Features and Opinion – Page 8
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FeatureKeep in touch
Dan Lancaster explains why switching away from traditional communication systems is key to becoming more competitive, and how you can do it successfully.
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FeatureFlexible friend
The increased pensions flexibility introduced this April presents new opportunities for law firm owners looking to extract profits from their firms through pensions. Duncan Wilson explains
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FeatureLook before you leap
Law firm partners are increasingly likely to embark on a second career once retirement looms, but the transition can be daunting for both the individual and the firm. Ava Madon looks at the phenomenon, and how to manage it in practice
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FeatureOn auto-pilot?
Pensions auto-enrolment has been in force for over three years, but the implementation date for many smaller firms is this October. Are you ready? Zoe Bodycote provides a beginner’s guide to the scheme and the steps you need to take
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FeatureAfter hours
The changes to solicitors’ CPD, from an hours-based to a competency-based regime, are now well under way. Nicola Jones outlines the practicalities of compliance with the new system, and the benefits it can bring for firms and the legal sector
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FeatureTrain of thought
In the second of her series on legal education, training and development, Nicola Jones looks at how new routes to legal qualification are opening up opportunities for both firms and aspiring lawyers
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FeatureLeading 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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FeatureLive and learn
The shift from hours-based CPD to competence to practice, announced in May this year, presents an important opportunity for firms to reassess their learning strategy and ensure it contributes to their business needs. Nicola Jones explains
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FeatureLearning the ropes
In the second of a series on getting the best out of trainees, Paul Newton looks at how to manage the relationship with your trainees after recruitment, from welcoming them to the firm and helping them to develop, to career development post-qualification
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FeatureCulture club
In challenging times, law firms need to keep changing to keep pace, and that means having an appropriate strategy. But what fewer firms consider is whether their culture supports – or undermines – those efforts, and what they can do to make their culture work for them. Julie Harrison explains
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FeatureManning of the hour
Nicola Manning of McMillan Williams on promoting diversity in the profession
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FeatureTraining ground
In the first of a two-part series on getting the best out of trainees, Paul Newton, training principal for a medium-sized firm, provides a personal perspective on trainee recruitment and selection
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FeatureBack to Basics: Exit strategies
Mergers, acquisitions and law firm closures are at unprecedented levels, given the strategic changes that have taken and continue to take place in the legal industry. So, what steps should you take if you’re considering winding up your law firm?
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FeatureNew obligations
By 2018, all UK firms will be required to enrol all eligible employees into a qualifying pension scheme. Georgina Beechinor looks at how these changes and developments will affect law firms, and what you should be doing now to prepare
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FeatureBuilding blocks
Becoming a partner no longer automatically equals a secure and prosperous career; ongoing work on your own skills is essential to long-term success. Ava Madon looks at three key aspects of personal development
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FeatureKnocked sideways
Making lateral hires may seem like a simple way to grow your business, but if you get it wrong – and most firms do – the consequences could be dire. Mark Brandon outlines the pitfalls, and how to avoid them in your firm.
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FeatureBack to front
Deborah Atkins explains how streamlining back office processes through new technology can free up time for HR staff to focus on attraction and retention, developing fee-earners’ skills and improving client satisfaction
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FeatureOffice politics
Now that legal business has woken up to the need for overarching operations managers in the guise of chief operating officer or operations director, the sector might be ready for even bigger change. Gary Jones explains