Law firms fall for banking scams
An insurer is warning that fraudsters are using clever tactics in order to empty law firms’ bank accounts. British professional indemnity insurance firm Elite says that the successful scams involve plausible-sounding telephone calls to law firms ‘confirming’ recent transactions. During the process the caller manages to gain security information from office staff who believe the caller to be genuine. They then use this along with other information obtained through system hacks to empty the firms’ bank accounts. Millions of dollars worth of funds have already been stolen from UK law firms in this way. Elite advises that firms should be wary of incoming calls of this kind and receptionists should take callers’ details and advise them that someone will return their call.
Another merger could be on the cards
Following a number of US-based firms joining forces in recent years it’s reported that two more may be talking about a merger. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and Chadbourne and Parke are said to be in early talks. A merger of the two international firms would create a 1000-lawyer firm with offices in the US, UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
“Harry Potter” lawyer to face disciplinary board
A solicitor who made headlines when a judge likened his clothing to Harry Potter is to face a disciplinary hearing. Dr Alan Blacker, also known as Lord Harley, has been called to attend the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. Although the reason has not yet been revealed it is said to be as a result of allegations made by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Dr Blacker will be given time to object to the publication of the allegations that have been made.
US personal injury lawyers spend most on Google
The most expensive keyword search terms on Google are for legal services according to new figures. Web analysts WebpageFX and SEMrush found that the single most expensive keyword search term so far this year was “San Antonia car wreck attorney” Each time there is a click-through from that search advertisers pay U$670.44. The data shows that 78 per cent of the most expensive keyword search terms are law practices, generally personal injury firms.
