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Fail to plan...
As we kick off 2019, many firms will be starting their business planning cycle for the new financial year. But is your firm’s planning as good as it could be? Ann Harrison asks some searching questions
Features
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
A fresh perspective
In the second article in our special focus on junior lawyers, Leanne Yendell looks at how your newly qualified lawyers can help you with everything from understanding client needs to building an effective workplace culture
A difficult age
Steven Petty co-founded a niche law firm in 2014. As the firm passes its fifth birthday, he looks back on the challenges and the lessons learned
Power of three
Leonard Curtis Legal has an unusual offering: as well as providing in-house legal advice to its parent professional services business, it offers advice to external clients, and supports lenders. DirectorAndrew Gregory talks strategy, challenges and plans with Lucy Trevelyan
Blow-by-blow account
Andrew Allen provides an overview of the changes to the SRA Accounts Rules, expected to come into force in April 2019. What are the challenges and opportunities, and what do firms need to do now to prepare?
The client is king
How can you kickstart your firm’s growth in 2019? Emma Massingham offers a five-step plan for success through focusing on your targets and clients
From the front
It is an old trope that there is a difference between a good leader and a good manager – but law firm leaders need to be both. Ann Harrison looks at the skillsets involved, and the additional challenges of management in the legal sector
Shifting sands
PII is in flux. The market is hardening, free post-run-off cover is ceasing, regulatory changes will introduce classes of solicitor with less or no cover, and proposed changes could reduce minimum cover. Steve Ray and Jenny Screech round up the changes, and the likely effects
Border control
With only two months to go before the UK leaves the EU, Laura Devine looks at what steps should law firms be taking now in relation to staff members who are either EU citizens or family members of EU citizens
The devil’s in the detail
Jonathon Bray provides a personal perspective on the SRA’s new rulebook, and the complexity it could create in the profession
Checks and balances
You may think checklists are only for the newly qualified. But, as Hélène Russell explains, they can reduce human error, free you up to focus on complex legal work and save your firm time and money
Growing pains
No form of growth is easy, but in a competitive market, no firm can afford to rest on its laurels. Mark Briegal and Howard Hackney look at the pros and cons of the three main ways of growing your firm: merger, acquisition, and organic growth
Virtuous cycle
IT compliance is a challenge for any business, and particularly those in the legal sector. But you can simplify and streamline the process by implementing a continuous compliance culture – and technology can help. Javid Khan explains
The road ahead
Members of the Law Management Section committee led sessions at a roadshow this winter to highlight the opportunities and challenges in the year ahead for law firm financial advisers and finance directors. Andrew Otterburn reports back
Letter of the law
Reuben Glynn reviews a new title on effective leadership in small businesses