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Changing times
Ann Harrison considers the future for legal businesses after coronavirus, and if it could lead to positive change
Features
A world of difference
Diversity in law firms – in terms of not only protected characteristics, but also experiences, attitudes and ways of thinking – can bring benefits in everything from financial performance to employee engagement. Lucy Trevelyan investigates.
Moving on
In the second of a two-part series on complaints, Rebecca Atkinson looks at what steps you should be taking when a complaint has been received, and how best to resolve complaints to avoid them reaching the Legal Ombudsman
Bring out the best
‘Bring your own device’ policies can bring real benefits, from increased productivity to costs savings. But there are also risks – and since employees always find ways to make their lives easier, you’re probably already at risk without knowing it. Jo-Anne Wild provides a simple guide for law firms
The eye of the beholder
You may think you can change your brand by changing your logo, but brand is far more about how clients and staff – both current and potential – perceive you. Ben Trott looks at how to understand and influence your firm’s brand
Liverpool empire
Fresh from a team and individual win at the 2019 Excellence Awards, Alison Lobb, managing partner of Morecrofts in Liverpool, talks to Duncan Wood about connecting with local businesses, developing talent and promoting diversity
On the money
In the first of a new series, Paul McCluskey looks at how law firm banking has changed in the last decade, and what impact third-party managed accounts could have in future
Intelligence gathering
Emotional intelligence (EQ) can be a leader’s greatest asset, or if ignored, their greatest risk. Dr Amanda Potter looks at why EQ matters in the workplace, and how you can develop yours
Tuning the pipeline
In the second of a series of articles on management information, John Humpherson and Barry Wilkinson look at how to use it at different stages of your work pipeline, to identify and improve everything from cashflow to time recording
Shuffle the cards
Exchanging business cards at networking events is part of most law firms’ business development activity. Bob Spence looks at why this may not be the best use of time, and how else you can build your network and win new business
Money matters
Law firms face the challenge of managing the tension between professionalism and commercialism. Most provide high-quality advice to clients, but many struggle with capturing a fair share of that value and turning output into profit and cash. Alex Shacklock looks at how to improve commercial performance in any law firm
Take on trust
In 2018, Hodge Jones & Allen became the first law firm in England and Wales to transfer its entire business into an employee ownership trust. Patrick Allen looks at how and why they switched, and how to decide if it could work for your firm