Market monitor
Consumers willing to work with wills and probate solicitors online
More than a third of consumers believe that video witnessing of wills is “a good alternative” to being there in person, according to a major study, while a majority are happy to have an online consultation.
Mishcon’s brand management spin-off leads latest deals news
A brand management company owned by London law firm Mishcon de Reya has acquired a Philippines-based business to boost its Asian presence, among various deals struck recently in the legal market.
Law firm leaders expecting market consolidation in 2021
There are “high expectations” among law firm leaders of consolidation in the legal services market during 2021 and beyond, research has found – although there is often little strategy behind deals.
Report highlights post-lockdown recovery in family and private client work
Demand for family and private client services recovered in the second quarter of this year as the impact of the first national lockdown began to take effect, research has found.
Alternative legal providers “impressing clients” with technology
Alternative legal services providers “lag behind the leading law firms by quite a margin” in Europe, but their use of technology is “impressing clients”, a report has found.
3,000 law firms “could be forced to close or merge”
As many as 3,000 law firms could be forced to close or merge over the next few years after the conveyancing bubble bursts and the recession really kicks in, a leading law firm consultant has warned.
In-house solicitor brings libel claim over accusatory press release
A senior solicitor at the Environment Agency is suing a director of a garden centre business for libel and harassment after he successfully prosecuted the man for waste offences.
Inward investment consultancy becomes ABS after “exponential growth”
A professional services consultancy specialising in advice to foreign businesses wanting to set up in the UK has become an alternative business structure after “exponential growth” in 2020.
Lottery funding helps law firm launch free Covid fines app
A not-for-profit criminal law firm has launched a free web app aimed at people who have been issued fines for breaching the Coronavirus Regulations.
BT takes legal near-shoring option with Northern Ireland move
Communications giant BT has become the first non-law firm to open a legal hub in Northern Ireland, investing over £2.7m to create up to 30 lawyer jobs in Belfast over the next four years.
Blog
Five golden links for a caring Christmas and New Year
This time of year always sharpens thoughts about how we look after and support elderly clients and those, elderly or otherwise, who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
