Practice Management
SRA warns law firms over “wholly unreasonable workloads”
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned law firms that imposing “wholly unreasonable workloads or targets” on staff could result in disciplinary action.
Family law firm embraces employee ownership and plots big expansion
The founder of the latest firm to move to employee ownership said his decision was inspired by the co-operative movement as it aims to become the largest family law practice in the country.
Large firms failing to optimise social media in hot recruitment market
Large law firms are failing to make the best use of LinkedIn as a recruitment tool amid a hot market, with the top 100 firms often receiving no applicants as they fail to sell the roles effectively.
Diversity questions make up 20% of marks in panel tender
Clients are ratcheting up the pressure on law firms to improve their diversity, with applicants for the panel of the Pension Protection Fund the latest to have to prove their credentials.
Multi-disciplinary network strikes third UK deal with BSB-regulated firm
International professional services group ETL Global has inked its third law firm deal in England by taking a stake in a specialist investment fraud practice, amid a flurry of law firm M&A.
Law firms eye M&A as route to private equity or listing
Nearly half of law firms are considering mergers and acquisitions, with a surprising number looking to grow in a bid to attract private equity investment or to go public, according to new research.
City firm launches domestic abuse support service for staff
City practice Fieldfisher has launched a domestic abuse support service for staff, alongside more general awareness training to help people spot the signs that a colleague may be a victim of it.
Employee ownership “best way to deal with succession”, says Yorkshire firm
A Yorkshire law firm with over 230 staff and 20 salaried partners has become 100% employee-owned after its three owners decided it was the best way to deal with succession.
Record year for City partner recruitment in 2021
Last year was a record one for partner hires by City law firms, with the “legal boom” also triggering an associate salary war, legal recruitment consultants have reported.
Seven in ten legal sector workers suffer from poor mental health
Seven out of ten legal sector workers (69%) describe themselves as suffering from poor mental health, with their union saying it showed a “crisis” in the law.
Blog
The civil courts and the digital divide
Despite the government’s decision to increase Ministry of Justice funding, its budget for 2025-26 is still 14% lower in real terms than in 2007-08.
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.
