Practice Management
Law firms “arrogant and complacent” in approach to non-legal staff
It is a “uniquely arrogant and complacent facet” of law firms that partners think some key business functions are “dispensible” support staff rather than core elements.
Mergers, administration and a new firm – legal market stays active
Merger talks announced earlier this year between Ward Hadaway and The Endeavour Partnership have proven successful as we round up recent market developments.
Firms missing out with lawyers “reluctant to cross-sell”
Cross-selling is the biggest missed opportunity to boost law firm profits, according to research that says lawyers fear looking too pushy.
The top 50 law firms “lack time-bound carbon reduction targets”
While 48 out of the top 50 UK law firms are publicly committed to climate-related targets, only nine have disclosed time-bound carbon reduction targets by 2030 or net zero targets by 2050.
Lack of confidence “the biggest barrier to social mobility”
Lack of confidence is the biggest barrier to social mobility in the law, according to a founder of the City Solicitors Horizons scheme, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this week.
Law firms “should not need diagnoses” on neurodiversity
Law firms should respond to the needs of neurodivergent lawyers without requiring them to produce formal diagnoses, a senior neurodiverse solicitor has said.
PE-backed serious injury law firm unveils major acquisition
Private-equity backed Fletchers Group has acquired the 80-strong serious injury practice of national firm Shoosmiths, adding three new offices in the process.
Acquisitive law firms keep up pace with slew of fresh deals
This year’s M&A activity has continued with deals announced by law firms owned by employees, public shareholders and a global investment manager.
Private equity takes stake in remote-working commercial law firm
A fast-growing commercial law firm whose lawyers work remotely has become the latest to take private equity backing, with LDC buying a large minority stake.
Discrimination still prevalent in profession, say women lawyers
Most women in law (88%) believe sex discrimination is still prevalent in the profession, with 63% saying they had personally experienced it in the last five years.
Blog
The SRA’s client money reforms: good intentions, questionable execution
On the face of it, the SRA’s plans to tighten protections around client money sounds sensible. The detail, as ever, tells a more complicated story.
Recruitment, retention and reward in the legal accounts world
Understanding the legal finance market is important – not just for those actively involved in it day-to-day but also for leaders within law firms.
From ‘year zero’ to £6.5m – how a law firm found its second life
In 2018, I hit what I call ‘year zero’. On paper, Olliers Solicitors was a top-tier criminal defence firm but beneath the surface, I could see we were at a crossroads.
