All articles by Grania Langdon-Down

  • Techhouse - person standing next to house-shape made of connected dots
    Feature

    Connecting the dots

    2019-09-10T00:00:00Z

    Grania Langdon-Down looks at the current state of proptech – where and how it’s being used, how law firms can use it, and what it might mean for the future of property practice 

  • Compete - climbing towards flag at top of mountain
    Feature

    Onwards and upwards

    2019-04-09T00:00:00Z

    Accountancy firms of all sizes are looking to build up their legal offerings. But will this challenge mid-sized law firms, or drive new ways of working together? And what effect will proposed regulatory changes have? Grania Langdon-Down investigates

  • Robot hand drawing a graph - legal tech
    Feature

    Shock of the new

    2018-11-06T00:11:00Z

    The business of death is changing, as technology alters the way people are living their lives. How long before blockchain technology, e-signatures and chatbots become common on the private client stage? What else is waiting in the wings? Grania Langdon-Down investigates

  • Brexit - person in Union Jack jacket holding compass
    Feature

    Exit polls

    2018-10-02T00:00:00Z

    With odds shortening for a ‘fudged’ or no-deal Brexit, law firms are being advised to hope for the best but prepare for the worst, as the clock ticks down to March 2019. Grania Langdon-Down investigates

  • on the up
    Feature

    On the up

    2017-10-10T00:00:00Z

    The take-up of apprenticeships in law firms has been cautious, but the concept is now starting to gain traction. Grania Langdon-Down speaks to firms about the practicalities, benefits and challenges of taking on apprentices. 

  • jigsaw heart being pulled away by a hand
    Feature

    Heart of the matter

    2016-11-08T00:00:00Z

    If you are looking to merge or be acquired, you need to understand your firm’s value, and maximise it by effective planning and due diligence. Grania Langdon-Down talks to the experts

  • man stealing jars of probate
    Feature

    A run for your money?

    2016-07-18T13:42:00Z

    Grania Langdon-Down explores competition in the probate market

  • Exit
    Feature

    Emergency exit

    2015-11-03T00:00:00Z

    With firms feeling increasingly squeezed from all sides, it may seem tempting to divest yourself of underperforming practice areas. But getting it wrong could just make things worse. Grania Langdon-Down looks at the dos and don’ts

  • Telephone
    Feature

    ABS case study: BT

    2015-07-01T11:56:00Z

    BT’s legal team became an ABS in March 2013. Chief counsel Archana Makol, in conversation with Grania Langdon-Down, explains why they made the decision, and the new subsidiary’s strategy.

  • Under cover
    Feature

    Under cover

    2015-02-15T19:29:00Z

    After a year when much-heralded proposals to reform the professional indemnity insurance market flared briefly before being snuffed out, will 2015 see any significant changes in the renewal process? Grania Langdon-Down reports

  • Nicola Manning
    Feature

    Manning of the hour

    2014-05-07T00:00:00Z

    Nicola Manning of McMillan Williams on promoting diversity in the profession

  • Ian Brown
    Feature

    Golden Brown

    2013-11-12T00:00:00Z

    Wosskow Brown managing partner, Ian Brown, on securing new banking facilities worth nearly £2m

  • A run for your money image
    Feature

    A run for your money

    2013-09-11T00:00:00Z

    Solicitors’ involvement in property fraud may be very small, but they remain an attractive target for fraudsters, with potentially dire consequences for both them and their firms. Grania Langdon-Down looks at what solicitors can do to protect themselves

  • Setfords
    Feature

    Set apart

    2013-08-13T00:00:00Z

    Guy and Chris Setford of Setfords Solicitors on the benefits of moving to a fee-sharing model

  • Grania Langdon-Down
    Feature

    Working parts

    2013-03-13T00:00:00Z

    Changing career paths, more competition and the demand for quick, low-cost conveyancing have led many firms to employ paralegals, while others have used only qualified staff. Grania Langdon-Down looks at the different business models and the lessons to learn