Test – Page 176
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FeatureHow do you compare?
Our 2013 Financial Benchmarking Survey report is out now. Fees and profits are up once again, but partner capital is down, and many firms show signs of financial stability issues. Andy Harris introduces the results of the survey
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FeatureIn the round
For a struggling firm in this difficult market, might a merger be the best option, or should it try to succeed alone? This was the issue presented to our executive committee at a recent roundtable discussion. Caroline Roddis reports
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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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FeatureOn the money
In today’s challenging marketplace, firms need to be able to spot potential financial problems early and take decisive action. Clare Boardman provides an accountant’s perspective on the steps a firm needs to take to secure its financial future
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FeatureMeasure for measure
Knowing which marketing activities work best is key to efficient business development for law firms. Sue Bramall explains how to plan for and measure your marketing for maximum impact
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FeatureIn with the new
Innovation in law firms may seem like a fad, but in a fast-moving and increasingly challenging market, it is an essential tool for survival. Ava Madon explains why, and how to make it a reality in your firm
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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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FeatureOffice politics
As firms struggle to adapt to the pace of change in the legal market, premises costs can make the difference between success and failure. Steven Petty explains how you can manage these costs to the benefit of your firm
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FeatureOn the map
Process mapping, and especially value stream mapping, can help law firms to understand how they do things, and how they can meet client needs more productively and profitably. Antony Smith explains how to make it work for you
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FeatureStanding strong
When you’re faced with a particularly challenging client, it can be daunting to think about either asking them to change their behaviour, or ceasing to act for them. But, says Gary Richards, sometimes this is exactly what you need to do
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FeatureThe flip side
It can sometimes feel as though the regulatory obligations imposed upon lawyers only continue to grow. But, as Michelle Garlick and Joanne Smith assert, active compliance can also bring a raft of benefits to your firm
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Analysis
Shebelle Enterprises Ltd v Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust Ltd
The claimant tenant issued proceedings to restrain the defendant trust from consenting to substantial development, allegedly interfering with its right to quiet enjoyment under its lease. The judge dismissed the application and the claimant appealed.
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Analysis
Barclays Wealth Trustees (Jersey) Ltd v Erimus Housing Ltd
The Court of Appeal overturned a High Court decision that a tenant, which remained in occupation of commercial premises after its lease had expired, did so on the basis of an implied annual periodic tenancy, and held it was instead a tenancy at will.
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AnalysisSpotlight: E.Surv v Goldsmith Williams Solicitors
The High Court rules on the terms of the ‘Bowerman duty’ around enquiries in a residential conveyancing transaction
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AnalysisThe Siemens case and the wording of break clauses
Peter Reekie looks at the Siemens Hearing Instruments Ltd v Friends Life case, which related to the position in respect of wording in a break clause, that had no apparent purpose
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Analysis
Simon v Byford
The claimant’s mother had died and left her estate in equal shares to her four children. The claimant had challenged the will on the basis that the mother had not had testamentary capacity.
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Analysis
Watts v Watts
The Chancery Division considered the validity of a will made by the testatrix while she was in hospital. The court held that, on the evidence, one of the witnesses to the will, a nurse, had been misled into signing it, and had not seen the testatrix sign it.
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Analysis
Burnard v Burnard
The Chancery Division considered the true construction of a will and determined what assets formed part of the deceased’s estate. Applying settled law, there appeared to be a powerful argument that there was a clerical error in naming the wrong company in the will.