Expert Analysis

• How Generative AI Is Changing Legal Department Functions

  

  Generative artificial intelligence is of much greater consequence than previous legal technologies and is therefore poised to reshape legal functions, redefine the roles of legal professionals, and change how much legal work is delivered — and some key practice areas and legal activities stand to be most transformed, say members of Deloitte Legal.

• Examining The State Of Paccar Fixes After General Election

  

  Following the U.K. Supreme Court's Paccar decision last year, which made many litigation funding agreements for opt-out collective actions in the Competition Appeal Tribunal unenforceable, the judiciary will likely take charge in implementing any fixes — but the general election has created uncertainty, says Ben Knowles at Clyde & Co.

• PR Perspectives: Judging When To Engage With Politics

  

  Parliament's recent return from its summer break brings opportunities for legal public relations professionals to engage with political topics, and although it is less risky to say nothing, deciding to enter the conversation can reap rewards, says Ben Finnis at Greentarget.

• Opinion

  Gov't Should Offer Support To Improve Firms' Cybersecurity

  

  With an escalating sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks in law firms and businesses, there is a need to address potential threats and an opportunity to push the new government for significant legislative change to strengthen the U.K.’s cybersecurity framework, says Scott Kramer at Clio.

• What M&A Uptick Will Mean For Legal Hiring

  

  Thomson Reuters research reveals an improving macroeconomic picture of incoming interest rate cuts, and with market confidence in the new U.K. government, there is a higher corporate demand for transactional advice, leading law firms to increase their hiring in preparation for this heavier workload, says James Lavan at Buchanan Law.

• How In-House Legal Teams Can Improve Their Reputation

  

  In-house legal teams, long believed to create unnecessary hurdles, can reframe themselves as integral business partners by embedding best practices in governance and compliance, engaging directly with key stakeholders and fostering relationships with colleagues, says Sarah Davis at The Legal Director.

• Why A Robust Brand Is Increasingly Important For Law Firms

  

  The benefits of a brand are not always viewed as quantifiable, but the legal sector is realizing the tangible benefits and important function of a strong brand, and can take steps to capitalize on this significant value-adding asset, say Daniela Conte at Gibson Dunn, Ben Girdlestone at Byfield and Leor Franks at Kingsley Napley.

• SRA Review Could Bring Shift In Handling Legal Client Funds

  

  Recent high-profile cases of breaches of fund-handling rules, and an ongoing Solicitors Regulation Authority review, challenge a long-standing culture of law firms dealing with client funds in-house, and firms may need to opt for other business models to enhance consumer protection, says Claire Van Der Zant at Shieldpay.

• Opinion

  Why Incoming Government Must Reform UK's Justice System

  

  As the U.K. approaches a possible watershed general election, the new government must undertake the reforms and investment needed to restore the justice system, and public confidence and safety with it, says Sam Townend at the Bar Council.

• The In-House Versus Law Firm Talent Battle In The Gen Z Age

  

  Although elite law firms are offering ever-increasing salaries to talented associates, the traditional concept of partnership is evolving, and work-life balance issues and a greater concern with working in a sustainable environment among Gen Z lawyers mean that going in-house is becoming a more attractive option over time, say Calvin Gardiner and Simi Bains at Buchanan Law.

• PR Perspectives: Consider The Value Of Legal Awards

  

  Many lawyers question the value of entering or sponsoring legal awards, but with a structured approach and appropriate management, they can provide a chance to promote a firm or set of chambers across multiple platforms and a golden opportunity to develop new business, says Clare Rodway at Kysen.

• Law Firms Should Consider Value Of Off-Peak LinkedIn Posts

  

  Statistics show only a minor dip in law firms' LinkedIn post performance at weekends and holiday periods, demonstrating a missed opportunity to reach the many business leaders and lawyers who use the platform at off-peak times, says Simon Marshall at TBD Marketing.

• PR Perspectives: 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Legal PR

  

  Daniela Conte at Gibson Dunn outlines practical steps that public relations professionals working in the legal industry can take to excel at their craft, including providing regular media coaching to lawyers and quantifying the value of PR work.

• Why Law Firms May Want To Set Up Charitable Foundations

  

  An increasing number of law firms are setting up their own charitable foundations, which may be a way of achieving the goals a purposeful business wants to pursue and demonstrating to its stakeholders a tangible commitment to its professed values, says Robert Nieri at Shoosmiths.

• Client Complaint Data Offers Key Insights For Lawyers

  

  While the Legal Ombudsman has not yet released its latest annual report to the public, we can look at last year's data to decipher what may have caused a spike in client dissatisfaction and predict what to anticipate in an effort to improve the quality of legal services, says Qarrar Somji at Witan Solicitors.