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As the recent Allen & Overy and Shearman Sterling deal announcement demonstrates, controlling the narrative is the priority when merger discussions begin, so law firms need to consider their stakeholder base and the best communication channels for each segment, ready to adapt to the audience group's needs, say Ben Girdlestone and Bethany Durkin at Byfield.
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A recent government briefing shows that young people are increasingly signing up for apprenticeships, a trend that law firms should take advantage of to improve socioeconomic diversity and help to recruit a variety of talent, which can boost employee retention in the long run, says Emma O'Connor at Boyes Turner.
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Generative artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the legal industry, and it is becoming increasingly clear that law firms will need to adjust their recruitment strategies, refine their service offerings and hire specialist lawyers versed in AI technologies, says Brent Harris at Major Lindsey.
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Against the backdrop of the U.K. skills shortage, personal engagement with junior lawyers could boost employee commitment, engagement and retention, highlighting that physical presence in the office is valued and vital, says Michael Stokes at Harrison Clark.
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In-house law firm public relations has developed into a sophisticated practice as firms become more business-minded, and will continue to grow in importance, with legal PR teams becoming more integrated and working seamlessly across all forms of media, says Daniela Conte at Gibson Dunn.
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Recent positive use cases of artificial intelligence demonstrate the potential benefits it can bring to the legal profession, and while the development of AI rules is essential, their effectiveness depends on user adoption, behavioral change and human acceptance, say Charlie Morgan and Salman Dhalla at Herbert Smith.
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There are multiple benefits for lawyers appearing in the media, and those who want to build good relations with the press should consider establishing contacts and maintaining those links, and understanding the role of journalists is critical in achieving this, says Steve Rudaini at MD Communications.
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With younger lawyers increasingly paying attention to factors beyond salary, such as work-life balance and career progression, it is firms that know how to appeal to other wants that will ultimately pull ahead when competing for talent, says Adam Stocker at Major Lindsey.
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The recent private equity investment in The Barrister Group, believed to be the first at the Bar of England and Wales, demonstrates how an upgrade in chambers' business processes and technology can be achieved, both essential for the future of the profession, says Harry Hodgkin at The Barrister Group.
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As practitioners and the U.K. Solicitors Regulation Authority seek to increase diversity in the legal profession, the adoption of technology, such as remote learning, artificial intelligence and social media communities, is playing a major role in breaking down entry barriers to a career in law, says Caroline Rayson at BPP.
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In light of the U.K. government’s recent consultation on expanding filming across the courts system in England and Wales, our right to open justice must be weighed carefully against the reputational risk that litigation poses to all parties involved, says Bella von Bohlen at FTI Consulting.
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Any business or high-profile individual could end up in court, and with a global audience watching on through social media, lawyers would be wise to use strategic methods to shine a favorable light on their work and cases, says Steve Rudaini at MD Communications.
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Having played a significant role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, the legal profession now needs to practice allyship to ensure there is sufficient support for the community by educating itself, its colleagues and the public, says Christianah Babajide at Keating Chambers.
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There are basic questions that solicitors must ask of clients to avoid money laundering risks, but in light of recent fines imposed by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority for failure to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, firms must also ensure they document their diligence process, says Harriet Holmes at Thirdfort.
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Until the U.K. government takes powerful measures to address IT issues, poorly maintained courtrooms and wage demands, the crown court backlog will continue to rise to the detriment of all stakeholders in the criminal court system and the public at large, says Rubin Italia at Stokoe Partnership.