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An eventful year
Section chair Robert Banner looks back at 2017 and ahead to the new year
Features
Gift register
A risk register may seem like just another regulatory requirement, but an effective one can help you not only identify and mitigate risks, but also reduce your insurance premiums, build client loyalty, and reduce complaints. Pearl Moses explains.
People business
Simon Tupman argues for people being put before profit in law firms – and shows how doing so can give you a helping hand in everything from recruitment and retention to your bottom line.
Playing catch up
The new money laundering regulations have been in force for over three months, but is your firm compliant? Alison Matthews provides an overview of the requirements for law firms.
Game on
In the July edition, Debbie Bondi made the case for legal project management. Here, she looks at how to establish project management in a firm – and the opportunities it can create for personal development and diversification.
Under pressure
Mental health problems are a growing issue for every sector, including the law, with its inherent high levels of stress. Paul Bennett looks at how managers in law firms can support their staff to mitigate mental health problems and their effects.
On the up
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.
Full steam ahead
Disruptive technologies have been a hot topic in the legal sector in recent years, but what does this mean for people working in the sector? Rohit Talwar, Steve Wells and Alexandra Whittington look at the risks – and the opportunities.
Eyes on the prize
Have you protected your firm’s intellectual property? If not, do you know you could have to change your name or logo, or put up with competitors copying your innovations? Shireen Smith provides a beginner’s guide to intellectual property for law firms.
Course of action
The continuing competence regime, replacing the old CPD requirement, came into force nearly a year ago. Anna Gregory explains how her firm has embraced the new approach to introduce an experiential learning culture, including action learning.
Dadd hand
Gordon Dadds hit the news this summer, as the second law firm to float on the London Stock Exchange. Duncan Wood talks to managing partner and CEO, Adrian Biles, about the firm’s strategy and business plan.
Made to measure
In your financial reporting, do you focus on fees and hours? If so, you’re missing a trick, according to Andrew Otterburn. Focusing on gross profit can help you with everything from gearing to pricing, and productivity to teamwork.
In the balance
The legal press is full of stories about the risks of the new General Data Protection Regulation, but might there be an upside to compliance? Ann Harrison looks at the potential benefits – as well as the burdens and risks.
Culture club
Do you know what the culture of your firm is? And does it help you deliver against your strategy, or does it hinder it? Andrew Hedley looks at how to analyse your current culture and achieve effective change.