Company & Commercial
Legal market to grow “in all areas” as PE extends reach
The legal services market will grow across all practice areas in 2026 for the first time since Covid, researchers have predicte, while a growing private equity presence is “a continuing theme”.
Law firm offers SMEs £17.50 AI contract reviews
A business law firm is offering SMEs contract reviews conducted entirely by artificial intelligence, costing just £17.50 for simple agreements.
Lawyers call on Law Commission to confirm new crypto approach
A coalition of 11 law firms has called on the Law Commission to confirm a provisional conclusion on the approach courts should take on jurisdiction and crypto-assets.
Practising barrister named a tax avoidance promoter in HMRC first
A practising barrister has for the first time been added to HM Revenue & Customs’ list of tax avoidance promoters.
Solicitors condemn HMRC plans for “deemed waiver” of privilege
Solicitors have condemned plans by HMRC to introduce a “deemed waiver” of privilege where tax avoidance scheme are marketed as being supported by a legal opinion.
Law firms look to offer clients AI assurance services
Law firms are in the race to offer companies artificial intelligence (AI) assurance services, according to a specialist AI and data lawyer.
Law firm to pay 10% of commercial fees into social justice fund
A well-known London law firm has launched a fund to receive 10% of the firm’s fees from non-contentious commercial work and then hand over the money to two legal charities.
UK lawtech firm raises $30m to expand use of agentic AI
A lawtech contract specialist has raised $30m in Series B funding to further develop its use of agentic artificial intelligence as it expands outside the UK.
Three out of 10 GCs plan to cut spending on external lawyers
Nearly three out of 10 corporate general counsel plan to cut spending on external lawyers – the highest proportion since 2020, a report has found.
City giant seeks to shift blame for errors that cost client £83m
City giant A&O Shearman can make the argument that others were to blame for a mistake that has so far cost its client Nationwide £83m, the High Court has ruled.
Law firm owned by accountancy consolidator to become ABS
The law firm set up last year by a fast-growing accountancy consolidator has applied to become an alternative business structure so as to expand its range of services.
Law firms urged to put ethics at heart of deciding who to act for
Law firms should adopt a ‘legitimate provenance of wealth test’ when taking on clients as part of an ethics-based approach that goes beyond legal or regulatory tests.
Legal market’s strong growth in 2024 set to continue this year
The UK legal services market grew by 10% to £52bn last year and is heading towards a strong 2025 too, according to new research.
Exclusive: Australian firm eyes major UK expansion with PE backing
An Australian law firm offering SMEs unlimited, on-demand legal services on a subscription basis is set to expand its UK operation after taking private equity investment.
Court allows City giant to progress ex-client’s claim on assignment
A major City law firm can continue bringing a case it took on assignment from former clients which could mitigate a possible professional negligence claim.
Blog
Business fatigue to AI will risk job security
Whilst we know professional learning has always been part of career paths, to hire, retain and keep talent, AI needs to be embedded as a core part of this training.
On good authority? GenAI and the reputational risks to law firms
As GenAI’s influence grows, so do the risks which are already playing out in courtrooms across England and Wales, where some early adopters are setting precedents they would rather not.
Why this is the year for law firms to embrace generative AI
After more than a year of pilots, proofs of value and early experimentation, firms are increasingly embedding AI into day-to-day workflows.
