World Advertising Center and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, have highlighted a rise of 62 per cent in online advertising to £490million for the first half of 2005, while in comparison, overall advertising rose by just three per cent.
The findings pinpoint the rise in the number of broadband Internet connections as the reason behind the revenue increase. "The growth in online advertising is showing no sign of slowing down," said Paul Pilkington, from PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
"The Internet is an exceptional medium in that it now acts as a source of entertainment, information and communication for the majority of the
UK population.
"Advertisers are realising this and allocating their budgets accordingly.”
These half-year figures have prompted the IAB to predict online advertising revenue to surpass the £1bn mark.
This it the first time that online advertising has achieved growth above billboard advertising, and with the first-half figures higher than the entire revenue for 2003, showing no signs of change, the online future is looking bright.
Online Recruitment Survey
Article from on-rec - thought would make an interesting read.
A recent survey by the IRS Employment Review has revealed that online recruitment is now the norm for two-thirds of organisations.
According to the survey, in the past year online recruitment methods have gained credibility and are more popular than ever with the ever-increasing number of University graduates.
Submitting a CV online is now the most popular method off applying for a job, and is used by two-thirds of employers. Only 40% of companies are using the traditional paper application form.
The success of the Weybridge-based, award-winning online job board, ClickAJob.co.uk reflects this trend.
Yngve Traberg, ClickAJob CEO, said: "More and more people now have access to the Internet anywhere and at any time. This makes job-hunting a 24/7 business. People can find a suitable job online and then apply for it there and then."
www.irsemploymentreview.com
A recent survey by the IRS Employment Review has revealed that online recruitment is now the norm for two-thirds of organisations.
According to the survey, in the past year online recruitment methods have gained credibility and are more popular than ever with the ever-increasing number of University graduates.
Submitting a CV online is now the most popular method off applying for a job, and is used by two-thirds of employers. Only 40% of companies are using the traditional paper application form.
The success of the Weybridge-based, award-winning online job board, ClickAJob.co.uk reflects this trend.
Yngve Traberg, ClickAJob CEO, said: "More and more people now have access to the Internet anywhere and at any time. This makes job-hunting a 24/7 business. People can find a suitable job online and then apply for it there and then."
www.irsemploymentreview.com
WEST COUNTRY COMPANY CHALLENGES WEBSITE TOP SLOT
WEST COUNTRY COMPANY CHALLENGES WEBSITE TOP SLOT
A WEST COUNTRY company which started from scratch just 18 months ago is celebrating new figures showing it has become the UK’s second most popular legal recruitment website.
Managing director Michelle Jones founded simplylawjobs.com in April 2004, initially trading from her bedroom. She only moved into serviced offices in Bath and took on an additional member of staff six months ago.
Now the site, which currently carries more than 5,000 vacancies at every level in the legal sector, has fought off fierce competition to become the UK’s second biggest law jobs website.
It registered 142,200 visitor sessions in the 30 days to October 31, more than 20,000 ahead of its closest rival and just 24,000 behind the long-established marketleader.
"I am thrilled. These are very encouraging figures which more than justify the blood, sweat and tears – and sheer hard work - of establishing a business in what has to be one of the most competitive sectors in which to work," said Michelle, 33.
"Amazingly simplylawjobs.com has gone from nothing to among the 50,000 most visited websites in the world in the space of just 18 months.
"With the site’s increasing popularity, it can only be a matter of time before we are officially the market leader," she added.
Vacancies on simplylawjobs.com, which range from receptionists to senior partners, are accessed by a fast search facility according to location, area of law and salary.
According to Michelle, one of the main reasons why simplylawjobs.com has proved such a hit with users is that it concentrates on legal vacancies in the regions instead of taking a ‘Londoncentric’ approach.
Editor’s Note: The source for the number of visitor sessions quoted above is metricsmarket.com, the internet competitor intelligence reporting company.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Jones, Managing Director, simplylawjobs.com
Tel: 0870 766 7650
A WEST COUNTRY company which started from scratch just 18 months ago is celebrating new figures showing it has become the UK’s second most popular legal recruitment website.
Managing director Michelle Jones founded simplylawjobs.com in April 2004, initially trading from her bedroom. She only moved into serviced offices in Bath and took on an additional member of staff six months ago.
Now the site, which currently carries more than 5,000 vacancies at every level in the legal sector, has fought off fierce competition to become the UK’s second biggest law jobs website.
It registered 142,200 visitor sessions in the 30 days to October 31, more than 20,000 ahead of its closest rival and just 24,000 behind the long-established marketleader.
"I am thrilled. These are very encouraging figures which more than justify the blood, sweat and tears – and sheer hard work - of establishing a business in what has to be one of the most competitive sectors in which to work," said Michelle, 33.
"Amazingly simplylawjobs.com has gone from nothing to among the 50,000 most visited websites in the world in the space of just 18 months.
"With the site’s increasing popularity, it can only be a matter of time before we are officially the market leader," she added.
Vacancies on simplylawjobs.com, which range from receptionists to senior partners, are accessed by a fast search facility according to location, area of law and salary.
According to Michelle, one of the main reasons why simplylawjobs.com has proved such a hit with users is that it concentrates on legal vacancies in the regions instead of taking a ‘Londoncentric’ approach.
Editor’s Note: The source for the number of visitor sessions quoted above is metricsmarket.com, the internet competitor intelligence reporting company.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Jones, Managing Director, simplylawjobs.com
Tel: 0870 766 7650
Monday, July 25, 2005
Practical Personal Injury Law Conference
Legalease Conferences, in association with the Personal Injury Law Journal, The Practical Lawyer and www.simplylawjobs.com, has a major conference addressing the most pressing issues for personal injury law practitioners. This will be held on 26th September in London and will offer practical advice on:
After-the-Event Insurance: the Solicitor as Insurer
How success fees are assessed in Practice
A tactical approach to CRU and Part 36 offers
Periodical payments – practical solutions
Low velocity impacts
Part 36 and Split orders for Costs
Causation after Gregg V Scott and Chester v Afshar
How to use the JSB guidelines
Speakers include:
Matthew Avery, Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre
Sue Bence, Leigh, Day & Co Solicitors
Hugh Hamill, 12 Kings Bench Walk
Peter Hawort, Deputy Master, Supreme Court Costs Office
Roger Mallalieu, Hailsham Chambers
Nick Martin, Nestor Partnership
Julian Matthews, 7 Bedford Row
Michael Tillet QC, 39 Essex Street
To book your place please follow this link: www.legalease.co.uk/conferences.htm or email conferences@legalease.co.uk
After-the-Event Insurance: the Solicitor as Insurer
How success fees are assessed in Practice
A tactical approach to CRU and Part 36 offers
Periodical payments – practical solutions
Low velocity impacts
Part 36 and Split orders for Costs
Causation after Gregg V Scott and Chester v Afshar
How to use the JSB guidelines
Speakers include:
Matthew Avery, Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre
Sue Bence, Leigh, Day & Co Solicitors
Hugh Hamill, 12 Kings Bench Walk
Peter Hawort, Deputy Master, Supreme Court Costs Office
Roger Mallalieu, Hailsham Chambers
Nick Martin, Nestor Partnership
Julian Matthews, 7 Bedford Row
Michael Tillet QC, 39 Essex Street
To book your place please follow this link: www.legalease.co.uk/conferences.htm or email conferences@legalease.co.uk
Monday, July 04, 2005
UK Recruiter Website
www.ukrecruiter.co.uk is the most comprehensive source of independent information for the UK recruiter and recruitment researcher.
It has links to recruitment industry suppliers:
· UK job boards
· CV databases
· recruitment software
· web design
· rec to rec companies
· recruitment training
· PR + marketing
· directories of recruiters
· recruitment research
· advertising agencies
· professional bodies
· magazines
· salary surveys
· multiple job posting
· IT/internet solutions
· financial + legal
· testing
· books and videos
· other services
· international
The site also includes a discussion forum, news & events, job seeker information and a free newsletter. Take a look. www.simplylawjobs.com is listed in the directory.
It has links to recruitment industry suppliers:
· UK job boards
· CV databases
· recruitment software
· web design
· rec to rec companies
· recruitment training
· PR + marketing
· directories of recruiters
· recruitment research
· advertising agencies
· professional bodies
· magazines
· salary surveys
· multiple job posting
· IT/internet solutions
· financial + legal
· testing
· books and videos
· other services
· international
The site also includes a discussion forum, news & events, job seeker information and a free newsletter. Take a look. www.simplylawjobs.com is listed in the directory.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
http://www.solicitorsinstitute.co.uk/
A great site with info to help you grow your legal practice whether you are a sole practitioner, multi partner or a multi-national law firm. Have a look around the web site and see all the profitable business development resources that are available to you. You can also register for a free newsletter - "Solicitors Marketing Tips".
Monday, June 06, 2005
Property Conveyancer - Trowbridge
Property Conveyancer - Trowbridge - to £30,000k circa/(dependant on experience) + benefits Urgent!!! Due to current expansion, our client leading solicitors firm based in Trowbridge is currently recruiting for Property Conveyancer. You will be at least one year admitted as a Solicitor or an experienced Legal Executive mainly dealing with Residential Conveyancing and Remorgage work. The succesful applicant will be capable of dealing with volume work and be computer literate. Experience of working with Case Managment software is essential. In return, our client can offer you excellent career progression and above average renumeration package for the right applicant.
To apply please visit www.simplylawjobs.com
To apply please visit www.simplylawjobs.com
Saturday, May 21, 2005
venables.co.uk
http://www.venables.co.uk
One of the best legal resource sites covering the UK and Ireland, anything from advice, law schools, news, articles, a job ..... make this a starting point & you wont be disappointed.
One of the best legal resource sites covering the UK and Ireland, anything from advice, law schools, news, articles, a job ..... make this a starting point & you wont be disappointed.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Press Release May 2005
Simply Record Breaking!
Michelle Jones, MD of www.simplylawjobs.com has a lot to shout about. After celebrating her 1st year in business with what is now one of the UKs leading on-line legal job-boards, she records the best ever number of applications sent through the site in April 2005. A 43% increase on the previous 3-month average.
An analysis of competitor organizations conducted via www.metricsmarket.com (internet intelligence reporting tools), puts Simply Law Jobs at the forefront of other online legal jobs-boards.
“We are delighted to announce that in the last 30 days our website www.simplylawjobs.com has experienced 160,000 visitor sessions, with our main competitor lagging behind with c60,000 less sessions. Go to Metrics Market and see for yourself. It is a very simple and easy tool to use and you can monitor the job-boards that you currently work with,” says Michelle.
Simply Law Jobs are totally committed to providing a highly cost effective solution to Legal Recruiters. To demonstrate this commitment they are pleased to make potential clients aware of some of their more recent ‘alliances’ formed to attract legal professionals from across the UK.
· Annual sponsorship of The Practical Lawyer, along with insertions of marketing materials (c6,000 copies, ten times a year).
· Full page profile in new Legal 500 (25,000 copies, annually).
· Rotating banner advert on Legal500.com (also in Lexontheweb) (millions of viewers each year).
· Full page advert in the In-House Lawyer (5,500 copies, ten times a year).
· Advert in Legal Business (9,000 copies, ten times a year).
· Sponsorship of numerous conferences (name on all fliers and promotional materials; distribution of materials to all delegates). This is in the Region of 100,000+ fliers/mailings a year.
· Sponsorship of six major Law Journals (over 100,000 copies a year).
· Doubling 'on-line' budget 'pay per click' campaigns.
This is in addition to their already varied marketing plan – so it looks like a busy year ahead for applications to our client advertisers. For further information, do contact Michelle direct on 0870 766 7650.
Michelle Jones, MD of www.simplylawjobs.com has a lot to shout about. After celebrating her 1st year in business with what is now one of the UKs leading on-line legal job-boards, she records the best ever number of applications sent through the site in April 2005. A 43% increase on the previous 3-month average.
An analysis of competitor organizations conducted via www.metricsmarket.com (internet intelligence reporting tools), puts Simply Law Jobs at the forefront of other online legal jobs-boards.
“We are delighted to announce that in the last 30 days our website www.simplylawjobs.com has experienced 160,000 visitor sessions, with our main competitor lagging behind with c60,000 less sessions. Go to Metrics Market and see for yourself. It is a very simple and easy tool to use and you can monitor the job-boards that you currently work with,” says Michelle.
Simply Law Jobs are totally committed to providing a highly cost effective solution to Legal Recruiters. To demonstrate this commitment they are pleased to make potential clients aware of some of their more recent ‘alliances’ formed to attract legal professionals from across the UK.
· Annual sponsorship of The Practical Lawyer, along with insertions of marketing materials (c6,000 copies, ten times a year).
· Full page profile in new Legal 500 (25,000 copies, annually).
· Rotating banner advert on Legal500.com (also in Lexontheweb) (millions of viewers each year).
· Full page advert in the In-House Lawyer (5,500 copies, ten times a year).
· Advert in Legal Business (9,000 copies, ten times a year).
· Sponsorship of numerous conferences (name on all fliers and promotional materials; distribution of materials to all delegates). This is in the Region of 100,000+ fliers/mailings a year.
· Sponsorship of six major Law Journals (over 100,000 copies a year).
· Doubling 'on-line' budget 'pay per click' campaigns.
This is in addition to their already varied marketing plan – so it looks like a busy year ahead for applications to our client advertisers. For further information, do contact Michelle direct on 0870 766 7650.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Legal Recruiters on Simplylawjobs.com
Which Legal Recruiters regularly advertise with www.simplylawjobs.com ? Legal Recruiters from across the UK advertise their Law Jobs with us, here are some of the advertisers, where they are based and what they specialize in:
· Axis Legal Accounts - recruit for a number of the top 100 Law Firms, as well as for niche Firms on a temporary, permanent and contract basis. Their specialist area covers positions such as: o CFO, Finance Directors, Financial Controllers o CIMA, ACCA Qualified, CA, AAT Qualified, Part qualified Accountants o Financial Accountants, Accounts Managers, Management Accountants o Revenue Control, Systems Analysts, Systems Accountants o Financial Analysts, Credit Control, Purchase Ledger o Payroll, Legal Billers, Legal Cashiers Website: Axis Accounts
· Altior –is dedicated to raising the bar in Legal Recruitment. 25 years experience in the legal profession allows them to offer candidates the benefit of an extensive network of legal contact. Established in 1979 by John Loosemore and Robert Parsons, altior is recognised as a market leader in practice management, advocacy and skills training and their practice management consulting service is highly regarded throughout the legal profession. The key to their success is in their people and many are trained lawyers including the Chief Executive Mark Loosemore. They have a newly founded Legal Recruitment Division, covering the following roles: Partners, Solicitors, Paralegals, Legal Executives, Legal Assistants, Legal Secretaries, Legal Cashier, Business Development in Law Firms, Marketing / PR Support, Human Resources, Legal Accounts, Costs Drafts Personnel, Administration / Reception Website: Altior
· Badenoch & Clark - one of the fastest-growing recruitment consultancies in the UK, has recruited legal professionals since 1984, and is widely acknowledged as one of the leading legal recruitment specialists. The Consultancy Service is nationwide. Badenoch & Clark places lawyers & non-fee earning staff on a permanent and temporary basis at all levels into practice, public sector, industry and financial services up to and including partner/head of legal level as well as assistant solicitors, in-house legal advisers and paralegals. Their specialist Legal Accounts Team is the largest in the industry, and has been placing legal accounts staff since 1980. They have strong relationships with the Top 200 London law firms as well as the resources to operate nationwide. Their complete service is also complemented by a legal secretarial division covering all market sectors. Webiste: Badenoch and Clark
· Benson & Associates - is a niche consultancy, specialising in the recruitment of high calibre lawyers for private practice, commerce and industry, from newly qualified to partner level. The principal, Michael Benson is a qualified solicitor with over 10 years experience in both private practice and industry. His work in the legal recruitment arena has enabled him to develop an in-depth understanding of the needs of both clients and candidates alike. Website: Benson & Associates
· Bridge Recruitment – based in Kent they are a specialist legal recruitment agency, established in 2000. They place mainly Lawyers into London and the Home Counties. Website: Bridge Recruitment
· C & L Legal - are specialist Legal Recruiters recognised as an agency with a genuine interest as well as knowledge of their marketplace. Based in Croydon. Website: C & L Legal Ltd
· Chadwick Nott - Chadwick Nott is your legal recruitment specialist. They also specialise in the recruitment of legal support staff through a group company Matrix. Their business success is built on recommendation, as well as long-standing client relationships with some of the world's best-known law firms, banks and blue chip companies. Most of their consultants are qualified lawyers and have an in-depth understanding of the market - not just in the UK but worldwide. They handle private practice and in-house recruitment across Europe, Asia, the Caribbean/North Atlantic, Australasia, the Middle East and Canada. Website: Chadwick Nott
· Douglas Hope – based in Manchester, trusted and retained by many leading law firms and instructed by organisations in the north of England they welcome approaches from solicitors at all levels and from all disciplines. Website: Douglas Hope
· Garfield Robbins - Garfield Robbins International (''GRI'') is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy established since 1989 and based in London with associated offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Wellington, Hong Kong, New York, Edinburgh and Glasgow. They have long-standing relationships with leading law firms and corporations around the globe and an enviable record of placing candidates from newly qualified lawyers through to senior level partners and teams in both private practice and in-house positions. The group is made up of the following teams: UK Private Practice, In-House, International, Partners & Mergers Website: Garfield Robbins
Harrington Holland Recruitment Ltd is a specialist Legal recruitment firm with a nation-wide Client register covering all areas of the country. They are totally committed to obtaining the best Candidates in the Legal profession, and introducing them to progressive law firms who have genuine career opportunities for legal professionals in all areas of law. Because their consultants are only concerned with the Legal profession, they are dedicated to provide permanent positions in private practice law firms, and are constantly recruiting for a wide range of roles from Legal Secretaries, Legal Executives, Paralegals, Conveyancers, right up to Assistant Solicitors and Solicitors. Website: Harrington Holland
· Hudson Legal – Whether you are just starting out on your legal career, or have years of experience behind you, Hudson Legal have one of the largest and most experienced teams in the Legal Recruitment market and unique coverage of current opportunities. New and exciting permanent roles come on board every day in all of their specialist areas – Private Practice, In-house and Public Sector – and if its contracting you’re interested in, TMP/ Hudson’s temporary and contracts division is an industry leader. Website: Hudson Legal
· Independent Legal Appointments - Having a Legal recruitment division was for Independent Appointments inevitable. Their core businesses of General Insurance, Loss Adjusting and Financial Services brought them together to assist the legal profession to appoint applicants with Motor and Personal Injury experience and Liability Claims. Over the past 5 years Independent Legal Appointments have assisted many legal practices to find fee earners and their support staff. They now recruit Fee Earners, Solicitors, Legal Executives, Paralegals, Legal Secretaries/PA’s, Receptionists and Office Juniors. Their offices, which are able to service the Legal Profession, are located throughout the North of England, in Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester. They have offices in Birmingham, Bristol and Leicester, which will soon be expanded to include this service. Website: Legal Appointments
· Law Staff Legal Recruitment - Specialising in Permanent and Temporary (Locum) placement of legal staff. They act for and advise, Law Firms, Corporations and Municipal Authorities in the search and selection of Legal staff. Because Law Staff Legal has instant access to a large world wide, constantly growing pool of qualified applicants - and can network with other Countries you not only have a wider choice of vacancies, you have an even better chance of sourcing the right opportunity. Currently they have a computerised database of high quality firms and Corporations actively searching for: Partners, Assistant Solicitors, Legal Executives, Unqualified Fee Earners, Drafts Persons, Legal Secretaries and Paralegals Website: Law Staff Legal Recruitment
· Legal & Executive People - is more commonly known as Legal People. A specialist legal recruitment consultancy based in Cardiff with the capability to service clients nationally throughout England & Wales, predominantly servicing Wales and the South West and surrounding areas including Cardiff, Newport, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly Borough, North and West Wales, Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon, Birmingham (not an exhaustive list). Consultants have between 1 - 6 years experience of Legal Recruitment. Consultants have Legal or related professional backgrounds and qualifications – including: LLB, BSc, Legal Executive / ILEX, HR, CIPD. Legal People’s candidates include: Solicitors (varying levels including Partner, Associate, Assistant Solicitor, Newly Qualified), Legal Executives, Licensed Conveyancers, Locums, Paralegal, Part qualified Legal Executive, Legal Secretary / PA (temp and perm), HR / Marketing / Compliance, Legal Costing and Finance staff (Law Costs Draftsman, Legal Cashier Website: Legal & Executive People
· Legal Types/ Legal Hunter/Legal Executives - As a Group, they have been recruiting in the legal sector now for over three years and are one of the fastest growing consultancies in the North. They work with all the major Law Firms (and many of the small and medium Law Firms) in Yorkshire and the North West so you can be sure that you have access to the widest variety of legal vacancies on offer. They recruit fee earners at all levels incorporating Fellows, Members and Trainees of the Institute of Legal Executives, paralegals and others with fee earning experience. Legal Hunter Recruitment offer a complete recruitment service designed to meet the ever changing needs of the legal profession – recruiting all levels from newly qualified solicitors right through to partners. Website: Legal Types Recruitment
· Michael Page Legal - As a professional lawyer, you have worked hard to get where you are today. Simultaneously, Michael Page Legal has been working hard on your behalf (for almost 20 years). This dedication over time has ensured that our network of contacts within the Legal industry, both national and international, is now second to none. Even the highest quality CV will not do its job unless it sits on the right desk. Michael Page Legal is there to ensure that your CV does just that. Whether you are a newly qualified Solicitor at the start of your legal career or an established partner looking for the next big challenge, you can rest assured that, regardless of where you are right now and where you want to be, no-one is better placed to get you there. They have dedicated Legal consultants throughout the UK with offices in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol and Reading. Internationally, their Legal colleagues operate in Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne and New York. Website: Michael Page
· Matrix Legal –is a refreshing and dynamic recruitment consultancy, founded by a team of Directors with extensive experience in the legal and professional support fields. Matrix Legal manages the highest quality permanent, fixed term contract and interim opportunities in the legal sector, primarily covering the UK. We also have an associated office in Sydney. As part of the Chadwick Nott Group, Matrix Legal is your recruitment specialist. Whether you're recruiting or seeking a career move, our approach ensures that you find the best match. They have offices in Bristol, Cardiff, London and Reading. Website: Matrix Legal
· Prospects UK – Prospects Legal Recruitment are a division of Prospects Recruitment (UK) Ltd, established in 1999. The Legal Recruitment division employs legal specialists who handle Permanent & Temporary recruitment of: Legal Secretaries and Support Staff, Legal Cashiers, Paralegals, Legal Executives, Solicitors - NQ to Senior Partners, Locum Solicitors, Practice Managers, Law Cost Draftsperson. Website: Prospects Legal Recruitment
· RGB Group - RGB are a national consultancy with offices in London, Birmingham and Exeter. The legal division services the whole of England, concentrating mainly the South West of England, including Bristol, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The market in this area is economically developing, producing numerous positions for qualified and non-qualified solicitors, legal executives, paralegals, secretaries and general office staff in all departments. Website: RGB Group Limited
· Ryder Mace – They specialise in a multitude of Legal disciplines, but primarily focus on recruiting candidates into the Middle East region, in particular the Emirates and Qatar. They recruit for a number of large, international law firms, many of whom are rated in the top 10, with positions located in a variety of UK locations, Far East and Middle East locations. Website: Ryder Mace
· South West Legal - South West Legal provides a listing of all the legal vacancies available in private practice within the South West of England and is compiled in co-operation with the practices within the region. Website: South West Legal Recruitment
· The Synergy Group, Legal Synergy - Based in the heart of the City of London, Legal Synergy places lawyers & non-fee earning staff on a permanent, contract and locum basis into private practice and the public sector. They recruit for roles up to and including partner level as well as assistant solicitors, legal executives and paralegals. Their Legal professional service is complemented by an experienced legal secretarial team, which specialises in placing skilled PA’s and secretaries on both a temporary and permanent basis, enabling them to provide a complete recruitment service to our clients. Based mainly within the M25, their clients range from high street practices and expanding suburban firms through to niche practices, established West End names and the magic circle. Website: Synergy Legal
* TORS - Established in 1995, TORS is now the leading specialist legal recruitment agency in the South West of England. TORS provide fee earning staff for Private Practice including Solicitors, Partners, Legal Executives, FILEX, ILEX, Trainee Solicitors, Paralegals, Legal Executives, and Locum’s. They also provide support staff including Legal Secretaries, Legal Cashiers, Receptionists and Law Cost Draftsmen on a temporary and permanent basis. Website: TORS Legal Specialists
· Universal Recruitment Centre - was set up by a firm of Solicitors to meet the demand of local Legal professionals (all levels) to firms in the City and East London areas. This service has now grown to incorporate Docklands, City borders and the A12 car/rail corridor out to Ilford. They now also provide qualified and experienced staff to Estate Agents and Accountancy firms and are attracting professionals from Essex and the M25 corridor whose journey time/costs are significantly reduced thus creating a win-win situation for clients and candidates alike. Website: Universal Jobs
· Axis Legal Accounts - recruit for a number of the top 100 Law Firms, as well as for niche Firms on a temporary, permanent and contract basis. Their specialist area covers positions such as: o CFO, Finance Directors, Financial Controllers o CIMA, ACCA Qualified, CA, AAT Qualified, Part qualified Accountants o Financial Accountants, Accounts Managers, Management Accountants o Revenue Control, Systems Analysts, Systems Accountants o Financial Analysts, Credit Control, Purchase Ledger o Payroll, Legal Billers, Legal Cashiers Website: Axis Accounts
· Altior –is dedicated to raising the bar in Legal Recruitment. 25 years experience in the legal profession allows them to offer candidates the benefit of an extensive network of legal contact. Established in 1979 by John Loosemore and Robert Parsons, altior is recognised as a market leader in practice management, advocacy and skills training and their practice management consulting service is highly regarded throughout the legal profession. The key to their success is in their people and many are trained lawyers including the Chief Executive Mark Loosemore. They have a newly founded Legal Recruitment Division, covering the following roles: Partners, Solicitors, Paralegals, Legal Executives, Legal Assistants, Legal Secretaries, Legal Cashier, Business Development in Law Firms, Marketing / PR Support, Human Resources, Legal Accounts, Costs Drafts Personnel, Administration / Reception Website: Altior
· Badenoch & Clark - one of the fastest-growing recruitment consultancies in the UK, has recruited legal professionals since 1984, and is widely acknowledged as one of the leading legal recruitment specialists. The Consultancy Service is nationwide. Badenoch & Clark places lawyers & non-fee earning staff on a permanent and temporary basis at all levels into practice, public sector, industry and financial services up to and including partner/head of legal level as well as assistant solicitors, in-house legal advisers and paralegals. Their specialist Legal Accounts Team is the largest in the industry, and has been placing legal accounts staff since 1980. They have strong relationships with the Top 200 London law firms as well as the resources to operate nationwide. Their complete service is also complemented by a legal secretarial division covering all market sectors. Webiste: Badenoch and Clark
· Benson & Associates - is a niche consultancy, specialising in the recruitment of high calibre lawyers for private practice, commerce and industry, from newly qualified to partner level. The principal, Michael Benson is a qualified solicitor with over 10 years experience in both private practice and industry. His work in the legal recruitment arena has enabled him to develop an in-depth understanding of the needs of both clients and candidates alike. Website: Benson & Associates
· Bridge Recruitment – based in Kent they are a specialist legal recruitment agency, established in 2000. They place mainly Lawyers into London and the Home Counties. Website: Bridge Recruitment
· C & L Legal - are specialist Legal Recruiters recognised as an agency with a genuine interest as well as knowledge of their marketplace. Based in Croydon. Website: C & L Legal Ltd
· Chadwick Nott - Chadwick Nott is your legal recruitment specialist. They also specialise in the recruitment of legal support staff through a group company Matrix. Their business success is built on recommendation, as well as long-standing client relationships with some of the world's best-known law firms, banks and blue chip companies. Most of their consultants are qualified lawyers and have an in-depth understanding of the market - not just in the UK but worldwide. They handle private practice and in-house recruitment across Europe, Asia, the Caribbean/North Atlantic, Australasia, the Middle East and Canada. Website: Chadwick Nott
· Douglas Hope – based in Manchester, trusted and retained by many leading law firms and instructed by organisations in the north of England they welcome approaches from solicitors at all levels and from all disciplines. Website: Douglas Hope
· Garfield Robbins - Garfield Robbins International (''GRI'') is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy established since 1989 and based in London with associated offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Wellington, Hong Kong, New York, Edinburgh and Glasgow. They have long-standing relationships with leading law firms and corporations around the globe and an enviable record of placing candidates from newly qualified lawyers through to senior level partners and teams in both private practice and in-house positions. The group is made up of the following teams: UK Private Practice, In-House, International, Partners & Mergers Website: Garfield Robbins
Harrington Holland Recruitment Ltd is a specialist Legal recruitment firm with a nation-wide Client register covering all areas of the country. They are totally committed to obtaining the best Candidates in the Legal profession, and introducing them to progressive law firms who have genuine career opportunities for legal professionals in all areas of law. Because their consultants are only concerned with the Legal profession, they are dedicated to provide permanent positions in private practice law firms, and are constantly recruiting for a wide range of roles from Legal Secretaries, Legal Executives, Paralegals, Conveyancers, right up to Assistant Solicitors and Solicitors. Website: Harrington Holland
· Hudson Legal – Whether you are just starting out on your legal career, or have years of experience behind you, Hudson Legal have one of the largest and most experienced teams in the Legal Recruitment market and unique coverage of current opportunities. New and exciting permanent roles come on board every day in all of their specialist areas – Private Practice, In-house and Public Sector – and if its contracting you’re interested in, TMP/ Hudson’s temporary and contracts division is an industry leader. Website: Hudson Legal
· Independent Legal Appointments - Having a Legal recruitment division was for Independent Appointments inevitable. Their core businesses of General Insurance, Loss Adjusting and Financial Services brought them together to assist the legal profession to appoint applicants with Motor and Personal Injury experience and Liability Claims. Over the past 5 years Independent Legal Appointments have assisted many legal practices to find fee earners and their support staff. They now recruit Fee Earners, Solicitors, Legal Executives, Paralegals, Legal Secretaries/PA’s, Receptionists and Office Juniors. Their offices, which are able to service the Legal Profession, are located throughout the North of England, in Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester. They have offices in Birmingham, Bristol and Leicester, which will soon be expanded to include this service. Website: Legal Appointments
· Law Staff Legal Recruitment - Specialising in Permanent and Temporary (Locum) placement of legal staff. They act for and advise, Law Firms, Corporations and Municipal Authorities in the search and selection of Legal staff. Because Law Staff Legal has instant access to a large world wide, constantly growing pool of qualified applicants - and can network with other Countries you not only have a wider choice of vacancies, you have an even better chance of sourcing the right opportunity. Currently they have a computerised database of high quality firms and Corporations actively searching for: Partners, Assistant Solicitors, Legal Executives, Unqualified Fee Earners, Drafts Persons, Legal Secretaries and Paralegals Website: Law Staff Legal Recruitment
· Legal & Executive People - is more commonly known as Legal People. A specialist legal recruitment consultancy based in Cardiff with the capability to service clients nationally throughout England & Wales, predominantly servicing Wales and the South West and surrounding areas including Cardiff, Newport, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly Borough, North and West Wales, Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon, Birmingham (not an exhaustive list). Consultants have between 1 - 6 years experience of Legal Recruitment. Consultants have Legal or related professional backgrounds and qualifications – including: LLB, BSc, Legal Executive / ILEX, HR, CIPD. Legal People’s candidates include: Solicitors (varying levels including Partner, Associate, Assistant Solicitor, Newly Qualified), Legal Executives, Licensed Conveyancers, Locums, Paralegal, Part qualified Legal Executive, Legal Secretary / PA (temp and perm), HR / Marketing / Compliance, Legal Costing and Finance staff (Law Costs Draftsman, Legal Cashier Website: Legal & Executive People
· Legal Types/ Legal Hunter/Legal Executives - As a Group, they have been recruiting in the legal sector now for over three years and are one of the fastest growing consultancies in the North. They work with all the major Law Firms (and many of the small and medium Law Firms) in Yorkshire and the North West so you can be sure that you have access to the widest variety of legal vacancies on offer. They recruit fee earners at all levels incorporating Fellows, Members and Trainees of the Institute of Legal Executives, paralegals and others with fee earning experience. Legal Hunter Recruitment offer a complete recruitment service designed to meet the ever changing needs of the legal profession – recruiting all levels from newly qualified solicitors right through to partners. Website: Legal Types Recruitment
· Michael Page Legal - As a professional lawyer, you have worked hard to get where you are today. Simultaneously, Michael Page Legal has been working hard on your behalf (for almost 20 years). This dedication over time has ensured that our network of contacts within the Legal industry, both national and international, is now second to none. Even the highest quality CV will not do its job unless it sits on the right desk. Michael Page Legal is there to ensure that your CV does just that. Whether you are a newly qualified Solicitor at the start of your legal career or an established partner looking for the next big challenge, you can rest assured that, regardless of where you are right now and where you want to be, no-one is better placed to get you there. They have dedicated Legal consultants throughout the UK with offices in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol and Reading. Internationally, their Legal colleagues operate in Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne and New York. Website: Michael Page
· Matrix Legal –is a refreshing and dynamic recruitment consultancy, founded by a team of Directors with extensive experience in the legal and professional support fields. Matrix Legal manages the highest quality permanent, fixed term contract and interim opportunities in the legal sector, primarily covering the UK. We also have an associated office in Sydney. As part of the Chadwick Nott Group, Matrix Legal is your recruitment specialist. Whether you're recruiting or seeking a career move, our approach ensures that you find the best match. They have offices in Bristol, Cardiff, London and Reading. Website: Matrix Legal
· Prospects UK – Prospects Legal Recruitment are a division of Prospects Recruitment (UK) Ltd, established in 1999. The Legal Recruitment division employs legal specialists who handle Permanent & Temporary recruitment of: Legal Secretaries and Support Staff, Legal Cashiers, Paralegals, Legal Executives, Solicitors - NQ to Senior Partners, Locum Solicitors, Practice Managers, Law Cost Draftsperson. Website: Prospects Legal Recruitment
· RGB Group - RGB are a national consultancy with offices in London, Birmingham and Exeter. The legal division services the whole of England, concentrating mainly the South West of England, including Bristol, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The market in this area is economically developing, producing numerous positions for qualified and non-qualified solicitors, legal executives, paralegals, secretaries and general office staff in all departments. Website: RGB Group Limited
· Ryder Mace – They specialise in a multitude of Legal disciplines, but primarily focus on recruiting candidates into the Middle East region, in particular the Emirates and Qatar. They recruit for a number of large, international law firms, many of whom are rated in the top 10, with positions located in a variety of UK locations, Far East and Middle East locations. Website: Ryder Mace
· South West Legal - South West Legal provides a listing of all the legal vacancies available in private practice within the South West of England and is compiled in co-operation with the practices within the region. Website: South West Legal Recruitment
· The Synergy Group, Legal Synergy - Based in the heart of the City of London, Legal Synergy places lawyers & non-fee earning staff on a permanent, contract and locum basis into private practice and the public sector. They recruit for roles up to and including partner level as well as assistant solicitors, legal executives and paralegals. Their Legal professional service is complemented by an experienced legal secretarial team, which specialises in placing skilled PA’s and secretaries on both a temporary and permanent basis, enabling them to provide a complete recruitment service to our clients. Based mainly within the M25, their clients range from high street practices and expanding suburban firms through to niche practices, established West End names and the magic circle. Website: Synergy Legal
* TORS - Established in 1995, TORS is now the leading specialist legal recruitment agency in the South West of England. TORS provide fee earning staff for Private Practice including Solicitors, Partners, Legal Executives, FILEX, ILEX, Trainee Solicitors, Paralegals, Legal Executives, and Locum’s. They also provide support staff including Legal Secretaries, Legal Cashiers, Receptionists and Law Cost Draftsmen on a temporary and permanent basis. Website: TORS Legal Specialists
· Universal Recruitment Centre - was set up by a firm of Solicitors to meet the demand of local Legal professionals (all levels) to firms in the City and East London areas. This service has now grown to incorporate Docklands, City borders and the A12 car/rail corridor out to Ilford. They now also provide qualified and experienced staff to Estate Agents and Accountancy firms and are attracting professionals from Essex and the M25 corridor whose journey time/costs are significantly reduced thus creating a win-win situation for clients and candidates alike. Website: Universal Jobs
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Family Law Week - New Website
Family Law Week is the new, unique free source of the latest news, cases and know-how together with best-value CPD for all family lawyers. Go to the site to sign up for your FREE weekly email updates and full access to the site - www.familylawweek.co.uk
Family Law Week is published by Law Week Limited, a joint venture between Lime Legal Limited and Bath Publishing Limited. Their aim is to make information and training on family law more accessible and affordable for the family lawyer. The founders of Family Law Week include Martin West, Brendan Farrell and David Chaplin, who worked together for over 10 years at Jordan Publishing where they were heavily involved in developing the publications and training events under the Family Law name.
The General Editor of Family Law Week is Stephen Wildblood QC of Albion Chambers. As well as being a leading family lawyer with experience in finance and children cases, Stephen is a respected author and lecturer with publications including the Encyclopaedia of Financial Provision in Family Matters (Sweet & Maxwell).
Family Law Week is built on an open-access model. All the content is free to registered users and we are determined to keep it that way. To help us achieve that aim support us where you can by clicking on sponsors links, taking our CPD courses and buying your family law books through the site.
Family Law Week is published by Law Week Limited, a joint venture between Lime Legal Limited and Bath Publishing Limited. Their aim is to make information and training on family law more accessible and affordable for the family lawyer. The founders of Family Law Week include Martin West, Brendan Farrell and David Chaplin, who worked together for over 10 years at Jordan Publishing where they were heavily involved in developing the publications and training events under the Family Law name.
The General Editor of Family Law Week is Stephen Wildblood QC of Albion Chambers. As well as being a leading family lawyer with experience in finance and children cases, Stephen is a respected author and lecturer with publications including the Encyclopaedia of Financial Provision in Family Matters (Sweet & Maxwell).
Family Law Week is built on an open-access model. All the content is free to registered users and we are determined to keep it that way. To help us achieve that aim support us where you can by clicking on sponsors links, taking our CPD courses and buying your family law books through the site.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Professional Negligence Article
Professional Negligence: The unusual suspects
The Proceeds of Crime Act placed greater responsibilities on solicitors to report ciminal activity on the part of their clients. But in doing so, they may lay themselves open to negligence claims. Simon Robert-Tissot looks at a recent case that may help guide lawyers through the maze
For some time, solicitors have had to balance the need to act in the best interests of their clients, while at the same time avoiding potential civil liability. For example, failing to comply with a client’s instructions may risk the solicitor being in breach of both his contractual obligations to his client (including his duty of confidentiality) and his professional duties. Conversely, if he follows his client’s instructions where a third party is beneficially entitled to the monies transferred, the adviser may, where ‘dis-honest assistance’ can be shown, be held to have accessory liability as a constructive trustee. Since the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), solicitors have also had to consider the possibility of criminal liability. The money-laundering regime places additional obligations upon professional advisers to ‘know their clients’ and to think about the sources of funds and the commercial effects of particular transactions. These increased duties make it easier for third parties to assert and establish that the professional had the requisite knowledge for dishonest assistance in a breach of trust. POCA also obliges solicitors to report particular transactions to the authorities. So long as these obligations are met, criminal liability can be avoided. However, the obligations are onerous and the penalties for non-compliance severe, as the six-month jail term recently imposed on solicitor Gavin McCartan illustrates. The position of solicitors is made still more complicated in comparison to that of other professionals by the fact that they must question whether they must disclose privileged communications. In the recent case of Bowman v Fels [2005], the Court of Appeal considered the impact of legal professional privilege in relation to POCA. The decision is helpful in the litigation context, but the judgment raises as many questions as it answers in relation to corporate transactions, where the difficulties described most often arise. The legal quagmire often faced by professionals is amply illustrated by the case of Hosni Tayeb v HSBC Bank plc [2004]. Mr Tayeb had opened an account with HSBC to receive the proceeds of a sale transaction. HSBC received the monies and credited Mr Tayeb’s account. However, later the same day a bank employee became suspicious about the transaction and froze the account. Subsequently, the funds were returned to the transferor’s account and Mr Tayeb’s account was closed. Mr Justice Coleman criticised the bank for failing to adhere to money-laundering regulations, and considered the potential liabilities to which the bank had been exposed. He stressed the obligation on professionals handling client money to verify the source of the funds and to make disclosure to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) if they have a genuine suspicion of criminal activity. Mr Justice Coleman said that the employee should not have simply returned the funds to the transferor in an attempt to "disengage from the transfer", but should have investigated. He suggested that the bank should have frozen the account while reporting the matter to NCIS, since if it had done so, it would still have been behaving honestly and no liability to a third party was likely to arise. However, Mr Justice Coleman did not explain how freezing the account and refusing to comply with client instructions would not amount to a breach of contract, nor did he explain how to deal with the situation where NCIS failed to respond quickly or where the client required the monies to be applied immediately for a particular purpose. Mr Justice Coleman also cautioned that freezing the account could give rise to potential liability for tipping off under POCA. In the earlier case of Bank of Scotland v A Limited and Ors [2001], the bank knew that the customer was being investigated for suspected fraud and was asked by the police not to take action which might tip off the customer. However, the bank believed it was about to be instructed to pay monies out of the account by the client and so, without informing its client, it applied to court for instructions, naming the client as the defendant. Surprisingly, the Court of Appeal held that the application should have named the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) as the defendant. Lord Justice Woolf also held that the parties would have to bear their own costs unless the SFO had acted unreasonably. The bank was actually ordered to pay both sides’ costs because it had made the application against the wrong party. To avoid civil liability where there are genuine suspicions about the source of the funds, the safest course of action is likely to be to refuse to pay the funds away (or even back to the client). Otherwise, the solicitor honours his duties to his client but risks being liable as a constructive trustee to the rightful owner of the monies paid away. Mr Justice Coleman in Hosni Tayeb suggested that the firm could obtain reassurance by seeking the court’s guidance. However, Mr Justice Tomlinson in Amalgamated Metal Trading Limited v City of London Policy Financial Investigation Unit and Ors [2003] held that a declaration that the funds are not the proceeds of crime would only be made where the firm adduces positive evidence to that effect. Avoiding criminal (as well as civil) liability weighs heavily on the mind of any professional adviser. However, since POCA, legal professionals are unsure as to exactly when they are required to make a report, particularly when this would appear to conflict with the duties they owe their client. In Bowman v Fels the Court of Appeal clarified that Section 328 POCA, which makes it an offence to become ‘concerned in an arrangement’ involving money laundering, was not intended to apply to solicitors conducting litigation. In practice, this should include solicitors involved in settling litigation and/or ADR. Of course, solicitors will still need to be alert to money laundering through sham litigation. This clarification is useful for litigators, but to what extent does Section 328 of POCA apply to transactional lawyers? The Court of Appeal did not explain why the wording of Section 328 did not apply to litigation, making it difficult to know whether the case can be applied beyond the litigation context. Transactional solicitors therefore await guidance from the Law Society. However, it is worth remembering that there remains the separate duty to disclose under section 330 of POCA for those acting in the regulated sector. The Court of Appeal also clarified that Section 328 does not override legal professional privilege, as clearer language would have had to be used to achieve this. Again, transactional lawyers are left wondering whether this finding applies to them, since legal professional privilege applies as much to protect communications generated during non-contentious work as it does to those produced during litigation. Again, we must wait for Law Society guidance. Solicitors making reports to NCIS must consider whether relevant information is privileged and thereby protected from disclosure. For example, information obtained from a counter-party or a third party may not be privileged. Likewise, privilege may be overridden where the client is involved in the commission of a criminal offence. To summarise, solicitors continue to have to judge the most appropriate action when faced with potential liability for breach of contract/confidentiality for failing to carry out their clients’ instructions, or potential liability to third parties for knowing assistance in a breach of trust. At the same time, solicitors must comply with their obligations under POCA. Bowman v Fels has provided helpful guidance to litigators, but has done little to clarify the position for transactional lawyers. We must hope that the Law Society will soon give clear guidance to them about the scope of their obligations, and the applicability of legal professional privilege. Although not binding, such guidance would give some comfort to solicitors when making best efforts to comply with the current money laundering regime. Simon Robert-Tissot is a partner in Barlow Lyde & Gilbert’s professional liability and commercial litigation department.
Author: Simon Robert-Tissot
Source: Legal Week
The Proceeds of Crime Act placed greater responsibilities on solicitors to report ciminal activity on the part of their clients. But in doing so, they may lay themselves open to negligence claims. Simon Robert-Tissot looks at a recent case that may help guide lawyers through the maze
For some time, solicitors have had to balance the need to act in the best interests of their clients, while at the same time avoiding potential civil liability. For example, failing to comply with a client’s instructions may risk the solicitor being in breach of both his contractual obligations to his client (including his duty of confidentiality) and his professional duties. Conversely, if he follows his client’s instructions where a third party is beneficially entitled to the monies transferred, the adviser may, where ‘dis-honest assistance’ can be shown, be held to have accessory liability as a constructive trustee. Since the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), solicitors have also had to consider the possibility of criminal liability. The money-laundering regime places additional obligations upon professional advisers to ‘know their clients’ and to think about the sources of funds and the commercial effects of particular transactions. These increased duties make it easier for third parties to assert and establish that the professional had the requisite knowledge for dishonest assistance in a breach of trust. POCA also obliges solicitors to report particular transactions to the authorities. So long as these obligations are met, criminal liability can be avoided. However, the obligations are onerous and the penalties for non-compliance severe, as the six-month jail term recently imposed on solicitor Gavin McCartan illustrates. The position of solicitors is made still more complicated in comparison to that of other professionals by the fact that they must question whether they must disclose privileged communications. In the recent case of Bowman v Fels [2005], the Court of Appeal considered the impact of legal professional privilege in relation to POCA. The decision is helpful in the litigation context, but the judgment raises as many questions as it answers in relation to corporate transactions, where the difficulties described most often arise. The legal quagmire often faced by professionals is amply illustrated by the case of Hosni Tayeb v HSBC Bank plc [2004]. Mr Tayeb had opened an account with HSBC to receive the proceeds of a sale transaction. HSBC received the monies and credited Mr Tayeb’s account. However, later the same day a bank employee became suspicious about the transaction and froze the account. Subsequently, the funds were returned to the transferor’s account and Mr Tayeb’s account was closed. Mr Justice Coleman criticised the bank for failing to adhere to money-laundering regulations, and considered the potential liabilities to which the bank had been exposed. He stressed the obligation on professionals handling client money to verify the source of the funds and to make disclosure to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) if they have a genuine suspicion of criminal activity. Mr Justice Coleman said that the employee should not have simply returned the funds to the transferor in an attempt to "disengage from the transfer", but should have investigated. He suggested that the bank should have frozen the account while reporting the matter to NCIS, since if it had done so, it would still have been behaving honestly and no liability to a third party was likely to arise. However, Mr Justice Coleman did not explain how freezing the account and refusing to comply with client instructions would not amount to a breach of contract, nor did he explain how to deal with the situation where NCIS failed to respond quickly or where the client required the monies to be applied immediately for a particular purpose. Mr Justice Coleman also cautioned that freezing the account could give rise to potential liability for tipping off under POCA. In the earlier case of Bank of Scotland v A Limited and Ors [2001], the bank knew that the customer was being investigated for suspected fraud and was asked by the police not to take action which might tip off the customer. However, the bank believed it was about to be instructed to pay monies out of the account by the client and so, without informing its client, it applied to court for instructions, naming the client as the defendant. Surprisingly, the Court of Appeal held that the application should have named the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) as the defendant. Lord Justice Woolf also held that the parties would have to bear their own costs unless the SFO had acted unreasonably. The bank was actually ordered to pay both sides’ costs because it had made the application against the wrong party. To avoid civil liability where there are genuine suspicions about the source of the funds, the safest course of action is likely to be to refuse to pay the funds away (or even back to the client). Otherwise, the solicitor honours his duties to his client but risks being liable as a constructive trustee to the rightful owner of the monies paid away. Mr Justice Coleman in Hosni Tayeb suggested that the firm could obtain reassurance by seeking the court’s guidance. However, Mr Justice Tomlinson in Amalgamated Metal Trading Limited v City of London Policy Financial Investigation Unit and Ors [2003] held that a declaration that the funds are not the proceeds of crime would only be made where the firm adduces positive evidence to that effect. Avoiding criminal (as well as civil) liability weighs heavily on the mind of any professional adviser. However, since POCA, legal professionals are unsure as to exactly when they are required to make a report, particularly when this would appear to conflict with the duties they owe their client. In Bowman v Fels the Court of Appeal clarified that Section 328 POCA, which makes it an offence to become ‘concerned in an arrangement’ involving money laundering, was not intended to apply to solicitors conducting litigation. In practice, this should include solicitors involved in settling litigation and/or ADR. Of course, solicitors will still need to be alert to money laundering through sham litigation. This clarification is useful for litigators, but to what extent does Section 328 of POCA apply to transactional lawyers? The Court of Appeal did not explain why the wording of Section 328 did not apply to litigation, making it difficult to know whether the case can be applied beyond the litigation context. Transactional solicitors therefore await guidance from the Law Society. However, it is worth remembering that there remains the separate duty to disclose under section 330 of POCA for those acting in the regulated sector. The Court of Appeal also clarified that Section 328 does not override legal professional privilege, as clearer language would have had to be used to achieve this. Again, transactional lawyers are left wondering whether this finding applies to them, since legal professional privilege applies as much to protect communications generated during non-contentious work as it does to those produced during litigation. Again, we must wait for Law Society guidance. Solicitors making reports to NCIS must consider whether relevant information is privileged and thereby protected from disclosure. For example, information obtained from a counter-party or a third party may not be privileged. Likewise, privilege may be overridden where the client is involved in the commission of a criminal offence. To summarise, solicitors continue to have to judge the most appropriate action when faced with potential liability for breach of contract/confidentiality for failing to carry out their clients’ instructions, or potential liability to third parties for knowing assistance in a breach of trust. At the same time, solicitors must comply with their obligations under POCA. Bowman v Fels has provided helpful guidance to litigators, but has done little to clarify the position for transactional lawyers. We must hope that the Law Society will soon give clear guidance to them about the scope of their obligations, and the applicability of legal professional privilege. Although not binding, such guidance would give some comfort to solicitors when making best efforts to comply with the current money laundering regime. Simon Robert-Tissot is a partner in Barlow Lyde & Gilbert’s professional liability and commercial litigation department.
Author: Simon Robert-Tissot
Source: Legal Week
Friday, April 08, 2005
Recruiting LAW STAFF in the South West
On www.simplylawjobs.com there are many opportunities to work in the south west of england - cornwall, devon, dorset, hampshire, wiltshire, avon.
We have many recruitment agencies advertising Law Jobs on behalf of their clients within those areas - from support staff through to Partners.
Visit the website now for more details.
We have many recruitment agencies advertising Law Jobs on behalf of their clients within those areas - from support staff through to Partners.
Visit the website now for more details.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Press Release April 2005
Online LEGAL recruitment advertising SIMPLY gets better!!
As www.simplylawjobs.com comes close to celebrating its 1st year in business, Founder & MD, Michelle Jones, reflects on a successful, grounding year.
With some 4500 applications been sent since its inception via the website direct to recruiters, Simply Law Jobs is already proving a highly cost-effective recruitment source to its clients. “We have seen an 85% rise in the number of applications over the last 5 months, compared with the first 6 months from Launch”, says Michelle.
“In the last few months alone we have secured contracts with some of the large recruitment players including Hudson, Michael Page and Garfield Robbins. We are delighted to have them on board.”
We pride ourselves in offering complete flexibility regarding the advertising services available and the pricing structure. Our clients want to increase their reach to candidates, reduce recruitment costs and receive good quality applications. We proactively work with them to achieve this. One client said recently “your service is absolutely 2nd to none and cannot be faulted”.
Simply Law Jobs has a diverse on and off-line marketing campaign to attract a breadth of candidates from the legal profession – support staff through to partners. The percentage breakdown in relation to the experience and skills of our registered user base reflects this diversity.
With exciting plans to develop the site further from its current basic model www.simplylawjobs.com looks forward to its second birthday!!
As www.simplylawjobs.com comes close to celebrating its 1st year in business, Founder & MD, Michelle Jones, reflects on a successful, grounding year.
With some 4500 applications been sent since its inception via the website direct to recruiters, Simply Law Jobs is already proving a highly cost-effective recruitment source to its clients. “We have seen an 85% rise in the number of applications over the last 5 months, compared with the first 6 months from Launch”, says Michelle.
“In the last few months alone we have secured contracts with some of the large recruitment players including Hudson, Michael Page and Garfield Robbins. We are delighted to have them on board.”
We pride ourselves in offering complete flexibility regarding the advertising services available and the pricing structure. Our clients want to increase their reach to candidates, reduce recruitment costs and receive good quality applications. We proactively work with them to achieve this. One client said recently “your service is absolutely 2nd to none and cannot be faulted”.
Simply Law Jobs has a diverse on and off-line marketing campaign to attract a breadth of candidates from the legal profession – support staff through to partners. The percentage breakdown in relation to the experience and skills of our registered user base reflects this diversity.
With exciting plans to develop the site further from its current basic model www.simplylawjobs.com looks forward to its second birthday!!
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Young Solicitors Group
You can contact the YSG via their website www.ysg.org
Who are the YSG?
The Young Solicitors Group (ysg) is a recognised Law Society Group run as a company limited by guarantee, representing approximately 49,250 Members and Associate Members of The Law Society throughout England & Wales who are less than 10 years qualified.Currently, membership of ysg is free and automatic upon registration with The Law Society.
What they do
On a national level, the ysg co-ordinates policy issues and lobbies The Law Society, the Government and others on issues that affect the daily lives of young solicitors. They work on a daily basis with the policy makers within The Law Society, providing a young solicitor's perspective to their issues, with a view to shaping regulations and decisions before they have been made. They are helped in this task by having two dedicated seats on The Law Society's Council (the body of 105 people who run The Law Society) : one seat for newly qualified solicitors and one seat for young solicitors.The youngsolicitorsgroup also participates in the numerous consultation exercises that are run by The Law Society, the Legal Services Commission, the Government and others wherever a young solicitor interest is (or could possibly be) affected. At the same time, they organise their own consultations on topics of interest to their members, and conduct research to provide the profession with necessary statistical information on problems faced by young solicitors.
Finally, the ysg provides a number of key benefits for its members. In particular, every young solicitor who is registered with them receives a copy of ysg magazine free of charge every two months, has access to a range of free or cut price CPD-rated lectures of conferences and can choose to receive free ysg.info legal update e-mails every day, giving all the latest developments in their specified area(s) of legal practice.At a local level, around 30 local ysg groups provide a range of services and benefits to the legal communities in their areas.Most major legal centres in England & Wales have a local ysg group www.ysg.org/maproom.asp which organises social activities (balls, drinks evenings, etc.), sports events (football, softball, netball, etc.) and educational lectures. The local ysg groups also help to implement the policy set by youngsolicitorsgroup, and to feed back issues and problems faced by members in their areas. Most local ysg groups charge a small annual membership fee to cover the cost of their administration / subsidise the events arranged. To find your local ysg group, www.ysg.org/maproom.asp
Who are the YSG?
The Young Solicitors Group (ysg) is a recognised Law Society Group run as a company limited by guarantee, representing approximately 49,250 Members and Associate Members of The Law Society throughout England & Wales who are less than 10 years qualified.Currently, membership of ysg is free and automatic upon registration with The Law Society.
What they do
On a national level, the ysg co-ordinates policy issues and lobbies The Law Society, the Government and others on issues that affect the daily lives of young solicitors. They work on a daily basis with the policy makers within The Law Society, providing a young solicitor's perspective to their issues, with a view to shaping regulations and decisions before they have been made. They are helped in this task by having two dedicated seats on The Law Society's Council (the body of 105 people who run The Law Society) : one seat for newly qualified solicitors and one seat for young solicitors.The youngsolicitorsgroup also participates in the numerous consultation exercises that are run by The Law Society, the Legal Services Commission, the Government and others wherever a young solicitor interest is (or could possibly be) affected. At the same time, they organise their own consultations on topics of interest to their members, and conduct research to provide the profession with necessary statistical information on problems faced by young solicitors.
Finally, the ysg provides a number of key benefits for its members. In particular, every young solicitor who is registered with them receives a copy of ysg magazine free of charge every two months, has access to a range of free or cut price CPD-rated lectures of conferences and can choose to receive free ysg.info legal update e-mails every day, giving all the latest developments in their specified area(s) of legal practice.At a local level, around 30 local ysg groups provide a range of services and benefits to the legal communities in their areas.Most major legal centres in England & Wales have a local ysg group www.ysg.org/maproom.asp which organises social activities (balls, drinks evenings, etc.), sports events (football, softball, netball, etc.) and educational lectures. The local ysg groups also help to implement the policy set by youngsolicitorsgroup, and to feed back issues and problems faced by members in their areas. Most local ysg groups charge a small annual membership fee to cover the cost of their administration / subsidise the events arranged. To find your local ysg group, www.ysg.org/maproom.asp
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Lawyers to work Overseas
http://www.simplylawjobs.com/index.php?show=5&id=2
Follow the above link and search for some Lawyer opportunities overseas in Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi - all tax free salaries. Roles in Shipping, Telecoms and Commercial.
Ryder Mace who are recruiting for these roles specialise in the Overseas Legal Recrtuitment Market.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Need a good CV
CV WRITING SERVICE FOR SIMPLY LAW JOBS USERS:
Your Curriculum Vitae is a crucial selling/marketing tool when applying for jobs and in today's recruitment market it is vital that you take time to prepare it … you do not get a 2nd bite of the cherry. Often with 100's of CVs to ‘plough' through, initially an employer will not spend much more than 30-60 seconds looking at each.
Our expertise within the Recruitment industry demonstrates an up-to-date knowledge of what employers look for in a CV, how to create an impact and make it easy to read – it should be professional, pertinent and punchy. You can contact us by email or telephone and we will call you to discuss any further details, just to ensure we have your requirements absolutely correct. We are confident that with our assistance your CV will have the desired impact and that you will maximise your chances of securing an interview.
Please note : Applications are treated with the strictest of confidence.
What some of our clients say ……….
“Only now having used your service am I truly able to appreciate the value of it. I felt I was getting a personal service and it was certainly not a ‘production run' effort. I start my new job next week!” (Mark, Horsham/Sussex)
“I was very pleased with the outcome and it has improved my chances of getting an interview. I have already recommended your service.” (Andrew, Alton/Hampshire)
“The CV looked very professional and it has given me extra confidence when applying for jobs.” (Lucy, Haslemere/Surrey)
“The service offered is excellent and the fee very reasonable. I was extremely impressed with the speed in which my request was dealt with” (Sharon, Harrow/Middlesex)
“It has improved my chances of getting an interview by providing a very comprehensive summary of my business skills and personal attributes. You listened to the ‘vision' of my future career plans and aspirations, and factored that into the overall style, content and emphasis of the finished document.” (Philippa, West Sussex)
“I was extremely impressed with the final CV and as I work in the recruitment industry I do recommend your services on a daily basis to candidates!” (Mark, London)
''Since leaving University in June 2002 I have only received a handful of replies from Companies with rejections, however 2 weeks after the final draft of the new CV I have an interview - my deepest appreciation goes to you for my much improved and remodelled CV'' (Darren, Crawley/West Sussex )
''It clearly emphasizes my skills and experience and makes potential employers want to read on'' (Karen, Headley Down/Hampshire)
''My new CV has improved in presentation, is not too lengthy and I am confident it will improve my chances of gaining an interview. The cost is fair and not beyond the reach of most people.'' (Velda, Haslemere/Surrey)
''I have spoken with 2 other people in Recruitment and both said that not only was there nothing they would change, but it was also one of the best CVs they have seen. So once again thank you very much for what you have done'' (Owen, Fleet/Hampshire)
''Your version of my CV helped me secure the job I was looking for. An excellent all-round service - keep it up!.'' (Richard, Winchester/Hampshire)
''A much appreciated, reliable and honest service. Almost immediately the number of interviews offered increased.'' (Sharon, Alton/Hampshire)
SO WHAT DOES IT COST?
£50+ VAT for Support Staff (Legal Secretaries/PA's, Paralegals, Legal Executives, Accounts and Marketing)
£75+VAT for Newly Qualified – 10+ years pqe
Email your current CV now: cvs@rpltd.co.uk or Call us to discuss on 0870 766 8209
THE RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP working in conjunction with Simply Law Jobs.
Your Curriculum Vitae is a crucial selling/marketing tool when applying for jobs and in today's recruitment market it is vital that you take time to prepare it … you do not get a 2nd bite of the cherry. Often with 100's of CVs to ‘plough' through, initially an employer will not spend much more than 30-60 seconds looking at each.
Our expertise within the Recruitment industry demonstrates an up-to-date knowledge of what employers look for in a CV, how to create an impact and make it easy to read – it should be professional, pertinent and punchy. You can contact us by email or telephone and we will call you to discuss any further details, just to ensure we have your requirements absolutely correct. We are confident that with our assistance your CV will have the desired impact and that you will maximise your chances of securing an interview.
Please note : Applications are treated with the strictest of confidence.
What some of our clients say ……….
“Only now having used your service am I truly able to appreciate the value of it. I felt I was getting a personal service and it was certainly not a ‘production run' effort. I start my new job next week!” (Mark, Horsham/Sussex)
“I was very pleased with the outcome and it has improved my chances of getting an interview. I have already recommended your service.” (Andrew, Alton/Hampshire)
“The CV looked very professional and it has given me extra confidence when applying for jobs.” (Lucy, Haslemere/Surrey)
“The service offered is excellent and the fee very reasonable. I was extremely impressed with the speed in which my request was dealt with” (Sharon, Harrow/Middlesex)
“It has improved my chances of getting an interview by providing a very comprehensive summary of my business skills and personal attributes. You listened to the ‘vision' of my future career plans and aspirations, and factored that into the overall style, content and emphasis of the finished document.” (Philippa, West Sussex)
“I was extremely impressed with the final CV and as I work in the recruitment industry I do recommend your services on a daily basis to candidates!” (Mark, London)
''Since leaving University in June 2002 I have only received a handful of replies from Companies with rejections, however 2 weeks after the final draft of the new CV I have an interview - my deepest appreciation goes to you for my much improved and remodelled CV'' (Darren, Crawley/West Sussex )
''It clearly emphasizes my skills and experience and makes potential employers want to read on'' (Karen, Headley Down/Hampshire)
''My new CV has improved in presentation, is not too lengthy and I am confident it will improve my chances of gaining an interview. The cost is fair and not beyond the reach of most people.'' (Velda, Haslemere/Surrey)
''I have spoken with 2 other people in Recruitment and both said that not only was there nothing they would change, but it was also one of the best CVs they have seen. So once again thank you very much for what you have done'' (Owen, Fleet/Hampshire)
''Your version of my CV helped me secure the job I was looking for. An excellent all-round service - keep it up!.'' (Richard, Winchester/Hampshire)
''A much appreciated, reliable and honest service. Almost immediately the number of interviews offered increased.'' (Sharon, Alton/Hampshire)
SO WHAT DOES IT COST?
£50+ VAT for Support Staff (Legal Secretaries/PA's, Paralegals, Legal Executives, Accounts and Marketing)
£75+VAT for Newly Qualified – 10+ years pqe
Email your current CV now: cvs@rpltd.co.uk or Call us to discuss on 0870 766 8209
THE RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP working in conjunction with Simply Law Jobs.
Friday, January 07, 2005
About Simply Law Jobs
www.simplylawjobs.com - the ideal place for employers and recruiters to advertise vacancies to an audience of Law professionals within the UK. As a client you can advertise your vacancies at highly competitive rates, giving you 24/7 coverage to some of the best people within the business.
As a candidate you can apply for any of the nationwide, exciting job opportunities that are advertised on the site - quickly and easily. You can register and save your searches so that we can alert you of the latest jobs that match your criteria, by sending you an email the minute the job is posted on the site.
Simply Law Jobs covers the following positions
Solicitor
Partner
Legal Executive
Paralegal
Practice Manager
Legal Accounts
Legal Secretary/PA
Barrister
Advocate
Licensed Conveyancer
Patent Agent
Permanent, Temporary, Locum and Part Time roles
There are opportunities in Private Practice, Local Government, In-House and in the Prison, Court & Probation Service. All areas of Law are covered, across the UK.
As a candidate you can apply for any of the nationwide, exciting job opportunities that are advertised on the site - quickly and easily. You can register and save your searches so that we can alert you of the latest jobs that match your criteria, by sending you an email the minute the job is posted on the site.
Simply Law Jobs covers the following positions
Solicitor
Partner
Legal Executive
Paralegal
Practice Manager
Legal Accounts
Legal Secretary/PA
Barrister
Advocate
Licensed Conveyancer
Patent Agent
Permanent, Temporary, Locum and Part Time roles
There are opportunities in Private Practice, Local Government, In-House and in the Prison, Court & Probation Service. All areas of Law are covered, across the UK.
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