Practice Management
Law firms positive about finances despite rising costs
Many SME law firms feel optimistic about their financial performance this year even though staffing costs are set to rise quicker than fee rates, according to new research.
LSB set to beef up rules on how lawyers handle complaints
Lawyers are facing beefed-up rules on dealing with complaints, and the prospect of how quickly they handle them being made public, under proposals published yesterday.
Fewer lawyers on active search for new jobs, survey suggests
The proportion of lawyers actively seeking a new job fell for the third consecutive year to 10%, according to new research, although 45% described themselves as ‘passive’ jobseekers.
Integration and cash flow problems brought down law firm consolidator
The administrators’ report into the collapse in June of the Law Direct group has highlighted how hard it is to build a law firm consolidator, as problems with integration led to cash flow difficulties.
Axiom Ince stops taking new instructions as break-up looms
The end appears nigh for Axiom Ince, with the law firm admitting that it has stopped taking new instructions and will “likely be unable to continue in its current format”.
Slater & Gordon secures £33m working capital facility
Slater & Gordon has struck a £33m funding deal with litigation funder Harbour to help build its personal injury and clinical negligence practices.
Workplace culture, not personal issues, “making women leave”
Workplace culture is the main reason that professional women leave their jobs and not personal issues such as the menopause or caring responsibilities, a study has concluded.
ICO reprimands law firm over data breach that saw money stolen
The Information Commissioner’s Office has reprimanded a law firm after a cyber-attack led to a data breach and four fraudulent payments being made on a probate matter.
Junior lawyers find it harder to concentrate on virtual training
Junior lawyers “find it harder to concentrate” during virtual training sessions than their more senior colleagues, while partners felt they were not getting enough time with juniors.
Three-quarters of law firms experience drop in demand
Three-quarters of law firms have experienced a drop in demand for legal services over the past 12 months and the same proportion expect the decline to go on for another year.
Blog
The Decent Homes Standard scandal
It is well established that the UK has the highest proportion of inadequate housing in all of Europe. But what if the heart of the problem is even worse than we think?
The evolving standard: AI and professional negligence
AI creates an obvious professional negligence risk. Using it carelessly may fall below the standard of reasonable skill and care. As may failing to use it, in certain circumstances.
The ongoing rise and challenge of housing disrepair in council properties
Britain’s housing disrepair crisis has quietly evolved into one of the most consequential legal and political issues facing the country’s social housing sector.
