Practice Management
Metaverse “could help law firms with remote working”
The former boss of Linklaters has suggested that the ‘metaverse’, an online world where people communicate through virtual reality, could help law firms deal with the challenges of remote working.
Legal sector “one of the worst” for workplace culture
The legal sector is “one of the worst across the board” for workplace culture, a report has found, with a substantial number saying a negative culture had damaged their mental health.
Solicitor fails in challenge to ruling over recruitment costs repayment
A solicitor ordered to repay her firm the cost of recruiting her after she left within a year has failed in a bid to have the decision reconsidered.
Good customer service now “just as important” as the legal work
Consumer law firms increasingly consider that customer service is just as important as resolving a legal matter satisfactorily, partly with an eye to online reviews.
Mergers, acquisitions and new firms abound in autumn rush
There has been a slew of mergers announced in recent days across the country, as usually happens at this time of the year when most firms still renew their professional indemnity insurance.
Big firms’ support for clients during pandemic hit billable hours but not profits
Support for clients during the pandemic cut larger UK law firms’ billable hours by 15% but most maintained profits. Clients are now demanding greater financial transparency and pricing flexibility.
Law firms a “hostile environment” for CILEX lawyers
CILEX lawyers face discrimination and unfair treatment by fellow professionals and particularly their employers, and the organisation has called for a summit to tackle the law’s “crisis of culture”.
Pandemic has accelerated change in the law “by two to four years”
Law firms have exited the worst of the pandemic in confident mood and less concerned about competitive pressure in the market, a survey has found. There was also an uptick in interest in mergers.
Lawyers “spend too much time socialising with other lawyers”
Lawyers could improve their mental health by spending less time away from the workplace socialising with other lawyers, a leading QC has said.
Major report: Law’s culture has to change to tackle wellbeing crisis
The “organisational culture” of the legal profession needs to change to tackle the ongoing problems of mental ill-health, bullying and harassment, major new research has found.
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.
