Practice Management
Most firms increasing bank borrowing, survey finds
There is a “real profitability divide” between larger and smaller law firms although income is generally increasing across the board, new research has found.
City firms “falling behind global rivals” on technology
Commercial law firms based in the UK are falling behind their global rivals in adopting new technology, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, a report has warned.
Judge attacks S&G for “wholly unacceptable” failure
A High Court judge has strongly criticised Slater & Gordon for a “wholly unacceptable” failure to give him a crucial letter when applying for an urgent injunction in a police misconduct case.
Solicitor wife compensated on divorce for career loss
A solicitor who sacrificed possible partnership at a magic circle law firm to have children has been awarded an extra £400,000 in her divorce settlement with an equity partner at the same firm.
Female lawyers project looks to accelerate progress
The team behind the First 100 Years has launched its latest project, The Next 100 Years, dedicated to achieving equality for women in law over the next decade.
Client “acted reasonably” in relying on incorrect advice
An employer acted reasonably in relying on legal advice that the restrictive covenants on a new employee were unlikely to be enforceable, even though they proved to be, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Kennedys spins off technology product arm
Leading City law firm Kennedys has spun off its technology development into a separate business, dubbing its ‘Kennedys, without the lawyers’.
Lawyers need to take ‘whole person’ approach to clients
Law firms and other advisers are often organised so they only see a legal problem that needs to be resolved, rather than take a ‘whole person’ approach to clients, the head of a well-known legal charity has said.
Consumer forum uses IBM partnership to build legal chatbot
A partnership with IBM is helping leading consumer law forum LegalBeagles develop a chatbot that will answer the types of questions that people are regularly posting on the site.
Extended pilot of fully video hearings made opt-out
A pilot of fully video hearings in the civil courts is to be extended and turned from opt-in to opt-out so as to drive more cases through the system, the Civil Procedure Rule Committee has decided.
Blog
Is your Google Ads budget funding your competitors’ AI visibility?
If your cost-per-click has crept up again this year, you’ve probably assumed the market simply got more expensive. That’s the wrong way to read what’s happening.
Containing the spread of unapproved AI
Nearly 60% of fee-earners admit to using unapproved tools (like free versions of ChatGPT). Yet 68% of firm leaders are confident there is zero risk of unapproved AI being used for client work.
When AI adoption goes wrong, costs add up fast
City AM recently reported that London is fighting to claim the title of ‘global capital of legal AI’. However, it’s crucial we remember that adoption alone does not create value.
