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
The importance of benchmarking reports – and lessons on profitability
Regional firms reported the largest revenue growth this year (12%), outpacing their City counterparts. Yet many are not converting that growth into profitability.
Fixed recoverable costs: Sacrificing justice for predictability?
The extended fixed recoverable costs regime is failing to achieve its stated objectives. Instead of promoting fairness and efficiency, the rules are creating anomalies that undermine justice.
Expectations keep rising, so prioritise client experience
Law firms are facing growing pressure to place greater focus on client experience or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive legal market.
