Expert Analysis

• SRA Review Could Bring Shift In Handling Legal Client Funds

  

  Recent high-profile cases of breaches of fund-handling rules, and an ongoing Solicitors Regulation Authority review, challenge a long-standing culture of law firms dealing with client funds in-house, and firms may need to opt for other business models to enhance consumer protection, says Claire Van Der Zant at Shieldpay.

• Opinion

  Why Incoming Government Must Reform UK's Justice System

  

  As the U.K. approaches a possible watershed general election, the new government must undertake the reforms and investment needed to restore the justice system, and public confidence and safety with it, says Sam Townend at the Bar Council.

• The In-House Versus Law Firm Talent Battle In The Gen Z Age

  

  Although elite law firms are offering ever-increasing salaries to talented associates, the traditional concept of partnership is evolving, and work-life balance issues and a greater concern with working in a sustainable environment among Gen Z lawyers mean that going in-house is becoming a more attractive option over time, say Calvin Gardiner and Simi Bains at Buchanan Law.

• PR Perspectives: Consider The Value Of Legal Awards

  

  Many lawyers question the value of entering or sponsoring legal awards, but with a structured approach and appropriate management, they can provide a chance to promote a firm or set of chambers across multiple platforms and a golden opportunity to develop new business, says Clare Rodway at Kysen.

• Law Firms Should Consider Value Of Off-Peak LinkedIn Posts

  

  Statistics show only a minor dip in law firms' LinkedIn post performance at weekends and holiday periods, demonstrating a missed opportunity to reach the many business leaders and lawyers who use the platform at off-peak times, says Simon Marshall at TBD Marketing.

• PR Perspectives: 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Legal PR

  

  Daniela Conte at Gibson Dunn outlines practical steps that public relations professionals working in the legal industry can take to excel at their craft, including providing regular media coaching to lawyers and quantifying the value of PR work.

• Why Law Firms May Want To Set Up Charitable Foundations

  

  An increasing number of law firms are setting up their own charitable foundations, which may be a way of achieving the goals a purposeful business wants to pursue and demonstrating to its stakeholders a tangible commitment to its professed values, says Robert Nieri at Shoosmiths.

• Client Complaint Data Offers Key Insights For Lawyers

  

  While the Legal Ombudsman has not yet released its latest annual report to the public, we can look at last year's data to decipher what may have caused a spike in client dissatisfaction and predict what to anticipate in an effort to improve the quality of legal services, says Qarrar Somji at Witan Solicitors.

• Disciplinary Ruling Has Lessons For Lawyers On Social Media

  

  A recent Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal judgment against a solicitor for online posts deemed antisemitic and offensive highlights the serious sanctions that can stem from conduct on social media and the importance of law firms' efforts to ensure that their employees behave properly, say Liz Pearson and Andrew Pavlovic at CM Murray.

• Law Firm Considerations In Attracting And Retaining Talent

  

  As law firms move away from a solely seniority-based partner remuneration model toward a reward performance system, they need to look holistically at overall contribution, maintaining an effective hierarchy of entrepreneurial senior partners, diligent management and hardworking junior staff in order to incentivize the stars they wish to keep, says Catriona Watt at Fox & Partners.

• Series

  PR Perspectives: Focusing On The Truth Will Gain Trust

  

  With a firm’s hard-won reputation at risk of being trashed if news breaks that the business has misled its stakeholders, it is far better for a public relations team to insist that external promotions be truthful, driving the organization to look critically at itself and make positive change, says Clare Rodway at Kysen PR.

• Why It's Helpful To Understand The Role Of The SRA

  

  With the ongoing Post Office inquiry and review of the role lawyers played in the scandal, the Solicitors Regulation Authority is currently under wider public consideration, and it is worth examining its role as a regulator, says Steve Roberts at Richard Nelson.

• Tips For Hiring Adaptable Legal Talent In Uncertain Times

  

  Amid the current period of economic and regulatory turbulence, businesses will need to consider skills that go beyond technical excellence when hiring in-house legal talent — including versatility, commercial awareness and artificial intelligence proficiency, says Jerry Temko at Major Lindsey.

• PR Perspectives: The Future For Legal Press Releases

  

  Although press releases are used less frequently now, they still have a place in the legal public relations repertoire, alongside the commentary, articles and social media aimed at getting law firms' or barristers' chambers' messages across, says Steve Rudaini at SJR Communications.

• How Pro Bono Work Can Strengthen A Law Firm

  

  Creating a sustainable pro bono program can enhance a law firm's reputation and make it attractive to prospective clients and talent in several ways, says Shams Merchant at Jackson Walker.