Comment
Burning issues
Robert Banner looks at the plans for Section for the year ahead, and the topics we
Special focus: Trends
Moving with the times
Lucy Trevelyan looks at recent trends in the use of office space in law firms and beyond – including agile working, shoring and activity-based working – and examines the drivers for change, plus the benefits and possible pitfalls
Big thinking
Big data isn’t about sheer volume of data – it’s about how to use the data available to make effective business-critical decisions. As Charles Christian explains, it can help you to understand your business better, recognise trends and improve performance
Robot wars
The last few years have seen increased speculation about the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal sector and, in particular, on the timing of that impact. Tony Williams looks at the challenges and opportunities presented by the new technology
You can do it
Coaching as a business tool continues to grow in popularity. Louise Palmer explains how it can be used effectively in managing lawyers, and provides a number of practical techniques to help you develop a successful coaching relationship
Features
Spread the word
Law firms are increasingly recognising the value of content marketing to showcase their expertise, but there is no point writing great content if it cannot be found by potential clients. Gavin Ward provides his 10 top tips for effective online content distribution
Better together
Networking, both internally and externally, is often dreaded by legal professionals. But if you do it effectively, you and your firm will reap the rewards, says Anne Waldron
Hero of our time
In an increasingly competitive market, legal businesses need to find a way to stand out from the crowd. One option, especially for high street and full-service firms, is to aim to become a ‘local hero’ business. Barry Wilkinson explains
All above board
The SRA Code of Conduct obliges law firms to ensure their fees are transparent to their clients. Firms must not be seen to generate secret profits. Jason Mitchell looks at how to maintain compliance
Cover me
Hans Allnutt and Helen Nuttall explore the risks faced by legal professionals in the ‘cyber age’, and look at the available indemnities under traditional professional indemnity insurance policies and specialist cyber-policies
Ringing the changes
In conversation with Elizabeth Noone, Christina Blacklaws reflects on her new role as deputy vice president of the Law Society, and discusses effective leadership and pressing issues for the profession
Helping handbook?
In June, the Solicitors Regulation Authority launched a consultation on proposed changes to the SRA Handbook. But are the changes the right ones? And how could they affect firms and their leaders? Paul Bennett, Melanie O’Brien, Matt Howgate and Sarah Charlton consider