Diana Bentley
Diana Bentley is a freelance journalist
FeatureDriving success
Robert Camp is outgoing managing partner of award-winning south-west firm Stephens Scown and its new director of strategic innovation. He talks to Diana Bentley about how postcards, milk and campervans have supported the firm’s success
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West side story: Leeds and West Yorkshire regional focus
In a new feature, we take an in-depth look at the in-house landscape in different regions of the UK. In this edition, Diana Bentley visits Leeds, the largest financial capital outside of London, and finds a thriving and expanding business hub - with a highly competitive in-house job market.
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Hatching a plan
Alexandra Hatchman, chief operating officer at Fletchers Solicitors, has transformed her firm in less than two years, and won an Excellence Award for her innovation. Diana Bentley talks to her about her approach, and her plans for the future
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Changing industries: CV and interview tips
Thinking about moving sector? There may be plenty of opportunities in the market, but how can you make an impact with your CV and at interview and demonstrate you really want a change? Diana Bentley canvasses recruiters and heads of legal for their advice on how to get yourself noticed ...
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Flying start
Recruitment and retention is a growing challenge for all firms, especially of lawyers starting their careers. So what are firms doing to attract and retain junior lawyers? Diana Bentley investigates, in the first article of our special focus on junior lawyers
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Branching out: upskilling for in-house counsel
In-house counsel can greatly enhance their effectiveness by broadening their skill sets. Diana Bentley reports
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Moving on up: roles beyond GC
General counsel contemplating a career move will benefit from a careful survey of their options. Diana Bentley reviews some of the issues involved.
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Moore is more
Diana Bentley talks to Moore Blatch managing partner Ed Whittington about the firm’s strategy for growth
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Paradise lost
The Panama Papers leak from one of the world’s largest offshore law firms has led to a hardening of attitudes towards tax avoiders – and that arguably includes many lawyers, who are deemed complicit in the actions of their clients. Diana Bentley looks at how the landscape has changed.
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Great expectations: driving diversity
US firm HP caused a stir last year when it announced that it would withhold up to ten per cent of costs invoiced by their external law firms if they do not meet minimum diversity requirements. While we haven’t seen anything so drastic over here yet, Diana Bentley explores how ...
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Only select: working with panels
For general counsel, the selection of panels of external advisers is a vital, but often time-consuming process. Clear thinking and good management are called for. Here, some experts share their experiences and advice with Diana Bentley.
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Partner up
Once dubbed the ‘business prevention unit’, in-house legal departments are now striving to become effective business partners in their organisations. Diana Bentley find outs from several GC how they are enhancing their profiles with their business colleagues.
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Mind the gap
Many law firms are missing a trick by not having a strategy. And many which do are not effectively implementing their plans so they can grow and position themselves effectively. Diana Bentley investigates how firms can close the gap between strategy and implementation
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Live and learn
The continuing competence regime has now been compulsory for just over two months. Diana Bentley talks to the regulator, firms and industry experts about how the change is being implemented in practice
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The long view
Diana Bentley talks to Steven Zdolyny, director of legal services and compliance officer for legal practice at Riverview Law, about life at the helm of this expanding firm.
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Tech breakthrough
Peter Wright, director of DigitalLawUK, talks to Diana Bentley about setting up his niche firm
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The business end
Catherine Gannon talks to Diana Bentley about the challenges and rewards of setting up Gannons, a boutique firm working with private companies and small businesses
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Leading light
In a fast-changing market, leadership is becoming ever more important for law firms. Diana Bentley looks at the qualities and responsibilities expected of a good leader in today’s firm, and what the future might bring
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Running Wild
Geoff Wild on Kent County Council’s innovative model, offering legal services to other public bodies
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How to build effective in-house / law firm relationships
Getting and keeping a corporate client is a lot like the dating game – you have to make your choice, get picked, and keep communicating and giving to keep the relationship going. Diana Bentley offers some tips for finding – and keeping – your perfect partner
