/blog/Future of LawStudentsBlogs-NavigationIn-houseNews urn:uuid:dcda0038-d50d-4f28-af6c-7d7752dfc94f/blog/future-of-law/is-ai-the-actually-the-disruption-or-should-it-be-your-business-model-that-disruptsFuture of LawAI promises legal transformation – but have law firms truly changed, or just sped up? A call to rethink not just tools, but the business itself.Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:01:42 Z<p data-start="137" data-end="385">It crops up in pitch decks. It’s plastered on firm websites. Sometimes it even appears – with dramatic pause – at town halls, usually paired lovingly with its milder cousin: innovation. Together they hint at ambition, momentum and change.</p><p data-start="387" data-end="450">Lately, they’ve found themselves hitched to a new star: AI.</p><p data-start="452" data-end="703">The interest is real. Significant investments are being made. Pilots are underway. Associates are whispering about prompt engineering. Partners are asking whether clients will actually notice. Confidence and curiosity in AI tools is growing.</p><p data-start="705" data-end="743">At a glance, it looks like change.</p><p data-start="745" data-end="1000">Research that used to eat up half the day now takes minutes. First drafts arrive via prompt, not paralegal. Internal know-how is finally searchable, not scattered. The machine hums in the background, subtly recalibrating the rhythm of the legal day.</p><p data-start="1002" data-end="1052">It feels like transformation. But not quite.</p><p data-start="1059" data-end="1152">Beneath the sleek dashboards and AI-enhanced outputs, much of the core remains unchanged.</p><p data-start="1154" data-end="1385">The client still gets a memo, carefully typed and PDFed. A contract based on that well-loved precedent from 15 years ago. Advice still billed by the hour. The wrapper’s shinier, sure. But the service? Comfortingly familiar.</p><p data-start="1387" data-end="1480">Even with a bit of AI in that process, that’s not reinvention. That’s operational maturity.</p><p data-start="1487" data-end="1538">Now, don’t get me wrong. That maturity matters.</p><p data-start="1540" data-end="1672">But let’s not mistake it for a fundamental shift. True transformation means changing the thing itself – not just how it gets done.</p><p data-start="1679" data-end="1964">When Netflix swapped DVDs for streaming, it didn’t just accelerate </p>urn:uuid:aedcb6b8-9bae-42d7-bc21-277cf8842845/blog/future-of-law/how-small-law-firms-can-increase-client-referrals-without-chasing-leadsFuture of LawLearn how small law firms can increase client referrals with smart systems, subtle prompts and relationship-focused marketing.Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:46:17 Z<p data-end="491" data-start="225"><strong data-end="235" data-start="225"></strong>Referrals remain the most powerful source of growth for small law firms but most aren’t proactive in earning them. By formalising your strategy and focusing on trust, incentives, and seamless follow-up, you can build a pipeline that markets for you.</p><h4 data-end="552" data-start="498"><strong>Why referrals matter more than ever for small firms</strong></h4><p data-end="701" data-start="554">For small law firm leaders, the core challenge isn’t delivering quality legal work. It’s consistently generating new business without massive spend.</p><p data-end="719" data-start="703">Referrals offer:</p><ul data-end="842" data-start="720"><li data-end="747" data-start="720"><p data-end="747" data-start="722">Low acquisition costs</p></li><li data-end="793" data-start="748"><p data-end="793" data-start="750">Pre-qualified leads with built-in trust</p></li><li data-end="842" data-start="794"><p data-end="842" data-start="796">A higher lifetime value and retention rate.</p></li></ul><p data-end="980" data-start="844">According to <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.business2marketing.com/post/why-over-90-of-users-trust-peer-recommendations-over-ads?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Nielsen</a>, 92% of people trust recommendations from those they know. And referred clients are 16% more profitable on average.</p><p data-end="1092" data-start="982">But here’s the catch: most small firms rely on referrals passively. The key is to build an intentional system.</p><h4 data-end="1162" data-start="1099"><strong>What small law firm leaders care about (and what stops them)</strong></h4><p data-end="1385" data-start="1164">Based on the <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2025.html" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-end="1266" data-start="1177">Bellwether 2025</a> report and ������Ƶ market data, here’s what motivates or blocks firm leaders from investing in referral strategies:</p><p data-end="1407" data-start="1387"><strong data-end="1407" data-start="1387">What they value:</strong></p><ul data-end="1537" data-start="1408"><li data-end="1453" data-start="1408"><p data-end="1453" data-start="1410">Growth through reputation and word of mouth</p></li><li data-end="1498" data-start="1454"><p data-end="1498" data-start="1456">Client retention and relationship-building</p></li><li data-end="1537" data-start="1499"><p data-end="1537" data-start="1501">Low-effort, cost-efficient marketing.</p></li></ul><p data-end="1564" data-start="1539"><strong data-end="1564" data-start="1539">What holds them back:</strong></p><ul data-end="1747" data-start="1565"><li data-end="1599" data-start="1565"><p data-end="1599" data-start="1567">Discomfort “asking” for business</p></li><li data-end="1631" data-start="1600"><p data-end="1631" data-start="1602">Lack of time or clear process</p></li><li data-end="1676" data-start="1632"><p data-end="1676" data-start="1634">Poor tracking of where referrals come from</p></li><li data-end="1747" data-start="1677"><p data-end="1747" data-start="1679">Uncertainty around regulation or ethics (especially under SRA rules).</p></li></ul><p data-end="1796" data-start="1749">Good news: all of these barriers can be solved.</p><h4 data-end="1849" data-start="1803"><strong>How to build a referral strategy that works</strong></h4><h4 data-end="1883" data-start="1851"><strong>1. Map your existing sources</strong></h4><p data-end="1940" data-start="1885">Sta</p>urn:uuid:4bcbe096-8c92-4f93-a5ec-be84deb56854/blog/future-of-law/why-small-law-firms-are-outperforming-big-firms-in-key-practice-areasFuture of LawSmall law firms are matching—and in some areas surpassing—large firms with faster, more personal, and outcome-focused legal service.Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:21:33 Z<div>In areas like family law, criminal defence, and private client work, small firms are delivering faster, more personalised, and often more cost-effective service than their larger counterparts.</div><div><br></div><p><strong></strong><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">There’s a persistent narrative in legal circles and among many clients that larger firms offer better service, more expertise, and stronger outcomes. While that may hold true in cross-border M&amp;A or regulatory defence, it’s far from a universal truth. In fact, in many high-volume or client-intimate practice areas, small firms and sole practitioners are proving more agile, responsive, and cost-efficient.</span></p><div><p>This isn’t a matter of sentiment. It’s supported by growing evidence and client satisfaction trends.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><h4><strong>Where small firms shine</strong></h4><div><p></p><p><strong>1. Family law and childcare proceedings</strong></p></div><div>Family law requires speed, empathy, and deep local knowledge. Many smaller practices offer:</div><div><br></div><ul><li>Faster appointment scheduling and case turnaround</li><li>Consistent client contact with senior solicitors</li><li>Deep familiarity with local courts, judges, and support services</li></ul><div><p>According to the <a href="/insights/bellwether-2025/index.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Bellwether 2025 report</a>, the most dominant demand remains response time, with 80% of respondents saying clients now expect faster communication and quicker answers.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><p><strong>2. Criminal defence</strong></p><div>Small, community-rooted firms dominate in the criminal law space, offering:</div><div><br></div><ul><li>24/7 responsiveness</li><li>Strong relationships with local police and CPS</li><li>Decades of specialist courtroom experience</li></ul><div><p>Anecdotally and in court data, these practitioners often secure faster charge dismissals or more favourable plea outcomes than larger firms entering the space intermittently.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><p><strong>3. Private client work and probate</strong></p><div><p></p><p>Wills, estate planning, and probate don’t require a skyscraper office. Clients want:</p></div><ul><li>Personal rapport and continuity of service</li><li>Fee transparency</li><li>Local presence and quick documentation turnaround</li></ul><div><p>Smaller firms </p></div>urn:uuid:39febd7b-3824-4aa2-a170-717925894493/blog/future-of-law/save-even-more-time-with-lexis-keyboard-shortcuts-that-matterFuture of LawHelpful time-saving shortcuts when using Lexis+ for legal research and guidance.Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:33:02 Z<div>&lt;h4&gt;Save even more time with Lexis+: keyboard shortcuts that matter&lt;/h2&gt;</div><div>&lt;p&gt;Beyond general productivity tips, Lexis+ includes a comprehensive set of keyboard shortcuts designed for legal professionals who prefer to navigate efficiently—whether for speed, accessibility, or compatibility with screen readers.&lt;/p&gt;</div><div>&lt;p&gt;These shortcuts allow for seamless movement through full-text legal documents, statutes and treatises. You can view the full reference menu at any time by pressing:&lt;/p&gt;</div><div>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ctrl + Alt + H — open or close the hotkey reference menu&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</div><div><br></div><div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&lt;h3&gt;Navigation and browsing&lt;/h3&gt;</p></div><div>&lt;ul&gt;</div><div>&nbsp; &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ctrl + Alt + Backspace:&lt;/strong&gt; Return to search results&lt;/li&gt;</div><div>&nbsp; &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ctrl + Alt + Left / Right:&lt;/strong&gt; Navigate to the previous or next document&lt;/li&gt;</div><div>&nbsp; &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ctrl + Alt + Up / Down:&lt;/strong&gt; Jump to the top or bottom of the document&lt;/li&gt;</div><div>&nbsp; &lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ctrl + Alt + &amp;lt; / &amp;gt;:&lt;/strong&gt; Move to previous or next section (for TOC-enabled documents)&lt;/li&gt;</div><div>&lt;/ul&gt;</div><div><p>&nbsp;</p><p><&nbsp;</</p></div>urn:uuid:a95dc53b-7658-48a0-94e2-0ac2a3b0bf00/blog/future-of-law/lessons-learned-at-legaledcon-2025Future of LawLegalEdCon 2025 highlighted growing concerns about the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), workplace readiness, and the urgent need for reforms to ensure fairness, transparency, and support across the legal education pipeline. Key themes included bridging the academic-to-practice gap, fostering mental health and psychological safety, embracing Gen Z’s values, and addressing systemic inequities in access and outcomes.Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:47:22 Z<div><strong>On a sunny afternoon, on the 15th May, universities, students, SQE providers and law firms alike flocked to LegalEdCon&nbsp; 2025 at Kings Place in London</strong>, for a full day of panel discussion and Q&amp;A on some of the most pressing topics in legal education today.<br></div><div><p>From workplace readiness and learning psychology to intergenerational collaboration and the evolving Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), we’ve collated the frantic notes taken by our team into a ������Ƶ roundup on the key learnings and topics that we took away from the day. Enjoy! And get in contact via the form at the bottom of the page if there’s anything you think we missed.<br></p></div><div><h2><strong>1. Workplace readiness and the SQE gap</strong><strong></strong></h2></div><div><strong>Session: </strong>Mind the Gap: Tackling Workplace Readiness<br></div><div><p><strong>Speakers:</strong></p><ul><li><strong></strong><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit; font-size: inherit"><strong>Morette Jackson</strong>, Director of Business Development at </span> <a href="https://www.legalcheek.com/law-school/the-university-of-law/" target="_blank" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; white-space: inherit; font-size: inherit" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">The University of Law</a><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit; font-size: inherit">&nbsp;(Chair)</span></li><li><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit; font-size: inherit"><strong></strong></span><strong>Joanna Stevens</strong>, Senior Early Talent Manager at <a href="https://www.legalcheek.com/firm/charles-russell-speechlys/" target="_blank" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; white-space: inherit" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">Charles Russell Speechlys</a></li><li><strong>Ellis Johnstone</strong>, Early Talent Development Lead at <a href="https://www.legalcheek.com/firm/clifford-chance/" target="_blank" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; white-space: inherit" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">Clifford Chance</a></li></ul></div><div><p>One of the most significant challenges discussed was the gap between academic training and workplace readiness, especially under the SQE model.</p></div><div><p>• <strong>Morette Jackson</strong> shared insights from a recent <a href="https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/05/sqe-grads-seem-to-be-a-bit-worse-than-their-lpc-counterparts-say-top-law-firms/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">Legal Cheek survey</a>: only 19.5% of firms agreed that SQE trainees have stronger legal knowledge than LPC graduates. 89% believed they are less experienced with complex client matters. Additionally, 10.5% of respondents thought SQE </p></div>urn:uuid:c4034584-072c-49aa-99f3-ca174f966a3a/blog/future-of-law/pathways-to-practice-you-don-t-have-to-know-everythingFuture of LawFreya Piper, solicitor at Capital Law, shares her legal journey. Read her story for practical tips on legal research, overcoming setbacks and finding self-belief.Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:10:37 Z<p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">We caught up with Freya Piper, solicitor in the Commercial Disputes team at Capital Law, as part of a spotlight series* featuring former ������Ƶ student campus ambassadors, to hear about her career in law so far. Discover Freya’s tips on learning, adapting, and finding confidence in your own journey.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Why did you decide to pursue a career in law as a solicitor?</span></h4><p>For me, law was always about aligning my career with my values. I’ve always believed in justice and fairness – those principles really matter to me. When I started thinking about what kind of work would suit my personality, law stood out as the perfect fit.</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">I was drawn to the solicitor route because I enjoy the strategic, analytical side of legal work. I’ve always been interested in the preparation and problem-solving that happens behind the scenes: reading documents, building arguments, and supporting clients through complex legal issues. That’s where I feel I can make the biggest impact.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">How did using ������Ƶ products enhance your study experience during your time at university?</span></h4><p>The main thing I noticed was my grades went up almost a month after I received training. All my grades went up, and not by a small percentage: I went from a 2:2 to a first-class student, which was very surprising to me. I received feedback on my work commenting </p>urn:uuid:fb967622-2115-438b-8e0d-80b3fd0ce570/blog/future-of-law/the-future-of-the-bar-embracing-diversityFuture of LawThe Bar in England and Wales is becoming more diverse, but significant disparities remain, particularly at senior levels. The Bar Standards Board’s 2024 report shows modest increases in ethnic and gender representation, yet underrepresentation persists among King’s Counsel and disabled barristers. Socio-economic barriers also continue to limit access and progression. Voices from the Bar, including Anna Yarde and Taz Aldeek, highlight the value of lived experience and the need for structural change. Disability inclusion remains slow, though advocates like Daniel Holt call for long-term strategies to attract and retain diverse talent. The Bar Council and Bar Standards Board are pushing forward proposals to strengthen inclusion through regulation and training, though there is disagreement over how best to implement these changes. The blog argues that true progress requires more than policy—it demands a cultural shift that embeds equity throughout the profession.Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:07:24 Z<p><strong></strong>The Bar in England and Wales is gradually becoming more diverse, yet significant disparities persist, especially at senior levels. Drawing from recent interviews with barristers and the latest statistics, here's an overview of the current state and prospects of diversity at the Bar.</p><p><br><strong>A more representative Bar: progress and challenges</strong></p><p>According to the Bar Standards Board's (BSB) <a href="https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/static/a2827a1f-50bf-44fc-9bed27a2cc60046b/Diversity-at-the-Bar-2024.pdf" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">Diversity at the Bar Report</a> 2024 report, published in January 2025, 17.3% of barristers (pupils, all practising barristers) are from minority ethnic backgrounds, a slight increase from the <a href="https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/resources/bsb-publishes-its-annual-report-on-diversity-at-the-bar.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">previous year’s</a> 16.7%. However, this still falls short of the 19.1% representation in the working-age population of England and Wales, across all professions, not just within the legal sector. </p><p>The disparity is more pronounced at the King's Counsel (KC) level where only 10.8% are from minority ethnic backgrounds. Since December 2015, there has been a net addition of 111 KCs from minority ethnic backgrounds compared to a net addition of 289 KCs from white ethnic backgrounds. </p><p>Gender diversity has seen a slight improvement. Excluding non-responses, women now make up 41.2% of the Bar, an increase of 0.6 percentage points from the previous year.</p><p>Over the past nine years, the overall number of women at the Bar has grown significantly, increasing from 5,667 to 7,120. In contrast, the number of men at the Bar has remained relatively stable, rising only slightly from 10,248 to 10,366.</p><p>This difference is largely explained by retirements. A significant proportion of older barristers -about 74% of those aged 55 and over, are male, suggesting more men have been leaving the profession than women.</p><p>Women remain underrepresented in the most senior ranks. As of December 2024, only about <strong>21% of King’s Counsel </strong>are women. Admittedly in 2015, that number was closer to <strong>13%.</strong> But nowadays, among barristers with 15 or more years of experience (a typical window for KC eligibility), <strong>36% are women.</strong> So, it appears there’s still a gap, but one </p>urn:uuid:0a0e0599-45b1-4651-9ca2-911b7fb26e18/blog/future-of-law/the-future-of-caribbean-law-challenges-growth-harnessing-aiFuture of LawMatthew Chin Barnes reflects on a ������Ƶ webinar exploring “The Future of Caribbean Law – Challenges, Growth & Harnessing AI.” Top takeaways: Ongoing Challenges: Caribbean law firms face tech limitations, high costs, and resource constraints—especially smaller firms. Shifting Client Dynamics: Clients are more informed, prompting lawyers to focus on strategic guidance, not just answers. AI’s Role: AI is seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, legal work—boosting efficiency while requiring careful oversight. Access & Equity: AI could modernize legal systems and expand access to justice in under-resourced regions. Human Value Remains Key: Judgment, accountability, and empathy are irreplaceable—AI works best with strong human direction. Final Thought: AI won’t replace lawyers—it will redefine them. With integrity and innovation, the Caribbean legal community can lead the way forward.Thu, 29 May 2025 13:49:33 Z<p><em>Reflections from a SOCAL Member on a ������Ƶ Webinar</em><br></p><p>By Matthew Chin Barnes, Events Officer, SOCAL</p><p>As one of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/socalawyers/posts/?feedView=all" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">SOCAL</a>’s Events Officers, I’m always seeking opportunities to connect our members with meaningful conversations that shape the future of our profession.&nbsp;For those I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting, I qualified as a lawyer in Barbados in 2022 and later moved to London to pursue a Master’s in International Tax Law. That journey led me to Tolley and ������Ƶ, where I’ve witnessed firsthand the company’s transformation into a pioneering AI-driven legal content provider.</p><p>What I’ve come to admire about ������Ƶ is its commitment to the Caribbean legal community. So, when the internal team reached out to ask if SOCAL members would be interested in being invited to a webinar on “The Future of Caribbean Law – Challenges, Growth &amp; Harnessing AI,” I was elated. The answer was a resounding yes.</p><p>The panel featured legal professionals from across the region, including <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyan-a-a-elliott-451b632a/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Ryan Elliott</a> (Bahamas), <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrahim-lakhi-a031b541/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Ebrahim Lakhi</a> (Barbados), and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurisha-robinson-88b10895/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Maurisha Robinson</a> (St Kitts &amp; Nevis), moderated by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwilessd/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Scott Wiles </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bissett-9048799/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Mark Bissett </a>of ������Ƶ. The discussion was rich, honest, and forward-looking.<strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Key takeaways from the webinar</strong></p><p><strong>1. The ongoing challenges for Caribbean law firms</strong></p><p>The panellists spoke openly about the persistent challenges that many Caribbean law firms continue to face. Unreliable internet access, high operational costs, and the pressure to meet international standards with limited resources were common concerns.</p><p>Maurisha Robinson’s reflections were especially memorable. She described the realities of running a boutique firm with just three lawyers, all working hard to exceed client expectations despite limited capacity. What struck me most was her point about the lack of scaled pricing for small firms. They often pay the same for software and memberships as larger firms, without the same financial cushion. It highlighted how structural inequities can quietly undermine the resilience of smaller practices.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>2. The rise of the “Tamarind Tree Lawyer”</strong></p><p>A recurring theme was the shift in client behaviour. More and more, clients are arriving with their own research in hand, often pulled from the internet, and expecting lawyers to simply confirm what they’ve already concluded.<br></p><p>This trend, memorably described by one of the panellists as the rise of the ‘Tamarind Tree Lawyer' is changing the dynamic between lawyer and client. It’s no longer jus</p>urn:uuid:93ccf48b-bea0-40ba-8336-b92d378371a0/blog/future-of-law/what-s-the-state-of-the-uk-justice-system-tldrFuture of LawExplore the UK’s 2025 rule of law landscape through major reports on justice delays, ministerial accountability, and legal rights reform.Thu, 29 May 2025 09:15:47 Z<p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>The rule of law in the UK faces significant pressure in 2025, with family court delays, weakened institutional oversight, and growing debate over legal frameworks. This blog summarises five major reports that offer insight and propose reforms.</strong></p><h3>What recent reports say about delays in UK family courts</h3><p>One of the clearest signals of pressure on the rule of law in the UK is the growing difficulty accessing timely justice. A 2025 <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/report-finds-children-at-risk-from-overstretched-family-courts-gckxkc9hm">National Audit Office report</a> found that public law cases in family courts – where local authorities seek to protect children – are taking up to two years. This is nearly four times the statutory 26-week target.</p><p>The key reasons behind the delays include:</p><ul><li><p>Cuts to legal aid</p></li><li><p>A rise in unrepresented litigants</p></li><li><p>Shortages of judges and social workers</p></li></ul><p>The consequences are severe: children at risk, families without clear outcomes, and an overloaded justice system struggling to meet its legal obligations.</p><p>The <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/campaigns/reframing-justice">Law Society’s Reframing Justice</a> campaign backs this up, highlighting public confusion about how to access justice and growing concern about fairness and transparency in legal processes.</p><h3>Are ministers respecting the rule of law in 2025?</h3><p>A <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/rule-of-law-principles-challenges-and-government-commitments">House of Lords Constitution Committee report</a> has raised serious concerns about whether ministers are properly upholding their legal obligations. The report warns that government legal officers must prioritise legality over political expediency and serve as stewards of the rule of law.</p><p>The committee recommends:</p><ul><li><p>Strengthening legal guidance at the ministerial le</p></li></ul>urn:uuid:5e19bcae-5455-4694-9639-4b2af01c70b7/blog/future-of-law/staying-informed-how-barristers-can-keep-up-with-legal-news-tldrFuture of LawDiscover how in-house legal teams are using AI and legal tech to scale smarter, boost impact, and thrive in 2025 without growing headcount.Thu, 29 May 2025 08:25:45 Z<h4>Overview:<strong></strong></h4><ul><li><p>Subscribe to reliable sources like ������Ƶ, the Law Gazette, and BAILII</p></li><li><p>Use case alert services and chambers bulletins to stay current</p></li><li><p>Join peer networks and attend CPD sessions for practical insight</p></li><li><p>72% of barristers are using or planning to use AI — but 71% say it's not being measured effectively</p></li><li><p>Staying informed means blending news with emerging tech and active participation.</p></li></ul><p>Keeping up with legal news is a professional necessity for barristers. Whether you're advising on a niche point of law, preparing submissions, or looking to build your practice, staying current isn't optional. It's essential.</p><p>With court decisions, legislative reform, and evolving practice trends happening at pace, here are the top ways barristers can stay informed, stay sharp, and stay ahead.</p><h4>1. Subscribe to reliable legal news sources</h4><p>Start by curating a news flow that delivers accurate, relevant information to your inbox or device.</p><p>Recommended sources:</p><ul><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/legal/news">������Ƶ Legal News</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/">Law Society Gazette</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/">Legal Futures</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/news.html">The Bar Council News</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.thelawyer.com/">The Lawyer</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://ukhumanrightsblog.com/">UK Human Rights Blog</a></p></li></ul><p>Set up email alerts or RSS feeds to stay current without having to search.</p><h4>2. Join legal commentary and analysis platforms</h4><p>Beyond headlines, barristers benefit from commentary that explains how developments impact practice.</p><p>Try:</p><ul><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.counselmagazine.co.uk/">Counsel Magazine</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://ukscblog.com/">UK Supreme Court Blog</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.legalcheek.com/">Legal Cheek</a> for practice trends and bar-specific news</p></li></ul><p>Look for blogs and platforms run by chambers, professional bodies, or specialist reporters.</p><h4>3. Tap into chambers bulletin</h4>urn:uuid:82f9fca7-4c2a-4e4e-9bb5-ad333f0fb34c/blog/future-of-law/staying-current-with-legal-changes-in-the-public-sector-tldrFuture of LawStruggling to keep up with legal change in the public sector? Discover practical tools, expert tips, and trusted sources to stay current and compliant.Wed, 28 May 2025 23:03:26 Z<h4>Staying current with legal changes in the public sector</h4><ul><li><p><strong>60% of public sector lawyers</strong> say keeping up with legal change is their top challenge <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/blog/future-of-law/under-pressure-evolving-fast-the-changing-face-of-public-sector-legal-teams">(������Ƶ, 2025)</a></p></li><li><p>Subscribe to updates from trusted legal sources like <a href="/legal/news/public-law" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Lexis+ public sector news</a>,&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/">legislation.gov.uk</a>, <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/">Local Government Lawyer</a> and the <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/">Law Commission</a></p></li><li><p>Join webinars and briefings to get fast, applied context</p></li><li><p>Use smart tools like <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://feedly.com/">Feedly</a> and <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.google.com/alerts">Google Alerts</a> to reduce manual effort</p></li><li><p>Focus on what matters: the changes that affect your powers, duties and risk exposure</p></li></ul><h4>How to stay up to date with legal changes: A guide for public sector lawyers</h4><p>Keeping up with the pace of legal change is the top challenge facing public sector legal teams in 2025, according to the latest ������Ƶ research. 60% of public sector lawyers say it’s their number one concern, and it’s easy to see why. Legislative activity is accelerating, expectations are rising, and support structures aren’t always keeping pace.</p><p>Whether you’re advising on procurement, planning, social care or governance, here’s how to stay sharp and stay ahead.</p><h4>Subscribe to smart, tailored legal alerts</h4><p>The simplest step is also one of the most effective. Set up legal alerts from trusted sources so the updates come to you. Look for options that let you filter by topic or jurisdiction.</p><p>Useful sources include:</p><ul><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/legal/guidance/legal-updates">������Ƶ legal update alerts</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/">Local Government Lawyer’s daily briefing</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/newsletter" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">Institute for Government newsletters</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/cabinet-office">Cabinet Office policy updates</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://hansard.parliament.uk/">Hansard for recent debates</a></p></li><li><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/">Legislation.gov.uk for the latest bills and SIs</a></p></li></ul><h4>Track policy and reform early</h4>urn:uuid:85b628dd-d8bd-43b3-b329-855f0eb74999/blog/future-of-law/you-don-t-have-to-be-just-one-thing-barrister-taz-aldeekFuture of LawCriminal barrister and LegisLab founder Taz Aldeek shares his journey to the Bar, tackling imposter syndrome, AI, social media, and why the modern barrister doesn’t have to be just one thing.Wed, 28 May 2025 21:44:57 Z<p><strong>Criminal barrister and LegisLab founder</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x1Xnua2gzs&amp;t=285s" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">Taz Aldeek</a><strong>&nbsp;shares his unconventional journey to the Bar, insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, and why adaptability, digital skills, and personal branding are key for future barristers. In this wide-ranging interview with ������Ƶ, Taz explores how AI, social media, and a flexible mindset are reshaping legal careers, especially for those forging their own path.</strong></p><div><p>&nbsp;Unconventional path to the Bar:</p><ul><li>Taz Aldeek switched from commercial law to criminal advocacy after volunteering with the Witness Service</li><li>Overcoming imposter syndrome: Winning a Lincoln’s Inn scholarship helped shift his mindset—he now sees self-doubt as a sign of growth</li><li>Training at the CPS: Gained strong courtroom experience while balancing creative pursuits like content creation and entrepreneurship</li><li>Founded LegisLab: A community platform to help aspiring barristers navigate Bar training and pupillage prep</li><li>Digital skills are essential: Success now hinges on filtering quality information and networking strategically</li><li>Social media as a legal asset: Personal branding can attract opportunities—authenticity is key</li><li>The Bar is possible for parents: Encourages mums to consider the employed Bar for flexibility and balance</li><li>Pro-AI, with caution: Uses AI daily and sees huge potential in legal work—but says humans must always make the final call</li><li>Adaptability is everything: Legal professionals must embrace change or risk being left behind.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><p>In an inspiring and wide-ranging interview with Freya Davies, Senior Marketing Manager for the Bar at ������Ƶ, criminal barrister, YouTuber and LegisLab founder Taz Aldeek shared his perspective on the future of the Bar, and the skills, mindset and tools needed to thrive in it. Here are the key takeaways.</p><p><br></p><div contenteditable="false" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe title="The Road to the Bar, Pupillage and Beyond with Lexis Nexis" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UdJhzSEhr4Q" height="360" width="640" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">&nbsp;</span></p><h4><strong>1. “My journey has kind of been a bit like this all over the place really.”</strong></h4><div><p>Taz’s route to becoming a barrister wasn’t linear. He began his legal career in commercial law, drawn in by financial security. But he soon </p></div>urn:uuid:47520706-58a8-40dc-850a-0ff8b11b779e/blog/future-of-law/under-pressure-evolving-fast-the-changing-face-of-public-sector-legal-teamsFuture of LawDiscover the top challenges facing public sector legal teams and how in-house departments are evolving through tech, flexible resourcing, and smarter ways of working—backed by new UK research.Wed, 28 May 2025 00:45:20 Z<div><p>You already know the pressures: tighter budgets, growing demand, and a legislative landscape that never slows down. But beyond the familiar challenges, new patterns are emerging around technology, talent, and team structure that are reshaping what in-house legal work looks like in the public sector.</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">In this blog, we’ll unpack the latest survey insights and bring in new data from major UK studies on public sector performance. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">You’ll find out:</span></p></div><ul><li>Why some teams are struggling more than others</li><li>What’s behind the renewed push for tech skills and flexible resourcing</li><li>How to stay ahead of the curve in a fast-changing environment</li></ul><div><p>Recent research by ������Ƶ UK reveals the top challenges facing in-house legal departments in the public sector, and the results reflect a sector both stretched and in transition.</p></div><h4><strong>The top 3 challenges facing public sector lawyers</strong></h4><div>According to our survey of public sector lawyers, the most pressing challenges over the next 12 months are:</div><div><br></div><ul><li>Keeping up to date with changes in the law (60%)</li><li>Attracting and retaining good lawyers (57%)</li><li>Increasing costs (51%)</li></ul><div><p>None of these are new problems, but the intensity is growing.</p><p><a href="/public-sector-law" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><em>Here's how to stay up to date in the current legal world</em></a></p></div><h4><strong>Challenge 1: Staying current in a fast-moving legal landscape</strong></h4><div><p>The sheer pace of legal change across areas such as procurement, planning, housing, and data protection is making it harder than ever for lawyers to stay on top of what’s new and what’s next.</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">This isn’t just an anecdotal observation. The </span><a href="https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/performance-tracker-2023" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; white-space: inherit">Institute for Government’s Performance Tracker 2023</a><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">, developed in partnership with CIPFA, highlights </span></p></div>urn:uuid:12710ad7-cac8-48db-9148-d3c79f645310/blog/future-of-law/recognition-matters-the-family-law-awards-are-more-than-a-night-outFuture of LawWhen Juliet Harvey describes the Family Law Awards as the "Oscars of the family law world", she means it. For her, it's not just a glittering night of celebration, but an important opportunity to spotlight the vital, often quiet work taking place across the sector.Tue, 27 May 2025 10:08:16 Z<div><p>When <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-harvey-50753023/">Juliet Harvey</a> describes the Family Law Awards as the "Oscars of the family law world", she means it. For her, it's not just a glittering night of celebration, but an important opportunity to spotlight the vital, often quiet work taking place across the sector.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Now in her sixth year as a judge, and former&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://resolution.org.uk/">Chair of Resolution</a>, Juliet brings both perspective and passion to the role. She first judged the awards during the summer of 2020, when the world felt unusually distant. What she discovered then, and continues to celebrate now, is a legal community fuelled by dedication, compassion and deep professional pride.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">"It's wonderful to see the breadth of work being carried out," she says. "You get to witness the next generation of legal professionals coming through and see how much they're already achieving. These awards give us a moment to recognise that."</span></p></div><div><h4>It's not just about the big names</h4><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">One message Juliet wants to emphasise is that entrants don't need to be working on headline cases or at the largest firms to stand out.</span></p></div><div><p>"Some of us aren't very good at talking ab</p></div>urn:uuid:298c624d-2bf9-4f70-9b96-93cf586cfcc4/blog/future-of-law/go-for-it-telling-your-story-matters-in-family-lawFuture of LawSimon Bruce has spent more than 40 years practising family law. He's seen the field evolve, led high-stakes cases and helped shape the careers of countless younger lawyers. Now, as a judge for the ������Ƶ Family Law Awards, he sees the event not as a spotlight but as a mirror.Tue, 27 May 2025 10:02:08 Z<div><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-bruce-25797845/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Simon Bruce</a> has spent more than 40 years practising family law. He's seen the field evolve, led high-stakes cases and helped shape the careers of countless younger lawyers. Now, as a judge for the ������Ƶ Family Law Awards, he sees the event not as a spotlight but as a mirror.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">"The awards aren't about status," he says. "They're a moment to stop, think and ask yourself what kind of work you've really done. And why it matters."</span></p></div><div><p>It's this deep sense of purpose that defines Simon's approach to both law and recognition. What matters to him isn't prestige. It's meaning.</p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">The most powerful work isn't always paid</span></h4></div><div><p>The most fulfilling chapter of his career, Simon says, began when he started offering pro bono advice through a West London clinic.</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">"We give legal advice to people who've never imagined they'd be able to afford a lawyer," </span></p></div>urn:uuid:388c3284-01fe-47d5-904a-9d85fc8cf76c/blog/future-of-law/spotlight-series-an-inspiring-journey-with-zander-gossFuture of LawAs part of the ������Ƶ Spotlight Series, featuring remarkable barristers in the legal profession, we spoke with Zander Goss, barrister in the 5 Essex Chambers who specialises in advising and representing police forces and related bodies in the public sector.Fri, 23 May 2025 17:40:49 Z<p>As part of the ������Ƶ Spotlight Series, featuring remarkable barristers in the legal profession, we spoke with <strong>Zander Goss, barrister in the 5 Essex Chambers</strong> who specialises in advising and representing police forces and related bodies in the public sector.<br></p><h6><strong>From Chicago to London: A journey to the Bar</strong><br></h6><p>Zander hails from just outside Chicago and attended Villanova University near Philadelphia. He originally intended to study political science, but soon realised that his interests lay more in political theory and good governance, leading him to change to a degree in Philosophy (with a minor in German). He spent his penultimate year of that degree studying abroad at Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford—his first experience living in the UK—before returning to complete his course and work in Chicago for a few years.<br></p><p>“I remember reading a lecture given by an American judge on comparative legal professions, where he explained the split legal profession in the UK and highlighted the unparalleled integrity of the Bar here. By then I knew I wanted a career in advocacy, arguing cases which engage the principles governing the relationship between citizens and state power.” Having felt immediately at home in England and seeing the opportunity for a career that perfectly matched his goals, Zander set his sights on returning to Britain and joining the Bar.<br></p><p>He moved to London, where he studied the LLB and the LLM in Public Law at UCL, undertaking various mini-pupillages along the way.<br></p><h6><strong>Perseverance and passion: The road to success</strong><br></h6><p>When he first spoke to a barrister about doing publicly funded work, the advice was simple: “Don’t do it. The sector is dying”. Zander says that this helped him evaluate what mattered to him in a career—if he still wanted to go to the Bar after this ‘eye-opening’ advice, maybe it was the right choice after all.<br></p><p>As a mature student returning to studies on the LLB, Zander worried about achieving results that would enable him to reach the Bar. By his second year he was thriving at UCL and confident about his decision to become a barrister. Like many who obtain pupillage, it took three years of applying to get through that ‘bottleneck’ on the way to the Bar. He did a largely criminal pupillage before undertaking a third-six (and subsequently becoming a tenant) at another cha</p>urn:uuid:0fe9941c-bc84-4b45-9a78-c5c43b1b48d5/blog/future-of-law/back-yourself-why-entering-the-family-law-awards-opens-more-doors-than-you-thinkFuture of LawSpending 15 years building her career in family law, Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola understands the demands of the job, the weight of the work and the quiet determination it takes to show up for clients day after day. She’s moved from solicitor to pupil barrister, carrying with her a deep commitment to people, purpose and progress.Fri, 23 May 2025 16:18:41 Z<div><p>Spending 15 years building her career in family law, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaadeola/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola</a> understands the demands of the job, the weight of the work and the quiet determination it takes to show up for clients day after day. She’s moved from solicitor to pupil barrister, carrying with her a deep commitment to people, purpose and progress.</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">That’s why, as a judge for the ������Ƶ Family Law Awards 2025, her advice is clear: don’t wait for permission to recognise your work. Claim it.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Own your impact</span></h4></div><div><p>Family law is demanding. Clients are often grateful, but emotions run high and thanks can go unsaid. That can make it difficult to reflect on the value of your work or the change you’ve helped bring about. For Oluwapelumi, that’s exactly why the awards matter.</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">“It’s just a way for you to celebrate yourself,” she says. “To acknowledge the hard work you’ve put in and the personal sacrifices you’ve made to get the job done.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">The awards aren’t just about external praise. They’re about taking a moment to step back, reflect, and give yourself credit for everything you’ve achieved.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Build your confidence and your brand</span></h4><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span>Oluwapelumi<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"> is passionate about reminding family lawyers that they’re not just representatives of firms or chambers. They’re professionals with their own stories and strengths. T</span></p></div>urn:uuid:3e207d14-1ca8-432c-b1e3-871d710d68ed/blog/future-of-law/making-unseen-work-visible-the-case-for-entering-the-family-law-awardsFuture of LawFor Adrian Barnett-Thoung-Holland, the Family Law Awards are not just about winners. They're about visibility, community and shining a light on the work that rarely gets seen.Fri, 23 May 2025 15:59:56 Z<p>For <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-barnett-thoung-holland-079699125/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Adrian Barnett-Thoung-Holland</a>, the Family Law Awards are not just about winners. They're about visibility, community and shining a light on the work that rarely gets seen.&nbsp;</p><p>Now in his second year as a judge, Adrian is a passionate about ensuring that recognition in family law reflects the full diversity of the profession. Whether you're in a major set of chambers, a small firm in the regions or working on quietly life-changing cases that never make the headlines, the work matters and it deserves recognition. </p><p>"We're a large professional sector," he says. "There are people doing different kinds of family law work all over the country, and the awards help make that visible. They bring the community together." </p><h4>More than a morale boost</h4><p>Adrian sees the awards not just as a moment of prestige, but as an important way to honour the emotional weight of the work itself. </p><p>"It's highly emotional, highly difficult work. We're supporting people through some o</p>urn:uuid:c6474a97-cffd-4c6d-a529-17f8b9dbeb26/blog/future-of-law/can-legal-ai-bring-legal-certainty-only-if-we-build-trust-into-the-systemFuture of LawLegal AI is already transforming how legal services work. From faster contract law reviews to sharper risk analysis, the tools are proving their worth. But while the technology is moving quickly, the rules around it aren’t. That’s a problem. Because legal certainty and stability don’t just happen. They rely on clear, consistent frameworks. If we want legal AI to genuinely support the rule of law, we need to make sure it fits into the system in a way that’s transparent, ethical and accountable. Without that, we risk replacing old inefficiencies with new uncertainties.The rules haven’t caught upFirms are starting to embed this transformative technology into everyday legal tasks, and the benefits are clear. But adoption is still uneven as the rules that govern how we practise law weren’t built with these tools in mind. Right now, there’s a lack of consistent guidance from regulators and professional bodies. That leaves firms navigating grey areas on their own. Core duties like confidentiality, supervision and competence haven’t gone away, but they do need modern interpretation. Without it, lawyers are left guessing and that doesn’t support trust or legal stability.Do you have a clear and up-to-date AI policy in place? Download an AI policy here. Legal certainty needs transparencyFri, 23 May 2025 13:24:06 Z<div><p>Legal AI is already transforming how legal services work. From faster contract law reviews to sharper risk analysis, the tools are proving their worth. But while the technology is moving quickly, the rules around it aren’t. That’s a problem. Because legal certainty and stability don’t just happen. They rely on clear, consistent frameworks. If we want legal AI to genuinely support the rule of law, we need to make sure it fits into the system in a way that’s transparent, ethical and accountable. Without that, we risk replacing old inefficiencies with new uncertainties.</p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">The rules haven’t caught up</span></h4><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Firms are starting to embed this transformative technology into everyday legal tasks, and the benefits are clear. But adoption is still uneven as the rules that govern how we practise law weren’t built with these tools in mind. Right now, there’s a lack of consistent guidance from regulators and professional bodies. That leaves firms navigating grey areas on their own. Core duties like confidentiality, supervision and competence haven’t gone away, but they do need modern interpretation. Without it, lawyers are left guessing and that doesn’t support trust or legal stability.</span></p><p><em><a href="/legal/precedents/policy-use-of-generative-artificial-intelligence" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Do you have a clear and up-to-date AI policy in place? Download an AI policy here.&nbsp;</a></em><br><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit; color: inherit"></span></p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit; color: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Legal certainty needs transparency</span></h4></div><div><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: style=""></span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: ></p></div>urn:uuid:75c7222b-d90b-4587-9767-f80981ac0b0d/blog/future-of-law/innovation-in-law-overcoming-resistance-to-changeFuture of LawExplore and investigate barriers to innovation within law firms, particularly around culture, and address strategies for overcoming these challenges.Mon, 19 May 2025 14:55:51 Z<p>Whisper it quietly, but piloting and buying technology in a law firm is the easy part of innovation&nbsp;— helping lawyers overcome their resistance to change and actually getting people to adopt what you have bought often remains a significant challenge.</p><p>These barriers are deeply rooted in the fabric of the legal industry, where dealing with legal experts who are perhaps used to being right and doing things their way, can be unsettled by a suggestion of trying to do something in a different way or having to unlearn established ways of working. This resistance can be exacerbated if a new technology is perceived as making their lives harder in the short-term whilst they get to grips with it, even if it offers long-term benefit.</p><p>Overcoming this resistance requires clear communication and support to alleviate concerns and successful strategies include: </p><p><strong>Continuous support and communication</strong><br></p><p>After a pilot ends, it's crucial to keep the positive communication rolling. Sharing short case studies or good examples of use cases can help build momentum amongst users. Attending team meetings </p>urn:uuid:07d9084b-27a9-4938-adfc-64e862bd8c79/blog/future-of-law/work-well-live-well-practical-advice-for-solicitors-in-independent-firmsFuture of LawThis article offers practical advice for solicitors at independent firms looking to improve their work-life balance and foster a supportive workplace community.Fri, 16 May 2025 14:21:29 Z<p>Working as a solicitor is rewarding but often taxing. Long hours, tight deadlines, and the pressure to perform can make it tough to maintain a healthy work-life balance.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">At smaller firms, where teams may be leaner, these challenges can feel even more intense.&nbsp;</span>But focusing on balance and building a strong community at work, isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it’s essential for wellbeing, job satisfaction, and career longevity.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"><a href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2025.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><strong><em>Access insights on independent law firms in the 2025 Bellwether report.</em></strong></a><strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong></span></p><h4>Why work-life balance is more important than ever in legal practice</h4><p>There’s no doubt that a legal career is highly demanding. Earlier this year, LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, published their <a href="https://www.lawcare.org.uk/latest-news/record-breaking-year-for-lawcare-s-support-channels/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Impact Report 2024</a>, which revealed that 2024 was their busiest year ever – with over 1,000 people reaching out to them for support. Of those people, 43% of were from private practice. The top reason people sought support was due to stress and anxiety.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">For solicitors working in small or medium-sized firms, work-life balance can be particularly elusive. Unlike larger firms that may have dedicated wellbeing resources, smaller firms often rely on individuals managing their own boundaries.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Without balance, productivity and motivation suffer, increasing the risk of burnout. Taking proactive steps to balance your professional and personal life benefits not just your mental health, but also your clients and colleagues.</span></p><h4>Set clear boundaries and prioritise your time</h4><p>One of the biggest challenges lawyers face is the expectation of constant availability. Four-fifths of firms reported that </p>urn:uuid:f4a327e0-67a1-4fb4-8845-97d38111e99b/blog/future-of-law/lawyers-are-choosing-firms-that-invest-in-legal-technologyFuture of LawLearn why investing in AI technology is crucial for law firms to retain top talent and stay competitive in the evolving legal landscape.Fri, 16 May 2025 13:35:40 Zurn:uuid:61dcaa7d-9c3b-4900-89b0-f35a8e4aac55/blog/future-of-law/why-small-law-firms-are-turning-away-from-m-a-in-2025Future of LawMergers and acquisitions are falling out of favour with small law firms. Discover why financial risk, cultural mismatch, and a shift toward organic growth are making firms rethink M&A in 2025.Thu, 15 May 2025 23:00:00 Z<p>Once seen as a fast-track route to growth, mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) are rapidly losing their appeal among small and medium-sized law firms. According to <em><a href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2025.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">The Bellwether Report 2025</a></em>, the appetite for M&amp;A has dropped to its lowest level in years—with just 5% of respondents considering it a viable growth strategy. That figure has more than halved since 2023.</p><p>What’s behind this shift? The short answer: risk, complexity, and a renewed focus on cultural cohesion. But the full story reflects deeper strategic changes in the small law market—where the desire for control, agility and long-term resilience is outweighing the lure of rapid expansion.</p><h4><strong>The numbers: a clear downward trend</strong></h4><p>The data from this year’s Bellwether Report is striking:</p><ul><li><p>In 2023, 13% of firms said they were considering M&amp;A as a growth strategy.</p></li><li><p>That fell to 10% in 2024.</p></li><li><p>In 2025, it’s just 5%.</p></li></ul><p>This steady decline suggests more than just short-term caution. It points to a long-term re-evaluation of what growth should look like in today’s legal environment.</p><p>Other studies have found similar results. <a href="https://www.pwc.co.uk/industries/legal-professional-business-support-services/creating-value-volatile-market.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">PwC UK</a>&nbsp;found M&amp;A activity among law firms has slowed as market volatility and integration challenges prompt firms to reassess whether mergers truly deliver long-term value.</p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2025.html" target="_blank" data-sf-marked="" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Download the Bellwether report here for full analysis.</a></p><p></p><h4><strong>Risk over reward</strong></h4><p>One of the biggest reasons firms are walking away from M&amp;A is the financial risk involved. Over half (53%) of those not pursuing M&amp;A cited this as their primary concern. In a market where overheads are already tight and margins under pressure, the cost of merging—legal fees, redundancy payments, systems integration, and leadership restructuring—can be hard to justify.</p><p>Even where long-term benefits might exist, the short-term burden is simply too high. With many firms also investing in technology, marketing and recruitment, M&amp;A often loses out to more flexible, lower-risk options.</p><h4><strong><Merging cultures is harder than it looks</</strong></h4>urn:uuid:b0b96051-6182-4f98-a1b1-a0e4a547aba4/blog/future-of-law/what-s-really-holding-law-firms-back-look-inside-not-outFuture of LawInternal hesitation—not market conditions—is the biggest barrier to growth for small law firms in 2025. Explore why delays in decision-making are holding firms back and how small, strategic changes can drive progress.Wed, 14 May 2025 23:00:00 Z<p>Small law firms are navigating rising costs, evolving client demands, and rapid technological change, but according to the <em><a href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2025.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Bellwether Report 2025</a></em>, it’s not external pressures that pose the biggest threat to growth. It’s internal hesitation.</p><p>The report paints a clear picture: the firms that are falling behind aren’t necessarily underperforming or under-resourced. They’re simply stuck, unable or unwilling to make the decisions that would move them forward. Whether it’s fear of change, lack of time, or uncertainty around investment, it’s these internal roadblocks that are doing the most damage.</p><h4><strong>The numbers don’t lie</strong></h4><p>When asked what’s preventing their firm from achieving its goals, <strong>37% of respondents</strong> cited the tough economic climate. That’s hardly surprising. But close behind were challenges rooted in the day-to-day running of the firm:</p><p></p><ul><li>34% said lack of time for business development</li><li>24% pointed to fear of change</li><li>18% cited poor staff retention</li><li>14% highlighted growing competition</li></ul><p>Strikingly, only 2%<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"> said poor client retention was an issue. The work is there. The clients are staying. So what’s the problem?</span></p><h4><strong>Paralysis by caution</strong></h4><p>Many firms appear caught between knowing they need to change and fearing the consequences if they get it wrong. Whether it’s investing in new technology, refining pricing models, or improving internal processes, decision-making often stalls due to perceived risk.</p><p>This hesitation is understandable, especially in small firms, where time and budget are tight, and the margin for error is slim. But as the report makes clear, d</p>urn:uuid:f7961c8d-54b0-43aa-b3e3-4eec1ea3ed80/blog/future-of-law/how-small-law-firms-are-adapting-to-rising-client-expectationsFuture of LawClient expectations are rising in small law. Discover how firms are responding to demands for faster communication, clearer pricing, and better service – with insights and quotes from the Bellwether Report 2025.Wed, 14 May 2025 14:32:56 Z<p>In 2025, small and medium-sized law firms are facing a familiar but intensifying pressure: clients want more. More speed, more clarity, more flexibility—and all without higher fees. The latest <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2025.html">Bellwether Report</a> reveals that firms are being pushed to rethink how they communicate, price, and deliver their services to meet evolving client demands.</p><p>The shift isn’t subtle. It’s reshaping how firms operate, where they invest, and how they define value. And while the pressure is real, many firms are responding in creative, thoughtful ways, balancing client service with sustainability.</p><h4><strong>Speed is no longer a differentiator, it’s expected</strong></h4><p>The clearest message from clients? Don’t keep them waiting. Four-fifths (80%) of small law firms said that clients now expect faster communication and quicker answers. While slightly down from 83% in 2024, it’s still the most dominant expectation across the sector.</p><p>But delivering speed consistently is proving to be a real challenge, especially for smaller firms trying to maintain personalised service.</p><p>Zoë Bloom, partner at family law firm AFP Bloom, shared:</p><p>“Keeping pace with client expectations is exhausting and makes us all prone to mistakes. We cannot be everywhere all at once, so we employ people to second us, and then more people to second them. But clients are not satisfied because they want the fee-earner they instructed in the first place.”</p><p>Firms are having to find new ways to manage expectations, internally and externally.</p><p>“Being firm with clients about what they should expect is crucial,” Bloom continued. “If they want a senior team member who is always available, they cannot also pay less. If they want to keep their fees down, then response time will have to give.”</p><p>This tension between availability and affordability is driving firms to rethink resourcing, pricing, and client communication strategies.</p><h4><strong>Clearer pricing is climbing the priority list</strong></h4><p>Alongside speed, clients are demanding more transparency in pricing. Half of all respondents (50%) said clients want clearer, more upfront fee structures, up from 44% last year.</p><p>Traditional billing models are increasi</p>urn:uuid:b32ab675-2d96-4706-8ca3-2b1afb9f35b9/blog/future-of-law/what-the-forrester-report-on-lexis-ai-means-for-uk-lawyersFuture of LawDiscover what Forrester’s 2025 report reveals Lexis+ AI saves lawyers time, and what it means for UK lawyers seeking to boost profitability, streamline legal work, and stay competitive.Wed, 14 May 2025 13:01:28 Z<p><strong></strong>Generative AI is already changing how legal professionals work, but not all tools are created equal. A new independent study by <a href="https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/products/lexis-plus-ai/roi-large-law-firms.page" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Forrester Consulting </a>of US large law firms has quantified the business benefits of Lexis+ AI. The findings are compelling, and highly relevant for lawyers in the UK, too.</p><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/products/lexis-plus-ai/roi-large-law-firms.page"><em>You can download the Forrester Consulting study on US large law firms here.</em></a></p><p>So what did Forrester Consulting uncover, and how can UK firms expect to benefit?</p><h4><strong>Lexis+ AI gives lawyers time back</strong></h4><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/products/lexis-plus-ai/roi-large-law-firms.page">Forrester Consulting’s Total Economic Impact™&nbsp;of Lexis+ AI for Large Law Firms</a>,&nbsp;a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of ������Ƶ in May 2025,&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">found using Lexis+ AI gave lawyers a lot of time back, especially unbillable time, or time that gets written off. This can lead to increased profitability. Those time savings came from a combination of:</span></p><ul><li>Increased lawyer productivity</li><li>Recovery of written-off time</li><li>Time savings for support staff</li><li>Improved client delivery and satisfaction</li></ul><p><em data-end="519" data-start="330">“The blue-sky firm goal is more about looking forward to the future and making sure the firm is investing in things that keep us current. And, so, I think that’s where [Lexis+ AI] falls.”</em><br data-end="522" data-start="519"><strong>— Director of Research and Information, $3B global law firm</strong></p><p>These findings echo broader trends across the profession. A 2023 study by the <a href="https://www.biicl.org/publications/use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-legal-practice" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">British Institute of International and Comparative Law</a> found that law firms are increasingly investing in AI to unlock long-term business value and enhance lawyer productivity.</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>1. Faster research and drafting for senior lawyers</strong></h4><p>Forrester found that senior associates and partners at US law firms saved up to 2.5 hours per week on routine drafting and legal research using Lexis+ AI. It also found they:</p><ul><li>Reached stronger first drafts faster</li><li>Found relevant case law quicker</li><li>Reduced the need for hand-offs to juniors.</li></ul><p><em>“Generative AI features have reenergi</em></p>urn:uuid:9be84105-c032-4137-afbf-5efcfd7dd916/blog/future-of-law/where-small-law-firms-are-investing-in-2025-smart-moves-over-big-betsFuture of LawSmall law firms are investing strategically in 2025, with targeted spending on hiring, technology, and AI. Discover how smart, deliberate choices are driving resilience and growth.Wed, 14 May 2025 11:49:01 Z<p data-end="630" data-start="227">In 2025, small and medium-sized law firms aren’t trying to outspend or outscale their rivals. They’re choosing to outthink them. According to <em data-end="396" data-start="368"><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2025.html">The Bellwether Report 2025</a></em>, the sector is cautiously optimistic and increasingly strategic about how it allocates its resources. The result is a quiet evolution: not transformation through radical change, but growth through smarter, more deliberate investment.</p><p data-end="858" data-start="632">If 2024 was the year of holding back, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of moving forward, but only in ways that serve a clear purpose. The report reveals that firms are not investing more, necessarily, they’re investing better.</p><h4 data-end="902" data-start="860"><strong>Talent spending returns, but selectively</strong></h4><p data-end="1406" data-start="904">Hiring is picking up after a cautious period. Nearly a quarter of firms (23%) reported recruiting new lawyers in the past year, up from just 16% the year before. What’s striking, however, is the deliberate nature of this growth. Recruitment isn’t being driven by expansionist ambition; it’s rooted in practical needs like maintaining service quality and easing pressure on senior lawyers. Another 39% of firms expect to hire in the coming 12 to 18 months, broadly in line with last year’s forward plans.</p><p data-end="1767" data-start="1408">The data signals a shift from reactive hiring to more intentional workforce planning. As Tim Rayner of ������Ƶ observes, this is about capacity management, not empire-building.</p><p data-end="1767" data-start="1408">"This trend reflects a carefully balanced approach to talent management, prioritising capacity without overextending."</p><h4 data-end="1815" data-start="1769"><strong>Technology investment: strategic, not shiny</strong></h4><p data-end="2340" data-start="1817">Technology spend has held relatively steady compared to 2024, but a closer look reveals a more interesting trend: firms are becoming more confident in their technology choices and more deliberate about when and how they invest. Almost one-fifth (17%) of firms have already increased tech spend this year, while 43% have plans to do so, up from 35% in the previous report. This suggests a staggered investment cycle, where firms are carefully evaluating existing systems and plugging gaps rather than buying into the latest trend.</p><p data-end="2955" data-start="2342">AI is an important part of this conversation. Nearly four in ten firms (39%) say that artificial intelligence has influenced their decision to invest in technology, up from 33% last year. But this is still far from a full embrace. Most firms remain in the testing and exploration phase, actively trialling tools for <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/products/lexi data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/"></a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/products/lexi></p>urn:uuid:0fb0188f-2ad1-4fe3-96cc-34b217b30056/blog/future-of-law/growth-without-the-gamble-small-law-firms-are-scaling-on-their-own-termsFuture of LawDiscover how UK small and mid-sized law firms are achieving sustainable growth through strategic, low-risk changes in pricing, talent, tech, and client service – backed by key insights from the 2025 Bellwether Report and other leading legal industry research.Mon, 12 May 2025 12:15:06 Z<p><strong>In a volatile market, small law firms are finding smarter, more strategic ways to grow </strong>–<strong> without risking their future.</strong></p><p>If you’ve been wondering <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2025.html">how to grow a small law firm </a>in 2025 without betting everything on risky investments or major transformation, the latest <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2025.html">Bellwether Report </a>has some timely answers. It paints a picture of resilience and cautious optimism in the face of rising costs, evolving client demands and squeezed margins.</p><p>The good news? Growth is happening – and not just for large firms with deep pockets. According to the <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2025.html">Bellwether Report 2025 from ������Ƶ</a>, 58% of small and mid-sized UK firms have grown over the last three to four years, up from 48% the year before. Just 5% saw a decline.</p><p>So what’s working?</p><p>Not radical reinvention. Not aggressive takeovers. But something more manageable: small, strategic changes that improve performance over time – often referred to as marginal gains.</p><p>Let’s look at how that’s playing out across people, process, pricing, and technology.</p><h4><strong>Organic growth beats high-risk expansion</strong></h4><p>One of the biggest shifts in this year’s report is how firms are choosing to grow. 72% now favour organic growth, up from 63% last year and just 40% in 2023.</p><p>This makes sense. In a market where law firm profitability is under constant pressure, growing gradually – without compromising culture, values, or cash flow – offers clear advantages.</p><p>Moore Kingston Smith’s <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://mooreks.co.uk/insights/mid-market-law-firm-benchmarking-2023-2024/">Mid-Market Law Firm Benchmarking Report 2023–2024</a> found that although revenue rose by 11% across mid-sized firms, operating profit increased only 6%, suggesting that cost control is becoming just as important as income generation.<br></p><p>For firms aiming to build enterprise value over time, the message is clear: sustainable growth starts with protecting what already works.</p><h4><strong>Why law firm mergers in the UK are losing momentum</strong></h4><p>Another trend that emerged from the <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-repo data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/"></a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-repo></p>urn:uuid:b4de6bcd-e86e-4d4b-a570-869277aefbed/blog/future-of-law/how-to-inspire-gen-z-lawyers-to-go-the-extra-mile-without-losing-themFuture of LawDiscover how law firm leaders can motivate Gen Z lawyers to go the extra mile, without burnout, through purpose, recognition, and transparent leadership, backed by research and real-world insights.Mon, 12 May 2025 10:52:06 Z<div><p><strong>In recent conversations with senior law firm leaders, one challenge comes up again and again: how to communicate effectively with younger lawyers.</strong></p><p><strong></strong><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Many firms are grappling with a real tension — how do you maintain high performance while also retaining and motivating the next generation of legal talent?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">One of the biggest friction points is around expectations. Older generations often put in long, intense hours without question. That mindset shaped their careers — and they expect the same in return from today’s associates, who are also very well compensated.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">But Gen Z lawyers view things differently. They still value success, but they also value balance, purpose, and wellbeing. They’re less willing to sacrifice personal boundaries for the sake of tradition. And that disconnect is creating frustration on both sides.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Deborah Finkler, Managing Partner of Magic Circle law firm, Slaughter and May, says:</span></p><blockquote><blockquote><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"><strong></strong></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"><strong>"Being a lawyer in a high-performance private practice is very demanding and not for everyone. We aim to provide people with the best training possible, to form a foundation for their future career, whether that be with us or elsewhere."</strong></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; style=""></span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; ></blockquote></blockquote></div>urn:uuid:f280c7de-b2c2-4677-ba9b-a3f288edc3fd/blog/future-of-law/mental-health-awareness-week-8-top-tips-for-legal-professionals-in-charities-to-take-care-of-their-mental-healthFuture of LawMental health awareness week: tips for charity sector lawyers Legal professionals in the charity sector often carry heavy emotional loads. To support your mental health, try these 8 tips: set boundaries, practice mindfulness, seek peer support, take breaks, stay active, embrace imperfection, engage in supervision, and prioritize downtime.Mon, 12 May 2025 09:55:11 Z<p>Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 12^th May – Sunday 18^th May 2025) is a valuable reminder for individuals and organisations to prioritise mental wellbeing. </p><p>Legal professionals in the charity sector often carry a heavy emotional load. Knowing their work can directly shape someone’s safety, stability, or future adds a deep weight to the already complex task of navigating legal systems and supporting vulnerable people.</p><p>According to <em>LawCare</em>’s <a href="https://heyzine.com/flip-book/78a253a6ee.html#page/1" data-sf-ec-immutable="">2024 Impact Report</a>, there was a 13% increase between 2023 to 2024 in those seeking mental health support. </p><ul type="disc"><li>39% sought help for stress and anxiety</li><li>15% for career anxiety</li><li>10% for workplace bullying and harassment</li></ul><p>It is crucial for lawyers in charitable roles to look after <em>their own mental health.</em> Doing so not only supports long-term wellbeing but also strengthens the capacity to continue their work helping others effectively.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>8 top tips to support your mental health</strong></p><p><strong>1. Set boundaries between work and personal life</strong></p><p>It can be difficult to switch off, especially when deeply invested in your work. Set clear working hours, avoid checking emails outside of them, and prioritise time for rest and personal activities. Establishing boundaries is vital for long-term resilience.</p><p><strong>2. Practise mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques</strong></p><p>Mindfulness does not require hours of meditation. Just a few minutes of focused breathing or a quiet moment before starting your day help calm your mind</p>urn:uuid:a7a17b2c-12fe-4372-b907-52cd8841e7d8/blog/future-of-law/legal-leaders-need-to-stop-managing-start-communicatingFuture of LawDiscover the top communication techniques law firm leaders need to build trust, boost performance, and lead with impact—based on research and real-world legal insights.Fri, 09 May 2025 15:04:15 Z<div><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></div><p data-start="200" data-end="282">What makes someone agreat legal leader in 2025? It's probably not what you think.</p><p data-start="284" data-end="502">Sure, strategic vision matters. So does commercial savvy. But ask hundreds of legal professionals what <em data-start="387" data-end="395">really</em> makes aleader stand out today, and the top answer is surprisingly human: they’re agood communicator.</p><p data-start="504" data-end="715">In arecent ������Ƶ survey, half of lawyers said communication was the defining trait of astrong law firm or in-house legal leader, beating out integrity, commercial awareness, and even emotional intelligence.</p><div></div><div><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">The&nbsp;</span><a href="/research-and-reports/innovation-as-a-competitive-edge.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; white-space: inherit">survey of 841 respondents</a><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">&nbsp;found t</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">hese&nbsp;leadership traits came out on top:</span></div><div><br></div><ul><li>Good communicator – 50%</li><li>Maintains integrity / ethical standards – 39%</li><li>Commercially savvy – 33%</li><li>Strong strategic vision – 31%</li><li>Emotionally intelligent – 30%</li></ul><p data-start="717" data-end="915">In today’s high-pressure, hybrid, tech-accelerated legal world, clarity, trust and connection aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re the glue that holds high-performing teams together.</p><p data-start="917" data-end="1098">So how can legal leaders communicate better? Based on behavioural research and feedback from legal professionals themselves, here are five powerful techniques you can use right now.<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></p><h4><strong>Why communication matters most</strong></h4><div><p>Being a“good communicator” might sound basic, but the skills behind it are anything but. Recent research from <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1048984323000607" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">The Leadership Quarterly</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1048984315000934" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Journal of Business Research</a>&nbsp;identifies communication as the most consistent driver of effective leadership across industries — </p></div>urn:uuid:0faf48c4-beef-4052-918a-3f0810c1dd4a/blog/future-of-law/beyond-billables-why-creative-thinking-is-the-new-legal-advantageFuture of LawDiscover how empowering leadership, workplace culture, and trust can boost creativity in law firms and in-house legal teams—based on new research from Elsevier.Fri, 09 May 2025 14:02:54 Z<div><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Legal work has long been seen as meticulous, process-driven and risk-averse. But as workloads grow, budgets tighten, and AI tools become mainstream, one trait is becoming surprisingly valuable in legal teams: creativity. Not in the sense of abstract art or wild brainstorming, but the ability to approach problems in new ways, adapt to change, and deliver smarter, faster solutions.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Recent research published in Elsevier journals highlights that creative thinking in law practice doesn’t just “happen” —&nbsp;it’s nurtured by leadership style, workplace culture, and how empowered your people feel. And the findings are highly relevant to law firms and legal teams under pressure to do more with less.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">&nbsp;</span></p></div><h4><strong>1. Empowerment unlocks creativity</strong></h4><div><p>One study, published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000187912300115X" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes</a>, found that empowering leadership — where managers delegate authority, encourage autonomy, and trust their teams — is strongly linked to higher levels of employee creativity.</p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">In a legal context, this might mean giving lawyers more freedom to propose process changes, try new legal tech, or rethink client service delivery. When people feel ownership over their work, they’re more likely to look for better ways to do it.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: style=""></span style="background-color: ></p></div>urn:uuid:6867750b-b451-4a93-acc0-81cea75ba705/blog/future-of-law/finding-a-home-for-yourself-how-barristers-are-choosing-chambers-todayFuture of LawThe decision to join a chambers is no longer driven solely by tradition, reputation, or location. Modern barristers are seeking places that align with their values, support work-life balance, and allow authenticity. Culture now plays a key role in well-being and career longevity, prompting candidates to ask deeper questions about support, inclusivity, and flexibility. Chambers embracing change, like Gatehouse and those offering flexible policies, are attracting diverse talent. Lasting progress requires everyone in the profession to help build environments where barristers can truly thrive.Fri, 09 May 2025 08:33:33 Z<p>Not so long ago, the decision to join a set of chambers was largely dictated by tradition. Reputation, rankings, location and legacy played a defining role in shaping the careers of young barristers. The right chambers were those with the longest history, the biggest names and the most well-established clients. </p><p>But the picture is changing. Today’s barristers are asking different questions. The modern Bar is shaped not just by ambition, but by purpose, balance and belonging. As barrister <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x1Xnua2gzs&amp;t=2156s"><strong>Taz Aldeek</strong></a> said:</p><p><strong>“People may well go on to have three or four careers in their lifetime. They do not just want to do one thing anymore.”</strong></p><p><strong></strong><br><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x1Xnua2gzs&amp;pp=0gcJCYUJAYcqIYzv">Watch Taz's full interview here →</a></p><p>It is not about rejecting the Bar, far from it. Rather, it reflects a growing desire to shape a legal career that feels fulfilling on a personal level, not just a professional one.<br></p><p><strong>How to find a place where you can be you</strong></p><p>For barristers today, the decision to apply to or remain with a chamber goes beyond pupillage offers and practice areas. It is about asking the right questions, not just of chambers, but of yourself. What kind of support do you want? What values do you expect to be reflected around you? Do you feel like you will be seen and heard?</p><p><strong>“The culture of a chambers can influence a barrister’s wellbeing, sense of belonging and career development every bit as much as the nature of the work itself.”</strong> (<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.counselmagazine.co.uk/articles/deeds-not-just-words?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><em>Deeds, not just words</em></a><em>, Counsel Magazine, September 2021.)</em></p><p>Investigating those cultures matters. That</p>urn:uuid:2e8fd0e0-3786-4514-a151-1a8a8df47563/blog/future-of-law/legal-ai-doesn-t-need-to-be-nice-it-needs-to-be-rightFuture of LawAI chatbots are hard-wired to be nice. Legal AI chatbots are hard-wired to be accurate. Have a guess what lawyers need.Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:33:30 Z<p align="center" style="text-align: left"><strong></strong>The law can be polite, but it’s rarely soft. Ask a lawyer what they value most and they are likely to say accuracy, evidence, and (probably) coffee. “Politeness”, as important as it is, doesn’t usually make the cut. Precision matters more than pleasantries.</p><p>I was reading recently about how AI models are designed. They are generally built with a clear hierarchy for their responses: be harmless first, helpful second and accurate third. Lovely for bedtime stories. Perfect for writing sonnets in the style of Shakespeare. Vital, one may argue, for writing a speech in the tone of Boris Johnson, Donald Trump or Nigel Farage.&nbsp; </p><p>Less useful, however, when you’re drafting a clause that could trigger a £30 million liability. In law, accuracy isn't optional. It's mandatory</p><p>So it’s a curious thing that lawyers are turning to AI tools that are not designed for the legal use case. ChatGPT, for example, is hard coded to be more concerned with being harmless than being helpful. It is mindful at all times that a strongly worded indemnity clause might hurt someone’s feelings.<br></p><h4><strong>Being harmless can be harming</strong></h4><p>It’s not that harmlessness is bad. Nobody wants an AI that rants about legal conspiracies or rewrites an NDA in iambic pentameter (mental note, might give that a go). No one’s advocating for AI that blurts out legal advice like a trainee on two hours’ sleep and a misguided sense of confidence. But when the need to avoid controversy overrides the need to convey nuance, the quality of the legal advice and direction is at risk. Half-truths dressed up as risk mitigation can do more da</p>urn:uuid:b3f6e32a-60f1-40d2-9143-711759973bc9/blog/future-of-law/what-do-in-house-legal-teams-really-want-from-a-legal-drafting-solutionFuture of LawSurvey of the top features UK lawyers want from a legal drafting tool as well as advice from legal leaders.Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:16:12 Z<p>There’s no sugar-coating it—many law firms are still bogged down by sluggish systems and outdated processes. From legal research to drafting contracts, the daily work of lawyers is often slowed by clunky tools and workflows that haven’t kept pace with the rest of the business world.</p><p>More than one in three lawyers say their firm is <em>adequate, slow or very slow</em> at delivering legal work. That’s a problem. Because while clients are demanding more personalised services, faster turnarounds, and better communication, many firms are still wrestling with inefficient drafting tools and broken knowledge flows.</p><p>But what exactly do lawyers want from their drafting solutions? A <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/insights/innovating-the-client-experience/index.html">recent survey by ������Ƶ</a> offers insight into the top features that practitioners across private practice and in-house roles say would make a real difference to how they work.</p><h4><strong>The pain of a slow drafting process</strong></h4><p>Nearly half (45%) of lawyers surveyed said their drafting and document review processes were “adequate, slow or very slow.” That’s a major issue, considering how central these tasks are to legal work.</p><p>Tony Randle, Partner for Client Tech &amp; Service Improvement at Shoosmiths, says their firm took a strategic view: “We identified that building legal tech, including AI, into legal workflows common to most of our practice areas will deliver the greatest positive benefits.” In short, improving drafting workflows isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a performance upgrade.</p><p>The challenge is finding tools that actually make a difference, rather than simply digitising old inefficiencies. As Hélder Santos of Bird &amp; Bird notes, “The biggest areas for innovation are to the client experience, workflow optimisation, and legal drafting.”</p><a href="/products/lexis-create-plus" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a><p>Let’s focus on that last piece—drafting.</p><h4><strong>What lawyers want from their drafting tools</strong></h4><p>We asked lawyers to choose the three features they consider most important in a legal drafting solution. Here’s what stood out:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Works inside Microsoft Word (41%)</strong><br>Unsurprisingly, Word remains the drafting environment of choice for most lawyers. Any tool that doesn’t integrate </p></li></ul>urn:uuid:4ee64b8a-690a-4b45-b305-75ede98f86cb/blog/future-of-law/advancing-the-rule-of-law-in-jamaicaFuture of LawThe rule of law is essential for a prosperous society. In Jamaica, crime and violence cost the economy 4% of GDP annually. Strengthening the legal system and promoting legal innovation are crucial. ������Ƶ supports this by providing free summaries of key Jamaican statutes and advanced legal research tools to help attorneys work more efficiently. Together, we can promote legal transparency, accountability, human rights, and justice reform globally.Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:40:50 Z<p>The rule of law is the foundation of any prosperous society. </p><p>In Jamaica, where crime rates have posed significant challenges to development, the enforcement of the rule of law is crucial. According to <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2022/043/article-A001-en.xml?utm_source=chatgpt.com">International Monetary Fund's (IMF)</a> 2022 report, Jamaica's crime and violence cost the economy approximately 4% of GDP annually. This stark statistic underscores the importance of a strong, fair, and efficient legal system to ensure safety, drive investment, and foster social stability.</p><p>In light of this, strengthening the legal system and promoting legal innovation are vital for Jamaica’s future. Legal professionals, particularly those in the bar, play a pivotal role in upholding justice and fostering trust in the system.</p><p>At ������Ƶ, we are deeply committed to supporting the rule of law worldwide. <br><br>Our mission is to ensure that justice is accessible to all, and we believe that collaboration and a profound understanding of the law are key to achieving this goal. <br><br>We are proud to collaborate with senior members of the Jamaican Bar to advance the rule of law by providing summaries of the following Jamaican statutes, which are essential to the legal framework:</p><ul type="disc"><li>The Domestic Violence Act </li><li>The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression, and Punishment) Act</li><li>The Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2021</li></ul><p>These statute summaries are freely available to download and are part of our commitment to advancing the rule of law and improving the legal system around the world<strong>.<br></strong></p><p><strong><br><a href="/research-and-reports/jamaica-rule-of-law.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Download your free statutes summaries here →</a></strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Supporting Jamaican attorneys</strong></p><p>We understand the challenges Jamaican attorneys encounter in their daily practice like outdated legal technology or struggling to find the right legal information. That's why we have developed <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/research-and-reports/trex-trial. data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/"></a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/research-and-reports/trex-trial.></p>urn:uuid:fda572b8-ad68-4ade-880b-57a686204de4/blog/future-of-law/building-trust-with-clients-in-the-age-of-ai-a-guide-for-law-firm-leadersFuture of LawHow law firm leaders can foster client trust while leveraging AI, drawing on insights from a recent ������Ƶ webinar and survey data.Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:21:57 Z<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming an essential tool for law firms. But as firms integrate AI into their operations, building and maintaining trust with clients is more important than ever. This blog explores how law firm leaders can foster client trust while leveraging AI, drawing on insights from a recent ������Ƶ webinar and survey data.</p><h4><strong>Understanding the AI landscape</strong></h4><p>AI is transforming the legal industry, offering opportunities to streamline processes and enhance service delivery. However, the journey to AI adoption is not without its challenges.<a href="/research-and-reports/h1-2025-generative-ai-report.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""> A survey of over 800 lawyers</a> reveals that while AI adoption is on the rise, many firms struggle with implementation and measuring success. Two-thirds (66%) of lawyers would use AI more if they had additional training, and half of all lawyers said their organisation doesn't measure AI against clear success metrics. These findings highlight the need for strategic planning and investment in AI.</p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/h1-2025-generative-ai-report.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p><h4><strong>The importance of client trust</strong></h4><p>Client trust is the cornerstone of any successful law firm. As AI becomes more prevalent, firms must ensure that their use of technology does not undermine this trust. During the ������Ƶ webinar, Tom Whitaker, a Director at Burgess Salmon, emphasised the importance of understanding client concerns and drivers. He noted, "It's a case of the lawyer understanding what is the client's concerns, what's their drivers... so that they believe and they know and they have demonstrated to them that we stand with them."</p><h4><strong>Transparency and communication</strong></h4><p>Transparency is key to building trust with clients. Law firms should openly communicate how AI is used in their operations and the benefits it brings. Laura Hodgson, the AI Lead at Linklaters, highlighted the importance of open communication, stating, "Talk to yo</p>urn:uuid:a9ee8799-b1f9-4a11-a7c5-bf36634ee524/blog/future-of-law/staying-current-with-legal-changes-how-public-sector-lawyers-use-lexisFuture of LawThis blog explores how ������Ƶ empowers legal teams to stay ahead of the curve, featuring case studies from Wolverhampton City Council, Walsall Council, and Southampton City Council.Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:21:03 Z<p>Staying current with legal changes is a critical challenge for public sector lawyers. In a recent survey, we asked public sector lawyers about the top challenges they are up against in the next 1-3 years. The top response was staying up to date with changes to the law, with 60% of public sector lawyers listing this as a significant challenge, <a href="/insights/innovating-the-client-experience/index.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">a new survey found</a>.</p><p>With new precedents, statutes, and regulations emerging frequently, legal teams must remain vigilant to provide accurate and timely advice. ������Ƶ, a comprehensive legal research and guidance platform, has become an indispensable tool for public sector lawyers, enabling them to navigate these complexities effectively. This blog explores how ������Ƶ empowers legal teams to stay ahead of the curve, featuring case studies from Wolverhampton City Council, Walsall Council, and Southampton City Council.</p><h4><strong>Wolverhampton City Council: Reducing environmental impact and enhancing efficiency</strong></h4><p>Wolverhampton City Council's Legal Services team faced the dual challenge of reducing their environmental impact and maintaining access to comprehensive legal information. By transitioning from paper-based resources to ������Ƶ solutions like <a href="/products/lexis-plus-legal-research.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Lexis+®</a>, the team significantly reduced their reliance on paper while ensuring access to up-to-date legal content. This shift not only supported their environmental goals but also enhanced business efficiency by allowing multiple team members to access resources simultaneously. The integration of <a href="/product href="/"></a href="/product></p>urn:uuid:89ad3084-dcea-4c3a-adf8-1f0475275530/blog/future-of-law/top-challenges-facing-public-sector-lawyers-in-2025Future of LawTop challenges facing public sector lawyers in 2025, from technology and legal changes to talent management.Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:15:35 Z<p>������Ƶ surveyed <a href="/insights/innovating-the-client-experience/index.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">800+ lawyers across the legal sector</a> to explore the key challenges they're up against and how their business strategy and day-to-day processes are being reshaped by new technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Public sector lawyers made up a relatively small group, 5%, yet their insights showed some interesting. In this blog, we look at the challenges public sector lawyers are up against in 2025, the trends making the biggest waves, and how public sector teams are&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">navigating the complexities of the modern legal environment.</span></p><h4><strong>Keeping up to date with changes in the law</strong></h4><p>A whopping 60% of public sector lawyers identified keeping up to date with changes in the law as a significant challenge. The current legal environment is particularly challenging, with new precedents, statutes, and regulations emerging frequently. Public sector lawyers must remain vigilant by attending&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">regular professional development activities, such as seminars and workshops. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"><a href="/public-sector-law" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Legal research and legal guidance databases</a> can provide valuable insights into emerging trends and changes in the law.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"><a href="https://www.lexisnexis.co href="/"></a href="https://www.lexisnexis.co></span></p>urn:uuid:a3de140d-37c6-46f4-ba40-40b5462a2458/blog/future-of-law/the-future-of-the-bar-insights-from-anna-yardeFuture of LawCareer advice, emotional intelligence and challenges facing the bar. An interview with Anna Yarde, a Family Law barrister from Harcourt Chambers.Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:40:28 Z<p>In a recent conversation with Anna Yarde, a barrister at Hardcourt Chambers specialising in family law, we explored various themes surrounding the future of the bar, the challenges faced by barristers, and the evolving landscape of the legal profession. Anna shared her personal journey, pivotal moments, and thoughts on diversity, resilience, and the impact of AI on the profession. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Here, we summarise the main findings from the discussion.</p><h4><strong>Personal journey and pivotal moments</strong></h4><p>Anna Yarde's journey to becoming a barrister was marked by determination and resilience. Reflecting on her early career, Anna shared a significant moment from her university days when her director of studies advised her to consider alternative paths due to the challenges of entering the bar directly from university. Anna recalled, "I don't have a plan B and I don't want a plan B... I'm all in this is what I'm doing and I'm going to have to just keep going." This unwavering commitment and the drive to overcome obstacles were crucial in shaping her career.</p><div style="width: 656px; height: 369px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" contenteditable="false" class="-sf-relative -align-center" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe title="The Future of the Bar with Anna Yarde" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PRBsZnROjFE" height="369" width="656" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Anna emphasised the importance of resilience and commitment in the profession, stating, "Resilience is a</p>urn:uuid:ec50b9d0-565f-4799-8167-8350ff3860ce/blog/future-of-law/women-at-the-bar-celebrating-progress-contemplating-challengesFuture of LawInternational Women's Day, celebrated on the 8th of March, serves as a reminder of the strides made towards gender equality and the work still to be done. In a recent discussion, I interviewed Anna Yarde, a self-employed barrister, who shared her experiences and observations. Increasing numbers, stagnant representationAnna began by addressing the statistics released by the Bar Standards Board (BSB), which indicate a higher number of self-identified women entering the bar in recent years. According to the BSB, the overall percentage of women at the Bar rose by 0.6% from December 2023 to December 2024, reaching 41.2%. This marks a 5.3% increase since 2015. The proportion of female KCs also increased by 0.8 percentage points, from 20.3% in 2023 to 21.1% in 2024, representing an 8.1 percentage point rise over the past decade. While this growth is positive, Ana emphasised the importance of distinguishing between those called to the bar and those entering self-employed practice. She noted, "It's really important to distinguish first of all between those who are called to the bar and those who enter into self-employed practice."Diverse practice areas and role modelsThe discussion highlighted the disparity in female representation across different practice areas. Ana pointed out that family law is the only field where women outnumber men, with over 60% of family barristers being female.In contrast, commercial law sees only about 25% female representation. Ana stressed the signThu, 10 Apr 2025 10:04:13 Z<p>International Women's Day, celebrated on the 8th of March, serves as a reminder of the strides made towards gender equality and the work still to be done. In a recent discussion, I interviewed Anna Yarde, a self-employed barrister, who shared her experiences and observations.</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Increasing numbers, stagnant representation</strong></h4><p>Anna began by addressing the statistics released by the Bar Standards Board (BSB), which indicate a higher number of self-identified women entering the bar in recent years. </p><p>According to the BSB, the overall percentage of women at the Bar rose by 0.6% from December 2023 to December 2024, reaching 41.2%. This marks a 5.3% increase since 2015. The proportion of female KCs also increased by 0.8 percentage points, from 20.3% in 2023 to 21.1% in 2024, representing an 8.1 percentage point rise over the past decade. </p><p>While this growth is positive, Ana emphasised the importance of distinguishing between those called to the bar and those entering self-employed practice. She noted, "It's really important to distinguish first of all between those who are called to the bar and those who enter into self-employed practice."</p><h4><strong>Diverse practice areas and role models</strong></h4><p>The discussion highlighted the disparity in female representation across different practice areas. Ana pointed out that family law is the only field where women outnumber men, with over 60% of family barristers being female.</p><p>In contrast, commercial law sees only about 25% female representation. Ana stressed the sign</p>urn:uuid:ec0cc82e-561b-4180-9e01-30a28b2198fb/blog/future-of-law/how-technology-alsps-non-legal-roles-are-reshaping-the-legal-industryFuture of LawDiscover how technology, ALSPs, and non-legal roles are driving change in law firms, and learn how your firm can stay competitive in a changing legal market.Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:52:45 Z<p>The legal industry is evolving faster than ever, and those who don’t keep up risk being left behind. Over the next few years, legal technology trends, the rise of alternative legal service providers (ALSPs), and the expansion of non-traditional roles will reshape how legal services are delivered. Is your firm ready for this change?&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/insights/measuring-the-success-of-ai-across-the-law/index.html">According to our recent survey</a>,&nbsp;law firms are already adapting their strategies to meet these challenges and remain competitive. This blog explores the key drivers behind this legal industry transformation and what they mean for the future of law.</p><h4><strong>The growing importance of legal technology skills</strong></h4><p>As the legal industry becomes more reliant on technology, the demand for legal tech skills is increasing. The results from our latest survey reflect a growing consensus that technology is the future of legal work. 53% of large law firms indicate that technology skills will become increasingly important, followed closely by 46% of small law firms and 47% of academic institutions. As technology continues to shape legal work, professionals are no longer just expected to practice law, they must become fluent in the tools that are driving the industry forward.</p><p>Embracing technologies in law such as artificial intelligence, automation tools, and data analytics is no longer an option. Results show that 71% of lawyers believe delivering work faster is the top benefit of AI and 54% agree it contributes to better client service. With client demands rising, those firms who fail to adopt new solutions like <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=16285026692_174751660506&amp;utm_content=603154&amp;utm_term=lexis%2B%20ai&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMInfLdmpPGjAMVMEVIAB3NSAT1EAAYASAAEgIXZPD_BwE">Lexis+ AI</a> will find themselves falling behind competitors who can provide more efficient, innovative, and cost-effective services.</p><p>Legal AI solutions are designed to automate routine tasks such as legal research, document review, and contract analysis. These solutions are designed to allow lawyers to focus on more strategic, high-value work - such as nurturing client relationships. As these technologies become more rooted in legal processes, firms that lead in legal technology adoption will be better positioned to offer faster, more cost-effective services to clients. </p><p><em><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html?utm_source=google&amp;u data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/"></a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html?utm_source=google&amp;u></em></p>urn:uuid:8ad91cdd-ee80-4484-bc3e-09b5b64527eb/blog/future-of-law/navigating-the-top-challenges-facing-legal-professionals-in-2025Future of LawThis blog explores the challenges facing legal professionals in the next 12 months, including rising costs, legal changes, and keeping up with new technology.Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:30:47 Z<p>The legal industry is entering anera of transformation. Rising costs, evolving regulations, and technological change are pushing legal professionals to rethink how they work.<a href="/insights/innovating-the-client-experience/index.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""> According to our latest survey</a> of 800+ UK lawyers, 45% of respondents cite increasing costs as their top concern, while 40% struggle to keep up with legal changes and new technology. Staying current on legal precedent and advancements in legal technology is becoming critical.</p><p>Breaking the data down further, public sector professionals (60%) and academic lawyers (65%) report the greatest difficulty in keeping up with regulatory updates, while 52% of large law firms say they are challenged by the pace of technological advancement. Cost concerns are nearly universal, affecting law firms of all sizes. Many are also reviewing long-standing clauses like the force majeure clause in contracts to plan for uncertainty.</p><p>Relying on legal expertise won’t cut it. Success in the coming years will also depend on a firm’s ability to control costs, stay ahead of evolving regulations, and embrace new legal technology like law firm software and <a href="/products/lexis-plus-legal-research.html" data-sf-ec-immutable="">legal research </a>platforms.<strong> </strong></p><p>So, how can legal professionals turn these challenges into opportunities? This blog explores the key issues and what firms can do to stay ahead.</p><h4><strong>Rising costs - the financial burden on all legal segments</strong></h4><p>From rising salaries to increased office expenses, firms across all sectors are feeling the financial strain, with almost half of legal professions concerned about increasing costs. The burden is felt most acutely in academic institutions (53%), the public sector (51%), and large law firms (49%.) Smaller firms, including solo practitioners, are also grappling with this issue, with 46% citing cost concerns. For many, investing in law firm management software has become essential to control expenses while maintaining productivity.</p><p>The reasons behind this financial strain are clear. Salaries for legal professionals continue to rise as firms compete for top talent. The rising cost of talent is also a major factor, with law firms finding it increasingly difficult </p>urn:uuid:be5fe3df-f113-4a66-87d6-0731f6e1cb82/blog/future-of-law/impatience-brews-amongst-lawyers-for-faster-tech-implementationFuture of LawHalf of lawyers think their organisations are moving to slow when adopting technology. In fact, some might leave because of it.Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:31:29 Z<p>Legal leaders have moved mountains to get AI technology active and adopted by their teams, and with great success. But as AI adoption passing a crucial tipping point, the demand for more by lawyers is escalating at pace. To remain competitive, law firms and in-house teams alike will have to continue push to drive change. This blog explores the urgency for AI adoption, the factors that could encourage its integration, and the potential consequences if organiations fail to invest in AI.</p><h4><strong>The slow pace of technology implementation</strong></h4><p>Despite implementing AI at breakneck speed, many law firms and in-house team have been labelled "too slow" to implement new technology,&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/h1-2025-generative-ai-report.html">according to a ������Ƶ survey</a>.&nbsp;It revealed half (49%) of all lawyers believe their firm or legal team is slow or very slow at implementing new technology. This hesitation can lead to missed opportunities and a competitive disadvantage, the report found.</p><p>However, it wouldn't be fear to conclude that law firms and legal departments are moving slowly. The data more accurately incapsulates lawyers' impatience for technology and innovation, as well as the fear of the risks that come with not investing.</p><p>Nick West, Chief Strategy Officer at Mishcon de Reya, highlights the potential of AI to automate repetitive tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on higher-value work: "Pointing AI to certain processes or workflows can help lawyers allocate time to the </p>urn:uuid:6000a04f-6bed-437e-90cd-5f7028739896/blog/future-of-law/ai-adoption-amongst-lawyers-passes-tipping-pointFuture of LawAI adoption statistics across the UK legal sector. How do you and your team compare? Read the blog to find out.Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:01:00 Z<p>The legal profession, traditionally known for its cautious approach to new technologies, is experiencing a significant shift with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). A recent survey conducted in February 2025 reveals that AI adoption among lawyers has seen a remarkable increase, with 46% of legal professionals using the technology for work and a further 38% planning to use it in the near future. This marks a substantial rise from previous years, where only 11% of lawyers were using AI in July 2023.</p><p>The adoption of generative AI in the legal sector varies significantly across different segments, reflecting the diverse needs and capabilities of various legal practices. The survey data provides a detailed look at how different segments are embracing AI technology, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain. This blog will look at AI adoption rates across the different areas of the legal industry.</p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"><strong>Small law firms and solo practitioners</strong></span></h4><div><p>Small law firms, including solo practitioners, have shown a moderate level of AI adoption, with 37% of respondents indicating they are currently using generative AI tools. Interestingly, a higher percentage (42%) plan to adopt AI in the future, suggesting a growing recognition of its potential benefits. However, 18% of small law practitioners still express no intention to adopt AI, indicating some resistance or resource constraints in this segment.</p></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>Medium-sized law firms</strong></h4><div><p>Medium-sized law firms demonstrate a slightly higher adoption rate, with 42% of lawyers already using AI tools. This segment also shows a strong inclination towards future adoption, with 43% planning to integrate AI into their practices. The relatively low percentage (13%) of those with no plans to adopt AI suggests that medium-sized firms are increasingly aware of the competitive advantages AI can offer.</p></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>Large law firms</strong></h4><div><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Large law firms lead the way in AI adoption, with 50% of respondents already utilising generative AI tools. This high adoption rate reflects the resources and strategic focus that large firms can dedicate to </span></p></div>urn:uuid:671f887c-2f46-4c46-ac40-c28aaea896fb/blog/future-of-law/exploring-new-career-paths-for-lawyers-in-the-age-of-technologyFuture of LawA range of alternative career paths are now on offer as a result of advances in new technology. Here's some of the most exciting.Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:09:27 Z<div><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Making Partner used to be the end goal for most in the legal profession, yet new advances in technology have opened the door up to a whole new range of exciting new career possibilities. This blog explores these alternative career paths, highlighting how technology is reshaping the legal landscape and creating opportunities for legal professionals to diversify their careers.</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">The legal industry has long been known for its adherence to tradition and resistance to change. However, the advent of technology is challenging this status quo, offering lawyers new avenues to explore beyond conventional legal practice. From artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain, technological innovations are not only enhancing the efficiency of legal services but also opening up alternative career paths for lawyers. This blog delves into these emerging opportunities, providing insights into how lawyers can leverage technology to diversify their careers and stay ahead in a competitive market.</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Legal technology specialists</strong></h4></div><div><p>One of the most prominent alternative career paths for lawyers is becoming a legal technology specialist. As law firms and legal departments increasingly adopt advanced technologies, there is a growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between law and technology.<strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; style=""></strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; ></p></div>urn:uuid:c21aeaf2-1446-496f-b545-7ac72d501e0a/blog/future-of-law/the-financial-downside-of-fewer-aspiring-law-firm-partnersFuture of LawWill prospective partners at your law firm mean higher profits for existing partners, or will it shrivel your firm's growth plans? We investigate.Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:37:06 Z<div><p><strong></strong>The traditional path to partnership in law firms has long been considered the pinnacle of a legal career. However, recent trends indicate a shift in the aspirations of legal associates, with fewer individuals aiming to become partners. This change in career goals can have significant implications for the growth and sustainability of law firms. In this blog, we will explore the downside of having fewer people wanting to make partner and the impact this trend can have on the growth of your law firm.</p><h4><strong>Changing aspirations of legal associates</strong></h4><p>The allure of partnership has diminished for many legal associates. A <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/insights/disloyal-lawyers-and-the-partnership-model/index.html">January 2024 ������Ƶ survey</a> found that only 25% of associates at law firms want to make partner at their current firm within the next five years. This percentage drops even further for associates at large (22%) and medium-sized firms (23%). The primary reasons for this shift include a desire for better work-life balance and higher salaries.</p><p>Deborah Finkler, Managing Partner at Slaughter and May, explains, "Becoming a partner at a law firm requires a huge amount of work and commitment, and always has. This generation of associates are just more realistic about the likelihood of becoming a partner at their firm, and do not feel they need to pretend that staying and becoming a partner is their only option."</p><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/insights/disloyal-lawyers-and-the-partnership-model/index.html">I want to download the full survey</a></p><h4><strong>Impact on talent retention and pipeline</strong></h4><p>With fewer associates aspiring to become partners, law firms face challenges in retaining top talent and maintaining a robust talent pipeline. The survey revealed that 70% of associates would stay at their current firm for a higher salary or compensation package, while only 36% would stay for a better work-life balance. This indicates that financial incentives alone may not be enough to retain associates in the long term.</p><p>Moira Slape, Chief People Officer at Travers Smith, notes</p></div>urn:uuid:16b04bc1-e3d5-407e-bdbb-699d1ae3fb1f/blog/future-of-law/pathways-to-practice-be-curiousFuture of LawAdam Basinski associate solicitor at DLA Piper, shares his career path from a law student with a passion for problem-solving, to navigating challenges and embracing AI.Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:00:00 Z<p>We spoke with Adam Basinski, corporate solicitor at DLA Piper, as part of a spotlight series* featuring former ������Ƶ student campus ambassadors, to hear about his route into legal practice. Read on to dive into Adam's advice for law students, from tips on time management to how networking can open doors.</p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Why did you decide to pursue a career in law as a solicitor?</span></h4><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">My passion for law was sparked by an interest in problem-solving and a desire to be part of transformative decision-making processes. Growing up, I admired the pivotal role lawyers play in shaping outcomes, both for individuals and businesses.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">The University of Birmingham had this beautiful way of using their lectures and seminars to encourage students to think about things from a different perspective, to apply a different lens to a situation. I was drawn to problems where you needed to employ a different approach and think outside the box to come up with a solution.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Law is a very fast-paced, changing environment and being alive to those changes, posing your argument as more valid, is incredibly interesting to me. Becoming a solicitor allowed me to blend my analytical skills with a dynamic career where no two days are the same, and I could work on impactful, high-stakes projects.</span></p><h4><span ></span ></h4>urn:uuid:39e16b4b-7186-4aa9-89e4-984140a54c69/blog/future-of-law/competitive-aiai-help-firms-stay-competing-in-the-legal-industry-with-aiFuture of LawAI is more than adoption - it's continuous action. Here's how law firms can gain a competitive edge through AI innovation.Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:19:20 Z<p>While many firms have begun integrating AI into their operations, the real challenge lies in moving beyond initial adoption to achieve meaningful, sustained innovation. This blog explores how law firms can effectively compete in the legal industry by leveraging AI, drawing insights from the successful implementation at Pinsent Masons.</p><h4 id="the-competitive-advantage-action-over-adoption"><strong>The competitive advantage: Action over adoption</strong></h4><p>The legal industry is at a pivotal moment where the adoption of AI can significantly influence a firm's competitive standing. Despite the enthusiasm for AI, our survey reveals that only 15% of lawyers believe their firm is quick to implement new technology, with nearly half perceiving their firm as slow. This sluggish pace is a critical risk, as firms that fail to act decisively on AI adoption may find themselves losing both clients and talent.</p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/h1-2025-generative-ai-report.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Mark Smith, Director of Strategic Markets at ������Ƶ</a>, highlights the stakes: "We are already seeing firms tell us that they are both winning and losing work on the basis of their use of AI in their client-facing work."</p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/h1-2025-generative-ai-report.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">I want to read the 2025 AI report</a></p><h4 id="overcoming-barriers-to-ai-adoption"><strong>Overcoming barriers to AI adoption</strong></h4><p>To fully harness AI's potential, law firms must address several barriers. Two-thirds of lawyers indicated that more training would encourage greater AI use, while 50% cited the need for better communication around use guidelines. Tony Randle from Shoosmiths emphasises the importance of comprehensive training and demonstrat</p>urn:uuid:96078960-243e-4e73-9263-0ceffe6d8ee5/blog/future-of-law/tech-trends-all-tmt-lawyers-need-to-know-in-2025Future of LawTechnology, media and telecommunications trends lawyers need to know in 2025.Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:46:14 Z<p></p><p>As the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors continue to evolve at a rapid pace, staying informed about emerging trends is crucial for legal professionals in these fields. The year 2025 promises to bring transformative changes driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks. This blog explores the key tech trends that TMT lawyers should be aware of to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.</p><h4><strong>AI adoption and governance</strong></h4><p>Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of business operations, with organisations increasingly adopting AI tools to enhance efficiency and innovation. However, this rapid adoption brings challenges related to governance and compliance. TMT lawyers must be prepared to advise on AI governance frameworks, ensuring that AI systems are used responsibly and in compliance with evolving regulations.</p><h4><strong>Cybersecurity</strong></h4><p>With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, cybersecurity remains a top priority for businesses. The implementation of regulations such as the <a href="/legal/guidance/the-eu-nis-2-directive-timeline?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=BL_LN_retargeting_Search_RDSA|Legal_DSA&amp;utm_content=103437&amp;utm_term=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw-qi_BhBxEiwAkxvbkK3GAMXZR9MyYWmcrZhT4Xnmt-InMBod7zQRZhm6Zk3qhEkbjIVqERoCbJUQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">EU's NIS2 Directive</a> highlights the need for robust cyberse</p>urn:uuid:0fce2b9d-bdf3-4921-9cd7-543fd4781386/blog/future-of-law/legal-ai-won-t-replace-you-poor-judgement-willFuture of LawWill AI replace lawyers? ������Ƶ' Head of Brand, Matthew Leopold, argues AI is a powerful tool lawyers should utilise, not fear.Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:14:07 Z<p>Richard Susskind is a wise and well-respected thought leader. He writes intelligently and informatively about the legal market and technology. Today, he penned an article for The Times entitled: “<a href="https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/artificial-intelligence-could-replace-traditional-lawyers-by-2035-xwz2j0t2k" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Artificial Intelligence could replace traditional lawyers by 2035</a>”. That’s a seductive headline if ever I have heard one.&nbsp; </p><p>It’s bold. It’s dramatic. And, in my view, it’s mostly nonsense.<br></p><h4><strong>The law doesn’t run</strong></h4><p>If you’ve ever worked with a lawyer, you’ll know that diligence and accuracy is key. Lawyers are trained to think first, think second and think third. Then, thinking done, they’ll do ‘just one more check’ before sharing guidance or direction. Speed is not a defining feature.</p><p>Now, legal AI is always seriously impressive. It is getting better by the day. Tools like <a href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Lexis+ AI</a> can empower legal research, summarise cases and carry out fairly comprehensive drafting. The value AI adds is no longer hypothetical. Legal AI is being trialled widely and adopted at scale. Over the next few years, the pressure for all lawyers and law firms to adopt this technology will only grow. Here, Susskind and I are perfectly aligned.</p><p>But the bottleneck isn’t technology. It’s behaviour.</p><p>Some lawyers will race ahead. They’ll embrace AI with both hands and quietly start outperforming their peers. Others will move at a more comfortable shuffle. A few will cling to the inkwell until the lights go out. </p><p>The pace won’t be even. The adoption won’t be smooth. Will AI be a full replacement? Not in this decade.<br></p><h4><strong>No one-size-fits-all</strong></h4><p>There’s another myth to deal with: that once AI is “good enough”, we’ll all use the same system. One tool to rule them all. Outputs optimised, results standardised, decisions accelerated.</p><p>That’s not how legal work operates. Law thrives on tension. On challenge. On friction between views. Great lawyers don’t nod along – they push back. They test. They rewrite. In many ways working with AI is like holding a conversation in the mirror. It reflects. But it doesn</p>urn:uuid:dbaab060-02a3-4550-a41a-de204e47ab50/blog/future-of-law/the-role-of-therapy-coaching-in-supporting-enhancing-legal-careersFuture of LawA Pathway to Personal Development and Stress Management.Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:00:04 Z<div><p>In the high-pressure world of law, legal professionals often experience immense stress, burnout, and emotional strain. From managing demanding clients and complex cases to navigating long hours and high expectations, the legal profession has a reputation for being one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing fields. Despite this, there is an often-overlooked tool that can significantly enhance the well-being and success of legal professionals: therapy and coaching.</p><h4>The Crucial Role of Therapy and Coaching in the Legal Profession</h4></div><div><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Therapy and coaching are essential to promote personal growth, mental health, and overall career success. They’re not just resources for those in crisis but also proactive strategies that can help lawyers thrive in their careers, overcome challenges, and foster resilience. For lawyers, therapy offers a space for self-reflection, emotional processing, and stress management. Coaching, on the other hand, provides practical guidance and strategies to help professionals improve their performance, refine their goals, and develop a more balanced and fulfilling career.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><strong style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">1. Personal Development: A Path to Self-Awareness and Growth</strong></p></div><div><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Personal development is vital for lawyers seeking to navigate the complexities of their profession while maintaining a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Therapy offers a space for deep self-reflection and emotional awareness, helping individuals to process personal and professional challenges. Many lawyers struggle with balancing the demands of their careers with their personal lives, leading to a sense of isolation, frustration, or even burnout. Therapy enables lawyers to address these concerns and explore ways to create a more harmonious relationship between their professional and personal lives.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Through therapeutic support, lawyers can better understand their strengths and areas for improvement, develop emotional intelligence, and learn effective coping strategies for the demands of the profession</span></p></div>urn:uuid:6679a228-9c04-4e73-8c87-0535e635ec51/blog/future-of-law/the-legal-horizon-navigating-2025-s-biggest-challenges-with-confidenceFuture of LawThe future may be uncertain, but this blog has some pretty certain predictions all legal leaders need to know about for 2025.Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:45:02 Zurn:uuid:eb997aed-0e53-4013-8370-e087e193a6a6/blog/future-of-law/the-future-of-knowledge-management-in-law-firmsFuture of LawDiscover how AI trends are transforming legal knowledge management. Learn how document management systems like Lexis Create+ can support more efficient knowledge sharing.Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:55:35 Z<p>Knowledge is power but only if you can access it, organise it, and put it to use in real-time. As law firms face increasing pressure to deliver results faster and more cost-effectively, knowledge management (KM) has become more valuable. </p><p>Knowledge management in the legal industry refers to the process of curating a vast archive of legal information, enabling lawyers to work more efficiently and effectively.</p><p>In this blog, we’ll explore the emerging trends shaping KM with a focus on how AI-powered research, data management systems, and workflow tools are transforming the industry. We'll also dive into<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/products/lexis-create-plus.html"> Lexis Create+</a>, the latest innovative tool that’s redefining the way legal professionals draft and collaborate, providing a glimpse into how the future of KM is unfolding before our eyes.</p><h4><strong>Emerging trends in knowledge management for law firms</strong></h4><p>Law firms are increasingly adopting new tools and strategies to enhance efficiency and improve the delivery of legal services. New technologies are reshaping how legal knowledge is managed and accessed. Key trends include AI and automation, cloud-based KM systems, and data-driven decision-making, all of which are helping firms work more efficiently and stay competitive. </p><p>One of the most notable developments is the rise of AI and automation in legal research, document review, and predictive analytics. Traditionally, legal professionals spent a significant amount of time manually reviewing documents and conducting research. However, AI tools are now capable of performing these tasks far more efficiently. <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html">Our latest report</a> found that four out of five lawyers (82%)&nbsp;are currently using or have plans to use generative AI. With AI-powered legal solutions like <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=16285026692_174751660506&amp;utm_content=603154&amp;utm_term=lexis%2B%20ai&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxsGs57GWjAMVUJVQBh1lqB_gEAAYASAAEgJgsvD_BwE">Lexis+ AI</a>, firms can drastically cut down research time. Lawyers can ask complex legal questions in natural language and receive intelligent, citation-linked answers from trusted ������Ƶ content. This allows firms to focus on higher-value work, such as case strategy and client advisory, rather than spending hours on manual research. </p><p><a data-sf-marked="" data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/event/lexis-plus-demonstration-uk.html"><em>Book a demo for Lexis+ AI here</em></a></p>urn:uuid:3aad7891-0749-4345-844f-b85aa7c9577c/blog/future-of-law/the-rule-of-law-what-will-it-look-like-in-20-years-timeFuture of LawThe blog post summarises a webinar hosted by ������Ƶ titled "The Rule of Law: what will it look like in 20 years’ time?" held on February 25, 2025 on behalf of International Law Book Facility. The event featured a panel of experts, including Professor Tetyana Antsupova, Professor Parosha Chandran, Patrick Stevens, and Derval Walsh, who discussed the future challenges and opportunities for the rule of law over the next two decades. Key topics included the current state of the rule of law, the impact of war, the relationship between law and business prosperity, human rights advocacy, and the role of AI in the legal system. The panelists emphasised the importance of political will, judicial independence, corporate accountability, and collaboration across sectors to uphold the rule of law. The event also aligned with the ILBF law undergraduate essay competition, encouraging participants to explore these themes further. The webinar concluded with a Q&A session addressing issues like the implications of leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, steps for lawyers and the public to support the rule of law, and the risks and opportunities posed by AI.Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:44:05 Z<p><strong></strong>������Ƶ was delighted to host an engaging webinar “The Rule of Law: what will it look like in 20 years’ time?” on Tuesday 25 February 2025 on behalf of the <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://ilbf.org.uk/">&nbsp;International Law Book Facility.</a> During this event, a distinguished panel of experts explored the future of law over the next two decades. We were pleased to welcome:<strong></strong></p><ul><li><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/t%D0%B5tyana-antsupova-92348380/"><strong>Professor Tetyana Antsupova</strong>,</a> Senior Fellow at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) and former Judge of the Supreme Court in Ukraine.<strong></strong></li><li><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/parosha-chandran-4861b424/"><strong>Professor Parosha Chandran,</strong></a> multi-award winning human rights barrister at One Pump Court Chambers and professor of Practice in Modern Slavery Law at King’s College London.<strong></strong></li><li><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-stevens-bb088a23/?originalSubdomain=uk"><strong>Patrick Stevens</strong>,</a> Rule of Law Director, International Justice Development with over 20 years of experience, known for handling major terrorism cases and establishing the CPS's International Division. He also holds roles such as senator of the International Association of Prosecutors and member of the UK's Soft Power Council.<strong></strong></li><li><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dervalwalsh/"><strong>Derval Walsh</strong>,</a> Partner at Brown Rudnick with&nbsp;expertise in complex banking and finance disputes, including property acquisition finance.<strong></strong></li></ul><p>I had the privilege of moderating the panel in my role as General Counsel of Global Nexis Solutions and Executive Sponsor of Rule of Law at ������Ƶ UK.<strong></strong></p><p>This event ran in close alignment with the <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://ilbf.org.uk/ilbf-student-essay-competition/">ILBF law undergraduate essay competition 2025</a> which this year asks: “What will be the challenges to the rule of law in the next twenty years?”. It provided an excellent opportunity for participants to gain insights and inspiration for their submissions.</p><p><br><br><strong>Current state of the rule of law</strong></p><p><strong>Patrick Stevens</strong> opened the panel discussion by addressing the current state of the rule of law, highlighting that while the UK has a functioning legal system, it faces significant challenges, including underfunding of the justice system and political influence. </p><p>He emphasised the crucial role that political will and culture play in upholding the rule of law, pointing to recent developments in the United States where FBI investigators </p>urn:uuid:bbec012c-a842-48d9-abea-106dd43bc33b/blog/future-of-law/embracing-ai-transforming-legal-practices-in-caribbean-law-firmsFuture of LawThe Caribbean legal landscape is on the brink of a technological revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a key role in transforming traditional practices. The recent guidance from the Caribbean Court of Justice, as outlined in Practice Direction No. 1 of 2025, stresses how important it is to bring AI tools into the mix for legal work. This isn't just about making things faster and more efficient; it's also about making sure AI is used in a smart and ethical way.Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:25:25 Z<div><p>The Caribbean legal landscape is on the brink of a technological revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a key role in transforming traditional practices. The recent guidance from the&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://ccj.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PRACTICE-DIRECTION-NO.-1-OF-2025-THE-USE-OF-GENERATIVE-ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-TOOLS.pdf">Caribbean Court of Justice, as outlined in Practice Direction No. 1 of 2025</a>, stresses how important it is to bring AI tools into the mix for legal work. This isn't just about making things faster and more efficient; it's also about making sure AI is used in a smart and ethical way.</p></div><div><p><strong>Streamlining Legal Research and Document Review</strong><strong></strong></p></div><div><p>One of the most significant advantages of AI in law firms is its ability to streamline legal research and document review. AI tools can sift through huge amounts of legal data, case laws, and precedents, giving attorneys detailed insights much faster than doing it manually. This not only speeds up the research process but also makes sure attorneys have the most relevant and up-to-date information, which boosts the quality of their legal advice and representation.</p></div><div><p><strong>Ensuring Compliance and Ethical Use</strong><strong></strong></p></div><div><p>The guidance from the Caribbean Court of Justice emphasiz</p></div>urn:uuid:faa121cd-ed79-4cd2-aa39-232df0aacc59/blog/future-of-law/pathways-to-practice-don-t-compare-yourselfFuture of LawGabriella Yuin-Li discusses her path to trainee solicitor at DWF, urging law students to use AI wisely, remain patient and prioritise their personal development.Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:00:00 Z<p>We spoke with Gabriella Yuin-Li Rasiah, Trainee Solicitor at DWF Law, as part of a spotlight series* featuring former ������Ƶ student campus ambassadors, to learn more about her legal journey. Uncover Gabriella’s tips on embracing AI, staying patient and concentrating on your own path.</p><h4>Why did you decide to study law?</h4><p>Coming from Malaysia to study law in the UK, I was initially drawn to law for the breadth and flexibility it offered in shaping my future career. However, I soon learned that law is more than just a degree, it is the foundation of how society operates. Laws shape economies, governments and industries, influencing nearly every aspect of life. I quickly grew keen to understand these systems – how rules are made, enforced, challenged and changed. This led me to develop a strong interest in legal research, as it is key to understanding how laws shape industries, mitigate risks, and resolve disputes.</p><h4>What inspired you to choose the solicitor route?</h4><p>Initially, I envisioned myself as a barrister in criminal law, drawn to advocacy and courtroom debates. However, as I progressed in my studies, I realised that the barrister route – particularly the prospect of speaking in public – didn’t suit me. I found myself more interested in the problem-solving, strategy, and client-focused aspects of legal work rather than pure advocacy. The solicitor route offered a broader scope of involvement in cases, from legal research to negotiation and commercial decision-making. I enjoy working collaboratively, analysing complex legal issues, and providing practical solutions, which makes the solicitor path a better fit for my skills and professional aspirations.</p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span>How did using ������Ƶ products enhance your study experience during your time at university?</h4><p>As a student ambassador for ������Ƶ, I had the unique opportunity to receive training on their products and learn about the wider ������Ƶ portfolio, which not only enhanced my own legal studies, but enabled me </p>urn:uuid:59908da4-c875-4d37-90c2-b6fe63aebe60/blog/future-of-law/iwd-2025-top-ten-webinarsFuture of LawInternational Women's Day takes place each year on 8th March, and this year the theme is Accelerate Action. To celebrate, we've collated our top ten webinars and mini-clips featuring leading women from the past year.Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 Z<p>Each year, <a href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">International Women's Day </a>takes place on 8th March, and this year's theme is <strong>Accelerate Action.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>To celebrate, we've collated our top ten webinars and mini-clips featuring leading women from the past year.&nbsp;</p><h4>Creating an innovation strategy that works in the age of legal AI</h4><div data-sf-ec-immutable="" class="-sf-relative" contenteditable="false" style="width: 560px; height: 315px"><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nmk5OcBaLoY?si=r2CpgLMHkOkTVb10" title="YouTube video player" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><p><strong>Featuring:</strong></p><ul><li><strong></strong>Emily Monastiriotis, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Simmons &amp; Simmons Responsible for AI cultural enablement at the firm.</li><li>Shilpa Bhandarkar, Partner and Head of Client Tech and AI at Linklaters</li><li>Helder Santos, Head of Legal Technology and Innovation at Bird &amp; Bird</li><li>Karen Waldron, Product Development Director at ������Ƶ</li></ul><h4>Lexis+ AI for the Academic Community</h4><div data-sf-ec-immutable="" class="-sf-relative" contenteditable="false" style="width: 560px; height: 315px"><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w--XAtlvOlQ?si=hflVqnzQm_h2Q6m6" title="YouTube video player" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><p><strong>Featuring:</strong></p><ul><li><strong></strong>Karen Waldron,&nbsp;Product Development Director at ������Ƶ</li><li>Laura Jacobs, Customer Engagement Manager at ������Ƶ</li><li>David Algie, Product Marketing Manager&nbsp;at ������Ƶ</li></ul><h4>Key skills to make legal AI simple and powerful</h4><div data-sf-ec-immutable="" class="-sf-relative" contenteditable="false" style="width: 560px; height: 315px"><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XLYLupJJho4?si=pucdp5lK4zTchR1O" title="YouTube video player" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><p><strong>Featuring:</strong></p><ul><li><strong></strong>Kate O’Carroll, LN Customer Success Manager&nbsp;at ������Ƶ</li><li>Heidi Hasan, Data Discover and Enrichment Manager&nbsp;at ������Ƶ</li></ul><h4>Practical uses of AI for in-house legal teams</h4><div data-sf-ec-immutable="" contenteditable="false"><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XJJ4zjbcKa0?si=MN_oeEGSji2CUxx5" title="YouTube video player" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><br><p><strong>Featuring:</strong></p><ul><li><strong></strong>Emma Dickin Head of In-house and Practical Guidance Strategy at ������Ƶ</li><li>Alex Love, Corporate Counsel Algolia</li></ul><h4>Ethics, Security &amp; Privacy in Gen AI:</h4><div data-sf-ec-immutable="" class="-sf-relative" contenteditable="false" style="width: 560px; height: 315px"><div data-sf-disa></div data-sf-disa></div>urn:uuid:3331de12-8fdf-42d3-8c08-b1e956aede43/blog/future-of-law/why-law-firms-need-to-invest-in-knowledge-managementFuture of LawLaw firms often view knowledge management as a cost, but it’s a strategic investment. Discover how KM improves efficiency, mitigates risk, and drives profitability, while ensuring lawyers can access the right knowledge at the right time.Wed, 05 Mar 2025 10:20:59 Z<p>Too often, law firms see knowledge management (KM) as an administrative burden rather than an investment. Yet, when a senior partner spends hours tracking down a precedent that should have been at their fingertips, or when an associate unknowingly recreates a contract template that already exists, the hidden cost of poor KM becomes painfully clear.</p><p>Smart knowledge management isn’t just about storing information, it’s about making sure lawyers can access the right knowledge exactly when they need it. Done well, it transforms the way firms operate, when your team can quickly tap into your firm's collective wisdom, everyone works better. Operations become faster, more efficient and risk free. </p><p>However, the challenge lies in demonstrating the tangible benefits of KM. Below, we outline the importance of KM alongside key strategies for measuring and proving the value of KM efforts.</p><h4>What is knowledge management?</h4><p>At its core, knowledge management is about capturing, organising, and sharing a firm’s collective expertise. In a legal setting, this means creating systems that allow lawyers to find past casework, legal research, internal precedents, and expert insights without unnecessary delays. Having an efficient knowledge management network also supports employee collaboration and communication.</p><p>When legal knowledge is easy to find and reuse, lawyers can produce documents more efficiently, offer more informed advice, and deliver better outcomes for their clients. Good knowledge management makes legal work smoother, reducing stress and frustration by eliminating the need to reinvent the wheel with every new case. When knowledge is properly captured, it remains within the firm even when individual lawyers leave, preserving intellectual capital and ensuring continuity. As Darren Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at Simmons &amp; Simmons' puts it, “Knowledge Management is key for driving change in how we structure and utilise our core documents so as to enable the effective use of GenAI tools… It is quickly becoming accepted within law firms to drive change in the practice, including ensuring more efficient workflow, better alignment of technology to delivery higher quality, more efficient client outputs.” <a href="/blog/future-of-law/innovating-for-the-future-key-areas-for-law-firm-leaders-in-2025" data-sf-ec-immutable="">His insight </a>underscores the growing recognition t</p>urn:uuid:7593c5ff-731e-4983-8c1b-79eed343e4ec/blog/future-of-law/from-challenges-to-change-a-call-to-accelerate-actionFuture of LawThis International Women’s Day, we’re diving into the theme "Accelerate Action" and what that really means for women in the legal world. Explore our insights on gender parity in law and the actionable steps employers and employees alike can take to start creating a more equitable legal landscape.Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 Z<p>As March 8th rolls around, it’s time to talk about more than just celebrations. This <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/">International Women’s Day</a>, we’re diving into the theme "Accelerate Action" and what that really means for women in the legal world. Women often face gender bias, lack of mentorship, and traditional work cultures that can hinder their career progression.</p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Where we stand today</span></h4><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">The legal landscape has changed quite a bit over the years. Since July 2023, female solicitors now represent 51% of all solicitors in private practice, but at partner or partner equivalent, there is only a <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/research/annual-statistics-report-2023">34% representation</a>*.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">This means, female solicitors stand a 13% chance at reaching partner equivalent levels, half the chance of their male counterpart at 28%. This tells us that while progress has been made, breaking through the upper echelons of the profession remains a real challenge.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Meet the trailblazers</span></h4><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Across the board, champions like <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://uk.linkedin.com/in/laura-hodgson74">Laura Hodgson</a>, Generative AI and Innovation Lead at Linklaters, <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-hill-lawyer">Jodie Hill</a>, CEO of Thrive Law and <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrimmer/">Elizabeth Rimmer</a>, CEO of LawCare, are making waves by transforming legal operations and supporting </span></p>urn:uuid:63f21897-d50c-4d9a-9120-8e0ea0193f02/blog/future-of-law/international-women-s-day-2025-top-blogsFuture of LawDid you know, International Women's Day (IWD) has been around for more than 100 years? Since 1911, IWD has helped raise awareness about discrimination and the importance of gender equality. Celebrated each year on 8th March, this year, the theme is Accelerate Action. To celebrate we've collated our top blogs from the past year.Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 Z<p>Did you know, <a href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">International Women's Day</a>&nbsp;(IWD) has been around for more than 100 years? Since 1911, IWD has helped raise awareness about discrimination and the importance of gender equality.&nbsp;</p><p>Celebrated each year on 8th March, this year, the theme is <strong>Accelerate Action</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>To continue our celebrations we've collated our top blogs from the past year. Take a look below:&nbsp;</p><div><p>1.&nbsp;<a href="/blog/future-of-law/the-hidden-cost-of-context-switching-for-law-firms" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><strong>The hidden cost of context switching for law firms:</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Grace Hopkins</strong></p><p>The pressure is on for legal firms to work not only at pace, but at cost, what hidden costs could you cut out?</p><p>2.&nbsp;<a href="/blog/future-of-law/self-promotion-strategies-for-barristers-stand-out-in-a-competitive-field" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><strong>Self-promotion strategies for barristers: Stand out in a competitive field</strong></a><strong>: Martina Mikic</strong></p><p>Talent alone isn't enough to stand out in a crowded legal market, explore top tips for effortless self-promotion.&nbsp;</p><p>3.&nbsp;<a href="/blog/future-of-law/growing-a-small-firm-attracting-new-business-organically " data-sf-ec-immutable=""><strong>Growing a small firm: attracting new business organically</strong></a><strong>: Emma Egerton-Jones</strong></p><p>Find out what to avoid when bringing in new clients with limited resources.&nbsp;</p><p>4.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lexisnexis-es.co.uk/blog/2025/01/10/Exploring-the-Representation-of-Women-in-Legal-Tech/" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><strong>Women in Legal Tech:</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Jessica Martini, ������Ƶ Enterprise Solutions</strong></p><p>It's true, change is happening in legal tech. But, is it happening fast enough, and for the right reasons?</p><div><p>5.&nbsp;<a href="/blog/in-house/five-tips-how-in-house-lawyers-can-streamline-workflows" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><strong>Five Tips: How in-house lawyers can streamline workflows:</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;Siobhan McGinley</strong></p><p>Discover five essential tops to get started streamlining workflows and transforming legal operations.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><em>Find out more about Lexis+ AI</em></a></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">6.&nbsp;</span><a href="/blog/future-of-law/understanding-your-data-management-system-dms-a-guide-for-law-firms" data-sf-ec-immutable="" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; white-space: inherit"><strong>Understanding your Data Management Systems (DMS): a guide for law firms</strong></a><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"><strong>: Grace Hopkins</strong></span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Do you have a robust DMS? Is it time to take a fresh look?</span></p></div><div><div><p>7.&nbsp;<a ></a ></p></div></div></div>urn:uuid:6af268ef-75e3-47a9-a6ca-91e9d1634ef6/blog/future-of-law/how-lexisnexis-lawworks-are-bridging-the-justice-gapFuture of LawExplore how ������Ƶ and LawWorks are bridging the justice gap by providing free legal support and advancing the Rule of Law through pro bono efforts.Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:49:11 Zurn:uuid:04868b7d-3eed-4253-846e-f4c224a754dc/blog/future-of-law/making-justice-accessible-with-ilbfFuture of LawDiscover how our partnership with the International Law Book Facility (ILBF) is advancing the Rule of Law by providing legal resources and education to those in need.Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:38:53 Zurn:uuid:5e5fcadc-7224-4f7b-b504-9dd281a954b3/blog/future-of-law/a-digital-revolution-in-legal-practice-generative-ai-the-rule-of-lawFuture of LawBilal Farooq, Director of Greystone Solicitors shares his expert insights on the transformative impact of generative AI on the Rule of Law.Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:04:30 Zurn:uuid:12120f41-bb71-4036-9486-e3dbfacb55ea/blog/future-of-law/not-investing-in-ai-the-impact-on-legal-talentFuture of LawDiscover how not investing in AI affects law firms' talent attraction and retention. Learn strategies to stay competitive.Sun, 02 Mar 2025 23:30:22 Z<div>Law firms are grappling with many challenges at present, and one is AI investment. The decision to - or not to - invest in AI has far-reaching implications, particularly in the realms of talent attraction and retention. </div><div><br></div><div><p>AI offers law firms opportunities to enhance efficiency, improve client service, and create new business models. However, firms that resist this shift risk losing their competitive edge, particularly when it comes to attracting and retaining talented professionals.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>1. The growing demand for AI skills</strong></h4><div><strong>The new skillset for lawyers</strong></div><div><br></div><div><p>As AI becomes more integral to legal practice, the demand for tech-savvy lawyers is on the rise. A survey by <a href="/research-and-reports/innovation-as-a-competitive-edge.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">������Ƶ</a> revealed that&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">private practice lawyers expect the following to take place in the next&nbsp;</span>one to three years<span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;color:inherit;">Firms will become more reliant on AI for legal research and document review (57%)</span></li><li>Lawyers will need strong tech skills (47%)</li><li>More flexible career paths will open up for lawyers (45%).</li></ul><div><p>Laura Hodgson, Generative AI Lead at Linklaters, notes, "Lawyers today are not just looking for a firm with a strong reputation; they want to be part of a forward-thinking team that embraces technology."</p><p><strong style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">The competitive edge of AI proficiency</strong></p></div></div><div><p>AI proficiency is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage. Mark Smith, Director of Strategic Markets at ������Ƶ, states, "We are already seeing firms tell us they are both winning and losing work on the basis of their use of AI in their client-facing work." Without AI, firms may find it challenging to compete for top talent who seek opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology.<a href="/research-and-reports/innovation-as-a-competitive-edge.html" data-sf-marked="" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/innovation-as-a-competitive-edge.html" data-sf-marked="" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Download our report on innovating the client experience here.</a></p></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>2. Retaining tale</strong></h4>urn:uuid:6df8492f-6387-49ab-b25d-710d1028fbf0/blog/future-of-law/the-slowest-moving-areas-of-uk-law-firmsFuture of LawDiscover how law firms can innovate to stay competitive. Learn actionable strategies to enhance client experience and streamline processes. Click to explore!Sun, 02 Mar 2025 22:00:15 Z<div><strong><em>Law firms, traditionally known for their reliance on established practices and expertise, are now facing unprecedented pressure to adapt and innovate.</em></strong> </div><div><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></div><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">As clients demand more than just legal expertise, law firms must embrace innovation to enhance their service offerings. This blog will delve into the areas where law firms are lagging and provide strategies for leaders to drive meaningful change.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><strong style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-size:var(--font-size-h4);text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">1. Embracing technological advancements</strong></h4></div><div><p>Despite the clear benefits of technology, many law firms are slow to adopt new tools. A <a href="/research-and-reports/innovation-as-a-competitive-edge.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">recent survey by ������Ƶ</a> found that only 18% of lawyers believe their firm is fast or very fast at implementing new technology. This reluctance to embrace change is a significant barrier to innovation.</p><a href="/research-and-reports/innovation-as-a-competitive-edge.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br></div><div><p>Laura Hodgson, Generative AI Lead at Linklaters, emphasises the importance of a mindset shift: </p><blockquote><em><strong>"There needs to be a mind shift to recognise that law firms have more to offer than the knowledge in each lawyer&rsquo;s head."</strong></em> </blockquote><p>&nbsp;</p><p>By leveraging institutional data and AI, firms can transform their client offerings.</p></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Actionable steps</strong></div><div><br></div><ul><li>Invest in AI and automation: streamline processes such as <a href="/products/lexis-plus-legal-research.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">legal research and document review</a> to improve efficiency</li><li>Foster a culture of innovation: encourage experimentation and the adoption of new technologies across the firm.</li></ul><p><a href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Find out more about Lexis+ AI</a><br></p><h4><strong>2. R</strong></h4>urn:uuid:3b32eec3-1dd2-42e5-a04e-1e9c35706f12/blog/future-of-law/innovating-for-the-future-key-areas-for-law-firm-leaders-in-2025Future of LawDiscover key innovation areas for law firms to stay competitive. Embrace AI, streamline processes, and enhance client experiences. Click to learn more!Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:33:38 Z<div><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong><em>Law firm leaders must embrace change to maintain a competitive edge and meet the growing demands of clients. This blog explores the areas with the most significant need for innovation, offering actionable insights for law firm leaders.</em></strong></span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><p>Traditional practices are being challenged by technological advancements and changing client expectations. To thrive, law firms must innovate. But where should they focus their efforts? This blog identifies key areas ripe for innovation, providing a roadmap for law firm leaders to navigate the future. For more in-depth information on innovation in the legal sector, <a href="/research-and-reports/innovation-as-a-competitive-edge.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">read our new report</a>.</p></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>1. Embracing AI technology</strong></h4><div><p>The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into legal services is transforming the industry. However, many firms are lagging. A <a href="/research-and-reports/innovation-as-a-competitive-edge.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">January 2025 ������Ƶ survey</a> revealed that only 18% of private practice lawyers believe their firm is fast or very fast at implementing new technology. Laura Hodgson, AI Lead at Linklaters, emphasises the need for a mindset shift: "Law firms have more to offer than the knowledge in each lawyer&rsquo;s head: </p></div>urn:uuid:b0df2140-13f8-4686-9c56-ed55764a51e5/blog/future-of-law/advancing-the-rule-of-law-with-advocateFuture of LawLearn how ������Ƶ is advancing the Rule of Law through its partnership with Advocate.Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:58:54 Zurn:uuid:480eff6e-5251-4719-98d6-d897bb3dde0b/blog/future-of-law/pathways-to-practice-be-proactive-with-opportunitiesFuture of LawHere, Charley-Travis Brennan, solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, shares his advice for law students, emphasising the importance of being proactive and seeking opportunities.Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 Z<p>As part of a spotlight series* featuring former ������Ƶ student campus ambassadors, we spoke with Charley-Travis Brennan, solicitor in the Banking &amp; Finance team at Irwin Mitchell, to hear about his journey from law degree to legal career and pick up the advice he&rsquo;s gathered during this experience.</p><h4><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Why did you decide to study law?</span></h4><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">My introduction to law was a bit of a fluke. On the day of choosing my A level subjects, English language was fully subscribed so I had to pick something else. I chose law with the intention of dropping it as soon as a place became available on the English language course. Once I started studying law, however, I realised that it was something that I really enjoyed and I even managed to do a couple of legal placements while at sixth form.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">After a bit of research, I realised how competitive a career in law was. Looking at my grades at that point, I decided to do sports education at Nottingham Trent University in order to become a PE teacher as I didn&rsquo;t believe I was capable of becoming a solicitor.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">After a year of studying sports education, I made the decision to change to a law degree staying at my non-Russell Group university. I committed myself to working as hard as I possibly could to obtain a training contract. In my final year of university, I was successful in doing so.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">How did using ������Ƶ enhance your study experience during your time at university?</span></h4><p>I didn&rsquo;t know about ������Ƶ until I was on a vacation scheme during my second year of university. I recognised at that point how much it was used and that I didn&rsquo;t know how to operate it effectively.</p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">I was in finance litigation and I had to research many different legal points and I had absolutely no idea how to do it. Suffice to say, I did not secure a training </span></p>urn:uuid:fddc29ab-003e-45d4-8c45-d31e4cf0a682/blog/future-of-law/inspirational-quotes-for-2025-embracing-ai-in-our-livesFuture of LawExplore the transformative power of AI in 2025 with insights from legal industry leaders. Discover how AI is reshaping the legal landscape, enhancing efficiency, and driving innovation while maintaining professional integrity.Mon, 17 Feb 2025 02:34:08 Z<p>The legal sector, in particular, is experiencing a significant shift as AI becomes an integral part of its operations. Here are some inspirational quotes on the topic from industry leaders to motivate you when planning for 2025:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1. Jonathan Kewley, Partner and Co-Chair of the Global Tech Group at Clifford Chance</strong></p><p>"It's important that lawyers are familiar with AI technology in the same way they are with the internet now. Those that don't use it will face a bit of an existential risk."</p><p><strong>2. Laura Hodgson, Generative AI Lead at Linklaters</strong></p><p>"The legal profession has remained largely unaffected by new technology for several decades and was overdue for a shake-up.</p><p><strong>3. Bhavisa Patel, Director of Legal Tec</strong></p>urn:uuid:7c8eb268-1000-448a-9c1b-ca8a162addee/blog/future-of-law/do-your-due-diligence-how-to-safeguard-your-independent-school-or-collegeFuture of LawIndependent schools and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the UK face a number of prominent challenges this year, not least of which is the omnipresent issue of ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Due diligence has become an essential practice for institutions accepting donations and charging fees, serving as a preventative measure against financial crimes and ultimately safeguarding their reputations. Let's explore the importance of due diligence for independent schools and colleges, highlight why preventative measures are so essential and the practical solutions that can help mitigate risk.The importance of preventative measures The primary reason for conducting due diligence is to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Independent schools and HEIs must adhere to legislation such as the Bribery Act 2010, which governs charitable and political donations. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties and damage to the institution's reputation. Moreover, due diligence is crucial in preventing financial crimes like money laundering. In 2020, the National Crime Agency (NCA) raised an amber alert, highlighting the risk of independent schools being used as destinations for funds linked to bribery and corruption.  This alert underscored the importance of verifying the legitimacy of funds and the individuals involved in donations or fee payments. Schools must ensure that there are no connections to high-risk entities, thereby protecting their ethical values and standards. Safeguarding the institution's reputation is another critical aspect of due diligence. Independent schools and HEIs are highly regarded for their educational standards and community contributions. Any association with financial crimes or unethical practices can tarnish their reputation, affecting student enrolment and stakeholder trust.Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:32:42 Z<div><div><p paraid="1027546096" paraeid="{195ae236-15bc-43fa-a561-04dda2bd5720}{90}">Independent schools and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the UK face a number of prominent challenges this year, not least of which is the omnipresent issue of ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Due diligence has become an essential practice for institutions accepting donations and charging&nbsp;fees, serving as a preventative measure against financial crimes and ultimately safeguarding their reputations. Let's explore the importance of due diligence for independent schools and colleges, highlight why preventative measures are so essential and the practical solutions that can help mitigate risk.</p></div><div><p paraid="958367738" paraeid="{195ae236-15bc-43fa-a561-04dda2bd5720}{148}"><br></p></div><div><h5 role="heading" aria-level="2" paraid="1253873271" paraeid="{195ae236-15bc-43fa-a561-04dda2bd5720}{152}"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">The importance of preventative measures&nbsp;</span></h5></div><div><p paraid="1497020407" paraeid="{195ae236-15bc-43fa-a561-04dda2bd5720}{164}">The primary reason for conducting due diligence is to <strong>ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements</strong>. Independent schools and HEIs must adhere to legislation such as the Bribery Act 2010, which governs charitable and political donations. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties and damage to the institution's reputation.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="622889664" paraeid="{195ae236-15bc-43fa-a561-04dda2bd5720}{174}">Moreover, due diligence is crucial in <strong>preventing financial crimes like money laundering</strong>. In 2020, the National Crime Agency (NCA) raised an amber alert, highlighting the risk of independent schools being used as destinations for funds linked to bribery and corruption.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="1418553177" paraeid="{195ae236-15bc-43fa-a561-04dda2bd5720}{184}">This alert underscored the importance of <strong>verifying the legitimacy of funds</strong> and the individuals involved in donations or fee payments. Schools must ensure that there are no connections to high-risk entities, thereby protecting their ethical values and standards.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="1338155690" paraeid="{195ae236-15bc-43fa-a561-04dda2bd5720}{198}"><strong>Safeguarding the institution's reputation</strong> is another critical aspect of due diligence. Independent schools and HEIs are highly regarded for their educational standards and community contributions. Any association with financial crimes or unethical practices can tarnish their reputation, affecting student enrolment and stakeholder trust.&nbsp;</p></div><div><h5 role="heading" aria-level="2" paraid="759691216" paraeid="{195ae236-15bc-43fa-a561-04dda2bd5720}{214}"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><What preventative actions you can actually take&nbsp;<</span></h5></div></div>urn:uuid:32816671-d9c8-4c4a-ae52-2b66f907e9c8/blog/future-of-law/how-pinsent-masons-is-using-ai-to-lead-the-legal-industryFuture of LawAI is reshaping the legal industry, with firms like Pinsent Masons leading the way. Discover how generative AI is boosting efficiency, saving time, and enhancing legal work.Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:46:39 Zurn:uuid:0c5fb520-9dc2-4372-820e-c0071ed9692a/blog/future-of-law/a-lawyers-guide-to-successfully-switching-practice-areasFuture of LawDiscover how lawyers can successfully switch legal practice areas through upskilling, lateral hiring, and M&A opportunities, plus practical tips for a smooth career transition.Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:58:50 Z<p>There are plenty of reasons to switch to a new legal practice area.&nbsp;Some lawyers follow market demand, or market trends, perhaps after witnessing the <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/declining-areas-of-the-law-2024">decline of particular practice areas</a>, or even the over-saturation of lucrative or <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/growing-areas-of-the-law-2024">growing practice areas</a>. Others shift due to evolving personal interests which could be sparked by experiences from their initial practice area. Career growth is another motivator. Many lawyers seek new opportunities after feeling restricted in their current practice or hoping for greater upward mobility. And of course, some make the switch in pursuit of more money. <br></p><p>However, venturing into a new legal practice area isn’t always smooth sailing. It requires careful planning and at times, a strategic career move. In this article, we’ll explore several ways lawyers can make the leap to a new practice area, from upskilling and lateral hires to <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/organic-growth-mergers-acquisitions">opportunities presented by mergers and acquisitions</a>, and so on.<br></p><h4>How to choose the right practice area</h4><p>Switching practice area is a huge commitment. It demands hard work, patience, and a lot of thoughtful consideration. The first step is to assess whether this change is the right move for you. Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses, for example, if you’re someone who dislikes confrontation and avoids public speaking, transitioning to <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/legal/dispute-resolution">Dispute Resolution</a> might not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you enjoy working with numbers and interacting with clients, <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="" href="/legal/corporate-law">Corporate Law</a> could be an attractive option.</p><p>Take the time to understand the specific requirements of your potential new practice area. Research legal industry trends, revenue growth, and market opportunities. <br></p><p>Aim to connect with someone already working in that field, having a conversation with someone experienced can provide invaluable insights that go beyond what you find in articles and reports.<br></p><p>Lastly, conduct a final round of self-reflection. Are you ready to embrace the challenge of feeling like a beginner again? Are you willing to dedicate time to mastering new skills? Most importantly, ask yourself whether your reasons for switching truly justify the effort, and if the rewards will outweigh the investment.</p><h4>Upskill to switch practice areas<br></h4><p>Once you’ve decided to switch practice areas, the first step is to start studying. Establishing a daily habit of reviewing case law, regulations, practical guidance, and precedents is essential. Tools like <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/products/lexis-plus-legal-research.html">Lexis+^® Legal Research</a> are invaluable for comprehensive case law research, while <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/products/lexis-plus-practical-guidance.html">Lexis+^® Practical Guidance</a> can help you quickly access practical insights and resources tailored to your new practice area, making it easier to master key skills. It might also be wort</p>urn:uuid:dc205bf1-09b4-4eaa-b071-474bcee92544/blog/future-of-law/the-pros-cons-of-becoming-a-freelance-lawyer-in-today-s-marketFuture of LawDiscover the pros and cons of becoming a freelance lawyer in today's market. Explore flexibility, financial considerations, diverse opportunities, and the impact of technology to determine if freelancing aligns with your career goals.Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 Z<div><p>With the rise of flexible working arrangements and the demand for specialised legal expertise, more lawyers are considering the freelance route. But is it the right choice for you? This blog explores the pros and cons of becoming a freelance lawyer in today's market, providing insights and statistics to help you make an informed decision.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><h4><strong>1. Flexibility and autonomy</strong></h4><div><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">One of the most appealing aspects of freelancing is the flexibility it offers. Freelance lawyers can choose their working hours, clients, and projects, allowing for a better work-life balance. According to Darryl Cooke, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of gunnercooke, "We don&rsquo;t have the bureaucracy, we don&rsquo;t have the politics... If they don&rsquo;t want to work Fridays, they don&rsquo;t work Fridays."</span></div><div><br></div><blockquote><strong><em>A ������Ƶ survey found that 34% of law firms rely on freelance lawyers, highlighting the demand for flexible legal services.</em></strong></blockquote><div><br></div><h4><strong>2. Financial considerations</strong></h4><div><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">While freelancing can offer financial rewards, it also comes with uncertainties. Freelancers often earn a higher hourly rate than salaried employees, but they must manage their own taxes, insurance, and benefits. John Joyce, Former M</span></div>urn:uuid:cd8edfd0-cb5d-4906-87b4-a6f642d9dd8a/blog/future-of-law/embracing-generative-ai-a-guide-for-lawyers-ready-to-innovateFuture of LawDiscover how lawyers can start using generative AI to enhance efficiency and streamline tasks. Learn key use cases, steps for implementation, and tips for ensuring accuracy and security in your legal practice.Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 Z<div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">With 82% of lawyers in the UK already using or planning to use AI, <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">according to a ������Ƶ surve</a>y, the time is ripe for those yet to adopt this technology to take the plunge. This blog will guide you through the initial steps of integrating generative AI into your practice, highlight key use cases, and provide tips on ensuring accuracy and reliability.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p></div><h4><strong>1. Understanding the potential of generative AI</strong></h4><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong>The rise of AI in law</strong></span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong></strong></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;color:inherit;">Generative AI is transforming the legal sector by streamlining routine tasks and enhancing efficiency. As Jonathan Kewley, Partner at Clifford Chance, notes, "The kind of applications we're seeing &ndash; the way it's been rolled out, the innovation, the investment &ndash; it's off the scale."</span></p></div><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">The adoption rate has soared, with <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">AI users in the UK jumping from 11% in July 2023 to 41% in September 2024</a>.</span></p></div><div><br></div><div><p><strong>Key use cases</strong></p><p><strong></strong><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;color:inherit;">- Legal research and document review: AI can quickly sift through vast amounts of data, identifying relevant information and patterns. Bhavisa Patel from Eversheds Sutherland highlights that "activities such as legal research, document review, and contract analysis will become simpler and quicker."</span></p></div><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">- Contract analysis: AI tools can assist in drafting and reviewing contracts, ensuring consistency and identifying potential issues.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">- Client insights: AI can provide data-driven insights, helping lawyers offer more tailored advice to clients.</span></p></div><div><p><a href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><em>I want to know how Lexis+ AI speeds up legal research safely</em></a></p></div><h4><strong>2. Steps to start using generative AI</strong></h4><div><p><strong>Assess your needs</strong></p><p><strong></strong><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Begin by identifying the areas in your practice where AI can add the most value. As Greg Baker from Linklaters suggests, "We collect the requirements </span></p></div>urn:uuid:ff447da4-47b4-4142-9df9-e1c597b1eabb/blog/future-of-law/pathways-to-practice-you-re-your-own-best-cheerleaderFuture of LawHere, trainee solicitor Darren Broad shares insights for law students on navigating challenges, choosing a law career path and enhancing legal research skills for success.Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:00:00 Z<p>As part of a spotlight series* featuring former ������Ƶ student campus ambassadors, we caught up with Darren Broad, Trainee Solicitor at Clyde &amp; Co, who reflects on his legal journey. Read on to discover Darren&rsquo;s tips on overcoming challenges faced by many law students as well as sound advice for anyone considering a legal career.&nbsp;</p><h4><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Why did you decide to study law?&nbsp;</span></h4><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">I always had an interest in law and politics and how the system works. I knew I wanted to study law for A levels and, while at sixth form, I was inspired by my tutor who&rsquo;d been a solicitor himself. It was the one thing in college that I wanted to get up out of bed and go in for! I enjoyed the way you could take the law and apply it to any set of facts and produce some sort of solution. I liked that analysis element and being able to work through the steps to come to an outcome.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color:initial;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span>What inspired you to choose the solicitor route?</h4><p>I did a few open days at the courts; I watched proceedings in the Crown Court and the Magistrate's Court. In the first year of my degree, I went to an open day at Lincoln's Inn, one of the Inns of Court, to learn what the Bar is all about. By doing practical activities like that, it allowed me to work out that while I absolutely admire barristers, the role perhaps wasn't for me.</p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">The level of advocacy and the amount of time that's spent in court didn't quite suit me. I enjoy engaging with clients and getting myself into the whole breadth of a case, whereas barristers tend to take on specific issues and the solicitors brief them. My advice would be to do practical things where you can see the everyday tasks involved in the role to help you understand what route you might want to go down.</span></p><h4>How did using ������Ƶ enhance </h4>urn:uuid:9db516ab-4d98-4fa0-a641-fe5c6ff4bf29/blog/future-of-law/top-legal-award-events-lawyers-should-attend-in-the-ukFuture of LawDiscover the top legal events in the UK for lawyers, including the ������Ƶ Legal Awards, Family Law Awards, and more.Thu, 30 Jan 2025 02:14:48 Z<div><p>The UK legal landscape is vibrant and ever-evolving, offering numerous opportunities for legal professionals to network, learn, and celebrate achievements. Attending key legal events is essential for staying updated with industry trends, gaining insights, and connecting with peers. Here are some of the top legal events in the UK that lawyers should consider attending:</p></div><h4><strong>1. <a href="https://www.lexisnexislegalawards.co.uk/website/14569/home/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">������Ƶ Legal Awards 2025</a></strong></h4><div><p><strong></strong>The ������Ƶ Legal Awards are a prestigious event celebrating excellence and innovation in the legal sector. These awards recognise outstanding contributions across various categories, including legal services, technology, and pro bono work. Attending this event provides an excellent opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain insights into the latest advancements in the legal field.</p><p><em>13th March 2025 </em><em>Park Plaza London Riverbank</em></p><p><em></em><em><a href="https://www.lexisnexislegalawards.co.uk/website/14569/home/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Find out more</a></em><em></em></p></div><h4><strong>2. <a href="https://www.familylawawards.com/website/13941/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Family Law Awards 2025</a></strong></h4><div><p>Focused on the family law sector, the ������Ƶ Family Law Awards honour the achievements of family law practitioners and firms. This event is a must-attend for those specialising in family law, offering a platform to celebrate successes and discuss the challenges and developments within this area of practice.</p><p><a href="https://www.familylawawards.com/website/13941/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><em>Find out more</em></a><em></em></p></div><div><h4><strong>3. </strong><a href="https://www.lawworks.org.uk/solicitors-and-volunteers/get-involved/lawworks-pro-bono-awards-2024" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><strong>LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2025</strong></a></h4><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-si style=""></span style="background-color:initial;font-si></p></div>urn:uuid:272eedfa-1812-4452-84fc-752f9a611612/blog/future-of-law/choosing-the-right-data-management-system-for-your-law-firmFuture of LawA guide for law firms when looking at the key features for a legal data management system.Fri, 17 Jan 2025 15:49:54 Z<div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span>A data management system (DMS) is more than just a repository for documents; it is the backbone of a law firm's operations. It ensures your firm's documents are stored securely, easily accessible, and managed efficiently.</p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Choosing the right DMS, therefore, plays a crucial role in the growth and future success of your business. Without it, your firm will struggle to implement and optimise new technology platforms, such as legal drafting tools.</span></p></div><p>In this blog, we look at the key features to look for in a legal data management system.</p><p><strong><em>Security and compliance</em></strong></p><p>Ensure the DMS offers robust security features, including encryption, access controls, and audit trails. This is vital for protecting sensitive client information and maintaining confidentiality.</p><p><em><strong>Regulatory compliance</strong></em></p><strong></strong><p>The system should comply with relevant legal standards, such as GDPR in the UK, to avoid potential legal issues.</p><p><em><strong>Integration capabilities</strong></em></p><p>A DMS should integrate smoothly with existing tools and software. This integration allows for efficient document drafting and management, enhancing productivity. Look for systems that support integration with other essential tools like DocuSign for e-signatures, ensuring a streamlined workflow.</p><p><em><strong>User-friendly interface</strong></em></p><p>The system should be intuitive and easy to navigate, reducing the l</p>urn:uuid:ea3d862e-1f3c-447c-8160-09a662e3f3d3/blog/future-of-law/the-future-of-ai-in-barristers-practice-a-2025-perspectiveFuture of LawExplore how AI will transform barristers' practice in 2025. Discover strategies to enhance efficiency and client service. Click to learn more!Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 Z<div><strong>Generative AI promises to revolutionise the way legal services are delivered, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and innovation for barristers. In this blog, we will explore how barristers will harness AI in 2025, the challenges they may face, and the strategies needed to thrive.</strong></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><p>By 2025, AI is expected to be an integral part of barristers' practice, enhancing their ability to deliver legal services with greater speed and precision. According to a <a href="/research-and-reports/bar-generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">recent ������Ƶ survey</a>, two-thirds of barristers in the UK and Ireland are already using or planning to use generative AI. This trend is set to accelerate, driven by the need to streamline legal work and improve client service.<a href="/research-and-reports/bar-generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" data-sf-marked="" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/bar-generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" data-sf-marked="" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">I want to read the full survey findings</a></p></div><div><h4><strong>AI use by barristers in 2025: the new benchmark</strong></h4><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">The number of barristers using AI for work purposes has already quadrupled in recent years, and this growth is set to continue. Jonathan Kewley, Partner and Co-Chair of the Global Tech Group at Clifford Chance, describes this level of adoption as "extraordinary."</span></p><p>"The kind of applications we're seeing &ndash; the way it's been rolled out, the innovation, the investment &ndash; it's off the scale."</p><p>While AI is a useful tool in the medium term, it will only accelerate for barristers in the longer term, says Kewley. &nbsp;</p><p>"It's important that barristers are familiar with AI technology in the same way they are with the internet now.&nbsp;Those that don't use it will face a bit of an existential risk."</p><h4><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong>Enhancing efficiency: AI's role in legal practice</strong></span></h4></div><div><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:i style=""></span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:i></p></div>urn:uuid:fc720fe3-ea64-4c38-961f-44e0d203ec78/blog/future-of-law/how-ai-is-revolutionising-pricing-models-in-the-legal-industryFuture of LawDiscover how AI is transforming legal pricing models. Explore the shift from billable hours to value-based billing. Click to learn more!Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:32:39 Z<div><p><strong>The legal industry, long anchored by the billable hour, is on the cusp of a transformative shift. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into legal practices, traditional pricing models are being challenged. This blog explores how AI is reshaping the landscape, offering new opportunities for efficiency and value, and what this means for the future of legal pricing.</strong><strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">For decades, the billable hour has been the cornerstone of legal billing, providing a straightforward method for law firms to charge clients and measure lawyer productivity. However, this model has faced criticism for promoting inefficiency and misaligned incentives. With the advent of AI, the legal industry is witnessing a paradigm shift towards more flexible and value-driven pricing models.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong>The current state of AI in law firms</strong></span></h4><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong></strong></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">AI adoption in the legal sector is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. According to a <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">������Ƶ survey</a>, 82% of lawyers in the UK are currently using or planning to use generative AI. This marks a significant increase from just 11% in July 2023. The primary driver behind this surge is the potential for AI to streamline routine tasks, such as legal research and document review, allowing lawyers to focus on more complex and strategic work.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Law firms are leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and accuracy in their operations. Jonathan Kewley, Partner and Co-Chair of the Global Tech Group at Clifford Chance, highlights the transformative potential of AI: "The kind of applications we're seeing &ndash; the way it's been rolled out, the innovation, the investment &ndash; it's off the scale." Firms are using AI to automate document review, conduct legal research, and even assist in drafting contracts. This not only speeds up processes but also reduces the risk of human error.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Download our AI report</a></span></p><h4><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong>What clients want: transparency and value</strong></span></h4><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong></strong></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">As AI becomes an integral part of legal practice, clients are increasingly demanding more transparency and value in billing. The traditional billable hour model, often criticised for its lack of cost predictability, is being challenged by clients who seek more certainty in legal fees. A <a ></a ></span></p></div>urn:uuid:4afc4ad8-d2a1-49ff-ab82-ec7880ea867c/blog/future-of-law/the-impact-of-ai-on-barristers-pricing-structuresFuture of LawDiscover how AI is transforming barristers' pricing models. Learn strategies to adapt and thrive in the evolving legal landscape. Click to explore!Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:35:18 Z<div><p><strong>Although still hesitant, barristers are now embracing legal generative AI to enhance their legal practice. This shift could mean profound implications for pricing structures within the legal sector. In this blog, we will explore how AI is reshaping the way barristers price their services, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the steps needed to navigate this evolving landscape.</strong></p><p><strong></strong><span style="background-color:initial;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">The legal profession is undergoing a transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of AI technologies. According to a </span><a href="/research-and-reports/bar-generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" style="font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;white-space:inherit;">recent survey by ������Ƶ</a><span style="background-color:initial;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">, two-thirds of barristers in the UK and Ireland are currently using or planning to use generative AI. This surge in AI adoption is primarily motivated by the desire to streamline legal work and improve efficiency. However, as AI becomes an integral part of legal practice, barristers must reconsider their pricing models to align with the new dynamics of AI-driven efficiency.</span></p></div><div><h4><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong></strong></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong>AI adoption rates: a growing trend</strong></span></h4></div><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">AI adoption among barristers has seen a remarkable increase. In just over a year, the number of barristers using AI for work purposes has quadrupled, rising from 6% in July 2023 to 25% in September 2024. This trend is expected to continue, with 42% of barristers planning to incorporate AI into their practice. Jonathan Kewley, Partner and Co-Chair of the Global Tech Group at Clifford Chance, describes this level of adoption as "extraordinary." He emphasises the importance of barristers becoming familiar with AI technology to avoid facing existential risks in the future.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong><stronEfficiency and pricing: the billable hour dilemma</stron</strong></span></h4></div>urn:uuid:887d3801-f7f3-41d3-940b-f1876ee3e0f1/blog/future-of-law/are-uk-legal-associates-being-lured-by-us-law-firms-an-investigationFuture of LawDiscover why UK legal associates are drawn to US law firms. Explore the allure of higher salaries and global exposure. Click to learn more!Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:01:06 Z<div><p><strong>The legal landscape is evolving rapidly, with UK law firms facing increasing competition from their US counterparts</strong>.&nbsp;<strong>This blog explores whether UK legal associates are attracted to US law firms, examining the motivations behind such moves and the implications for the legal industry.</strong>&nbsp; </p><p>US law firms have a significant presence in the UK, with around <a href="https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/law-firms/types-of-law-firm/us-firms-in-the-uk" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">100 firms operating in the market</a>. These firms offer approximately 700 training contracts, highlighting their commitment to expanding their influence. </p><p>Notable firms like Kirkland &amp; Ellis and Latham &amp; Watkins have established large offices in London, with Kirkland employing 340 lawyers and Latham 480. This expansion underscores the competitive nature of the legal market, as US firms leverage their global reach and resources to attract top talent and clients in the UK.</p><p>We will delve into the factors influencing associates' decisions, the allure of US firms, and the potential impact on UK law firms.</p></div><div><p><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><h4><strong>The appeal of US law firms</strong></h4></div><p><strong></strong><strong>Higher salaries and compensation packages</strong></p><div><p>One of the most significant draws of US law firms is the promise of higher salaries. According to a<a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">&nbsp;recent survey by ������Ƶ</a>, 87% of respondents who have worked or would consider working at a US firm cited a higher salary or better compensation package as a crucial factor. This contrasts to the 74% of all respondents who prioritised salary, highlighting the financial allure of US fir</p></div>urn:uuid:fd989816-0873-402d-97cf-826b71667b94/blog/future-of-law/understanding-your-data-management-system-dms-a-guide-for-law-firmsFuture of LawLaw firm leaders need a better understanding of their data management systems, their benefits, and their impact on business models.Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:18:03 Z<div></div><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p></div><p>The importance of having a robust data management system in place has never been clearer. <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" data-sf-ec-immutable="">With four out of five lawyers now using or planning to use generative AI</a>, many are taking a fresh look at the suitability of their data management, security and compliance processes.</p><p>These systems are not just about storing data; they are about transforming how law firms operate, enhancing efficiency, and driving strategic decision-making. This blog aims to provide law firm leaders with a better understanding of their data management systems, their benefits, and their impact on business models.</p><h4><strong>What is a data management system?</strong></h4><p>Data management systems are software solutions designed to collect, organise, protect, and store data, enabling law firms to analyse and utilise this data effectively. As law firms generate and consume data at unprecedented rates, these systems have become essential tools for managing vast quantities of information.</p><p><em><a href="https://www.lexisnexis-es.co.uk/blog/2025/01/16/Top-Legal-Tech-Trend-Predictions-for-2025-Data-Data-and-More-Data-Management/" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Read data management trend predictions for 2025</a></em></p><h4><strong>The benefits of data management systems</strong></h4><p><em><strong>1. Enhanced visibility and accessibility</strong></em></p><p>Data management systems increase the visibility of a law firm's data assets, making it easier for employees to find and access the information they need. This improved accessibility leads to more informed decision-making and greater productivity. </p><p><em><strong>2. Improved data reliability and security</strong></em></p>urn:uuid:107bfac0-7a55-427f-8032-3c662f0d423c/blog/future-of-law/top-challenges-for-small-law-firms-solo-practitioners-in-2025Future of LawDiscover the top challenges for small law firms in 2025 and learn actionable strategies to overcome them. Click to gain insights and stay ahead in the legal landscape!Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:41:46 Z<div><p>Small law firms and solo practitioners face a rapidly different environment than they did a decade ago. The legal industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing client expectations, and increasing regulatory demands. In this blog, we will explore the top challenges that leaders in small law firms and solo practices will encounter in 2025 and provide actionable insights to navigate these hurdles effectively.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><h4><strong>1. Attracting and retaining talent</strong></h4><div><p>One of the foremost challenges for small law firms is attracting and retaining skilled lawyers. According to recent <a href="/insights/small-law-firms-turn-to-ai-to-increase-efficiency/index.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">������Ƶ research</a>, 50% of small law firms identified this as a major concern. The competition for top talent is fierce, and smaller firms often struggle to match the salaries and benefits offered by larger firms. To overcome this, small firms need to focus on creating a supportive work environment, offering flexible working arrangements, and providing opportunities for professional growth.</p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Jodie Hill, Managing Partner at Thrive Law, emphasies the importance of engagement: "We&rsquo;ve asked our teams how they think AI fits in with, or helps with, their roles. We&rsquo;ve got them involved at all different levels so it created engagement from an early stage."</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p><h4><strong>2. Embracing technological advancements</strong></h4><p><strong></strong><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Keeping pace with new technology is another significant challenge, with 39% of small law firms highlighting this issue. The adoption of legal AI is transforming legal work, with 82% of lawyers at small firms currently using or planning to use AI tools. AI offers the potential for increased efficiency and faster service delivery, but it also requires investment</span></p></div>urn:uuid:d15048a4-86a7-4ed9-9788-5d1875aa92ab/blog/future-of-law/the-hidden-cost-of-context-switching-for-law-firmsFuture of LawJumping from platform to platform seems like nothing, but "context switching" has a huge overall impact on productivity, and how legal drafting tools can help.Fri, 10 Jan 2025 10:41:41 Z<div><p><em style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong>Client demands are accelerating at pace. A recent&nbsp;</strong></em><strong style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><a href="/insights/client-experience-is-now-the-focus-for-law-firm-leaders/index.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><em>������Ƶ survey</em></a><em>&nbsp;found growing client demands are the top challenge for law firm leaders, with 66% saying it will be a challenge in 2025. Now the pressure is on law firms to produce excellent legal work, at pace, and at cost.</em></strong></p></div><p><strong></strong>One of the key challenges holding private practice lawyers back is the systems in place. Many find themselves bogged down by the constant need to switch between different legacy platforms and tools. This context switching not only disrupts workflow but also consumes valuable time that could be better spent on strategic tasks. </p><p>In this blog, we will explore the dangers of context switching, its impact on productivity, and how legal drafting tools can help streamline your workday.</p><h4><strong>What is context switching?</strong></h4><p>Context switching refers to the process of moving from one task or platform to another. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, research shows that it can take up to 23 minutes to regain focus after a disruption. According to a study by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ics.uci.edu/~gmark/chi08-mark.pdf" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">University of California Irvine</a>, "workers spend an average of 3 minutes on any single task before switching." For law firm leaders, this constant shifting can lead to significant time loss and decreased productivity.</p><h4><strong>The impact on productivity</strong></h4><h4><strong>1. Time drain and mental fatigue</strong></h4><p>Every time you switch from drafting a document to checking emails or researching a case, your brain needs to adjust to the new task. This adjustment period, though brief, accumulates over the day. A study by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/research/multitasking" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">American Psychological Association</a>&nbsp;found that "multitasking can reduce productivity by as much as 40%." For law firm leaders, this means less time for high-level decision-making and more time spent on routine tasks.</p><h4><strong>2. Increased error rates</strong></h4><p>With each switch, the likelihood of errors increases.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/hr_in_business/multi-tasking-increases-workers-error-rate-by-50/" target="_bl href="https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/hr_in_business/multi-tasking-increases-workers-error-rate-by-50/" target=""></a href="https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/hr_in_business/multi-tasking-increases-workers-error-rate-by-50/" target="_bl></p>urn:uuid:355b2007-dab5-47d4-9d61-32238a58ab8a/blog/future-of-law/top-tech-stats-for-small-law-firm-lawyers-in-2025Future of LawExplore how tech trends are reshaping small law firms. Discover key statistics on AI, technology investment, cybersecurity, and more.Tue, 07 Jan 2025 09:55:10 Z<div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">For small law firm leaders, understanding and adapting to the latest tech trends is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and meeting client expectations. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">This blog highlights key statistics from some of our recent reports, providing insights into how technology is transforming small law firms.</span></p></div><div><h4><strong>Generative AI in legal practice</strong><strong></strong></h4></div><ul><li>82% of lawyers at small law firms are using or plan to use generative AI -&nbsp;<a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Generative AI report H2 2024</a></li><li>71% of lawyers at small law firms cite delivering work faster as a key benefit of AI - <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Generative AI report H2 2024</a></li></ul><h4><strong>Technology investment</strong></h4><ul><li><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">35% of small law firms plan to increase technology spending in the next 12-18 months </span>-&nbsp;<a href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2024.html" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2024.html" target="_blank"></a href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2024.html" target="_blank"></li></ul>urn:uuid:ebd4e25a-4e13-4177-ac0b-d6c41b3cbdf0/blog/future-of-law/client-experience-the-new-battleground-for-law-firmsFuture of LawDiscover how law firms are prioritising client experience.Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:28:51 Z<div></div><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">In the fiercely competitive legal industry, client experience is no longer just a buzzword&mdash;it's a critical differentiator. As the traditional reliance on billable hours wanes, law firms are shifting their focus to client feedback and profitability. This transformation is not optional; it's essential for survival in a market where client expectations are skyrocketing. This blog delves into the latest findings, underscoring the urgent need for law firms to adapt.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p></div><h4><strong>Performance metrics: a paradigm shift</strong></h4><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">For decades, annual billable hours have been the cornerstone of measuring success in law firms. However, a recent survey by ������Ƶ reveals a significant shift in priorities. Only 34% of law firm leaders now consider billable hours as the most important metric for individual performance. Instead, 64% of leaders emphasise the profitability of work, while 54% value client feedback. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Alex Hamilton, CEO of Radiant Law, aptly summarises this change: &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve got to kick the habit of the timesheet as well as the billable hour, because as long as you keep telling people that more hours is a good thing, you&rsquo;re going to get more hours.&rdquo;</span></p><p><a href="/insights/client-experience-is-now-the-focus-for-law-firm-leaders/index.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">This shift reflects a broader understanding that client satisfaction and efficient service delivery are more valuable than merely clocking hours. This evolution mirrors the changes in contract law, where the focus is increasingly on outcomes rather than processes.</span></p></div><h4><strong><hAdapting to client demands</h</strong></h4>urn:uuid:dbd8f58b-072f-4424-99a4-2f00b2a0ed66/blog/future-of-law/understanding-the-2024-agm-season-key-insights-for-legal-leadersFuture of LawKey insights from the 2024 AGM season: trends in shareholder dissent, resolutions, and AGM formats. Guidance for legal leaders preparing for 2025.Tue, 17 Dec 2024 09:55:56 Z<div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">The 2024 AGM season for FTSE 350 companies has concluded, offering valuable insights into shareholder engagement and corporate governance trends. <a href="/insights/market-standards-trend-report-agm-2024/index.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">This report, produced by Lexis+&reg; UK Practical Guidance</a>, highlights the significant patterns observed during this period and provides guidance for law firm leaders and in-house legal department leaders as they prepare for the 2025 season.</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>A year of declining dissent</strong></h4><div><p>The 2024 AGM season marked a notable decline in shareholder dissent, reaching its lowest level in seven years. This trend, ongoing since 2021, suggests a shift in shareholder satisfaction and engagement. With 82.3% of AGMs held in physical or physical plus webcast formats, there is a clear preference for in-person meetings post-pandemic. Hybrid meetings saw a decline, while virtual meetings remained constant, with a new format of virtual meetings with restricted physical attendance emerging.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="/insights/market-standards-trend-report-agm-2024/index.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><em>I want to read the full report</em></a></p><div><br></div><h4><strong>Shifts in shareholder dissent</strong></h4><div><p>During the 2024 AGM season, the re-election of directors emerged as the top resolution attracting significant dissent, with 20 resolutions receiving notable no votes. T</p></div></div>urn:uuid:f90ce0f6-3ed8-4b95-b39c-b9f40df93f95/blog/future-of-law/top-trends-uk-law-firms-can-expect-in-2025Future of LawStay ahead of the curve. Read our 2025 predictions for medium and large law firms, including technological advancements, enhanced client experience, and strategies for talent retention.Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:39:04 Z<div><p>The new year will usher in a host of changes, challenges and opportunities for&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">medium and large law firms. These developments, driven by technological advancements and shifting client expectations, present exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. Here are the top trends that law firms should anticipate in the coming year, with a focus on actionable insights.</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p></div><h4><strong>1. Embracing generative AI for enhanced efficiency</strong></h4><div><p>The adoption of generative AI is set to accelerate, with a majority of lawyers already using or planning to use AI tools for work purposes. According to a <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">������Ƶ survey</a>, "86% of lawyers at medium and large firms now use or plan to use AI for work." </p><p>This technology will enable firms to deliver work faster, improve client service, and gain a competitive advantage. By automating routine tasks such as legal research and document drafting, lawyers can focus on more complex and strategic work, ultimately enhancing productivity and service quality.</p><p><a href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html">I want to know how Lexis+ AI can help me deliver work faster</a></p><p>Jonathan Kewley, Partner and Co-Chair of the Global Tech Group at Clifford Chance, emphasises, "It's important that lawyers are familiar with AI technology in the same way they are with the internet now."</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>2. Shif</strong><strong>t towards value-based billing models</strong></h4><div><p>As AI-driven efficiency becomes more prevalent, law firms will likely move away from traditional billable hour models towards value-based billing. The ������Ƶ survey found that "39% of lawyers at medium and large firms now expect to adjust their billing practices due to AI."</p><p>This shift will be driven by the need to align pricing structures with the value delivered to clients. By focusing on outcomes rather than hours worked, firms can foster stronger client relationships and demonstrate the tangible benefits of their se</p></div>urn:uuid:561a67af-6fed-41a9-9a56-d82406e6af30/blog/future-of-law/employment-rights-bill-what-s-in-store-for-employersFuture of LawWe recently hosted an insightful webinar looking at some of the most significant changes for employers and in-house lawyers contained in the Employment Rights Bill (ERB).Mon, 09 Dec 2024 17:00:04 Z<p>We recently hosted an insightful webinar looking at some of the most significant changes for employers and in-house lawyers contained in the Employment Rights Bill (ERB).</p><p>You can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuUf4NandUY" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">watch the full webinar here</a>&nbsp;or read on for the key learnings from the session.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4 id="blogTitle">Employment Rights Bill: What&rsquo;s in store for employers?</h4><p>Cathy Hoar, a solicitor and professional support lawyer in Lexis+ UK Employment, was joined by Stephen Ratcliffe, a partner in the Employment and Compensation team at Baker &amp; McKenzie. Cathy and Stephen discussed what is currently known about the proposed changes, looking at the ERB itself and sources such as the government&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/next-steps-to-make-work-pay" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Next Steps to Make Work Pay</a> policy paper. </p><p><strong>Cathy and Stephen discussed proposed changes to the followi</strong></p>urn:uuid:5f0dfeaf-2d5c-4e58-bf24-58d8d875fe38/blog/future-of-law/protecting-uk-industries-from-increased-imports-mastering-safeguard-measuresFuture of LawWe recently hosted a webinar which explored how the UK industry may protect itself from a surge in imports entering the UK. The webinar was hosted by Rian Geldenhuys who looks after the ������Ƶ International Trade content. Two expert panelists, Arnoud Willems, partner in the International Commercial & Trade Practice Group at Baker McKenzie and Raheel Shahid, a solicitor with the UK’s Trade Remedies Authority provided key insights in obtaining protection from a surge in imports. Arnoud provided his insights gained from assisting industry to apply for protection from a surge in imports whilst Raheel Shahid shared insights into what the UK’s Trade Remedies Authority considers important when receiving applications for protection from a surge in imports.Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:18:55 Z<p>We recently hosted a webinar which explored how the UK industry may protect itself from a surge in imports entering the UK. The webinar was hosted by Rian Geldenhuys who looks after the ������Ƶ International Trade content. Two expert panelists, Arnoud Willems, partner in the International Commercial &amp; Trade Practice Group at Baker McKenzie and Raheel Shahid, a solicitor with the UK&rsquo;s Trade Remedies Authority provided key insights in obtaining protection from a surge in imports. Arnoud provided his insights gained from assisting industry to apply for protection from a surge in imports whilst Raheel Shahid shared insights into what the UK&rsquo;s Trade Remedies Authority considers important when receiving applications for protection from a surge in imports.</p><p>You can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox-uakhE7Cs&amp;t=12s" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">watch the full webinar here</a>&nbsp;or read on for the key learnings from the session.</p><h4>Safeguards are not aimed at unfair imports</h4><p>Unlike in dumping or subsidies, which are forms of unfair trade, safeguards do not seek to address any unfairly trade imported products. Instead, safeguards are a temporary safety value that allows the UK to stem the surge in imports. The UK&rsquo;s Trade Remedies Authority does not investigate if the imports are unfairly trade, but merely seeks to establish if:</p><ul><li>there has been a sudden and significant increase in imports;</li><li>which increase is due to unforeseen circumstances;</li><li>and that the increase is signifi</li></ul>urn:uuid:8adac735-e2c5-4902-9beb-8c87b22a3a2d/blog/future-of-law/self-promotion-strategies-for-barristers-stand-out-in-a-competitive-fieldFuture of LawThe blog post "Self-promotion strategies for barristers: Stand out in a competitive field" stresses the necessity of self-promotion for barristers to secure work and build a reputation. It suggests strategies such as leveraging one's specialism to create a strong professional identity, optimising digital tools like websites and LinkedIn profiles, and engaging in both in-person and virtual networking. The post also underscores the power of word-of-mouth referrals and offers practical tips for promoting oneself during busy times, like using short breaks effectively and setting weekly goals. The key message is that consistent, strategic self-promotion can enhance a barrister's professional standing and open new opportunities.Mon, 09 Dec 2024 15:02:23 Z<div></div><div>Imagine this: you&rsquo;ve just delivered a stellar argument in court, one that leaves even the judge impressed. Weeks later, a solicitor calls, referencing that same case and asking to work with you. What if that opportunity hadn&rsquo;t come because no one knew your name?</div><div>In the legal world, talent alone isn&rsquo;t enough. Barristers, like any professionals, must actively promote themselves to secure new work, establish a reputation, and stand out in a fiercely competitive field. Yet with demanding court schedules, unpredictable workloads, and endless preparation, promotion often feels like an afterthought.</div><div>But here&rsquo;s the truth: self-promotion doesn&rsquo;t have to be overwhelming.&nbsp;</div><div><p>Let&rsquo;s explore how you can do it effectively&mdash;even when your diary is packed.</p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">1. Leverage your specialism: branding yourself for success</span></p></div><div>For barristers, reputation is everything. Solicitors and clients are drawn to barristers known for their expertise, reliability, and proven track record. Promotion plays a key role in building and sustaining this reputation.</div><div>Establishing a professional identity, such as &ldquo;the immigration barrister&rdquo; or &ldquo;the commercial law specialist ties directly into creating a strong reputation. A clear, niche focus not only enhances your credibility but also makes you memorable and easier to recommend within legal networks.</div><div><p>Highlighting your expertise through opportunities to demonstrate your expertise, such as published articles, reinforces your brand and attracts clients looking for your specific skills. By aligning your specialism with strategic promotion, you position yourself as the go-to expert in your field.</p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">2. Maximising the impact of your website and LinkedIn profile</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">In today&rsquo;s digital-first world, having an up-to-date website and professional LinkedIn profile is essential for barristers.&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Your website can act as a virtual portfolio, demonstrating your expertise with case studies, client testimonials, or articles on recent legal developments. Ensure your site clearly outlines your contact details, availability, and practice areas.&nbsp;</span></p></div><div>Meanwhile, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking. Regularly updating your profile and connecting with col</div>urn:uuid:5836fe29-3991-4254-ad29-cac6c3e3ffbe/blog/future-of-law/weighing-the-pros-cons-of-ai-for-lawyersFuture of LawMuch is spoken about the risks and rewards of AI in the practice of the law. We look at the data and leading opinions.Wed, 23 Oct 2024 23:00:00 Z<div>The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sector has ushered in a new era of efficiency and innovation. However, as with any transformative technology, there are inherent risks that must be carefully navigated. This blog explores the potential risks associated with AI in the legal profession, while also highlighting the significant benefits and strategies for mitigating risks through human oversight and responsible implementation.</div><div><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:var(--font-size-h4);font-weight:bold;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><h4><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:var(--font-size-h4);font-weight:bold;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Mitigating the risks of AI</span><br></h4></div><div><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">While AI offers numerous advantages, it is crucial to address the potential risks and concerns that accompany its use in the legal field. One of the primary concerns is the risk of inaccurate or fabricated information, also known as "hallucinations." As the survey revealed, three-quarters (76%) of UK legal professionals are concerned about this issue when using public-access generative AI platforms.</span></p><p><a href="/legal/guidance/how-to-manage-the-risks-of-artificial-intelligence-in-your-business" data-sf-ec-immutable="">How to manage the risks of AI in your business</a></p></div><div><p><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p></div><div><p>"The most important element of our approach, however, is the 'lawyer in the loop' principle and human centered legal AI," says Gerrit Beckhaus, Partner and Co-head of the Freshfields Lab at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. </p><p><a href="/legal/guidance/can-the-use-of-generative-ai-lead-to-trade-mark-infringement-what-steps-can-brand-owners-take-to" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Can the use of generative AI lead to trade mark infringement?</a></p></div><div><p>Dr. Katy Peters, Law Lecturer and Programme Lead for LLM in Professional Legal Practice from the University of Surrey, emphasises the importance of human oversight: </p><p>"Whilst it may no longer be necessary to spend hours in a library or searching an online database, it will still be necessary to create appropriate prompts, review responses, adapt templates and challenge discrepancies." </p><p><a href="/legal/guidance/artificial-intelligence-explainability" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">I want to learn about AI and the need for explainability</a> </p></div><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">To address these concerns, the survey found that three-quarters (72%) of lawyers would feel more confident using a generative AI tool grounded in legal content sources with linked citations to ve</span></p></div>urn:uuid:20c53dc5-8f68-4ea6-8fd2-f9e5b888f66a/blog/future-of-law/how-to-encourage-your-legal-team-to-pick-up-aiFuture of LawPart of investing in AI is proving its commercial value. Here's how to encourage adoption in firms and legal teams.Wed, 16 Oct 2024 23:00:00 Z<div><p>AI's potential to streamline legal tasks as resulted in adoption rates jump from 11% (<a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-and-the-legal-profession-report.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">July 2023 survey</a>) to 41% (<a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">September 2024 survey</a>) in a little over a year.<span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;Despite the eagerness, it's now up to the leaders of firms and in-house legal departments to encourage widespread adoption and prove the commercial value of this new technology.</span></p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">This blog explores effective strategies to foster AI adoption within the legal community.</span></p></div><div><br></div><div><h4><strong>Establishing a top-down approach</strong></h4><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Encouraging AI adoption requires a top-down approach, where leadership plays a pivotal role in promoting and championing the use of AI tools. As Joe Cohen, the Director of Innovation at Charles Russell Speechlys, emphasises, "We have been encouraging all of our staff to use AI. Senior leadership have done a great job of speaking about their own, often daily, use of it."</span></p><p><a href="/legal/precedents/artificial-intelligence-ai-risk-management-board-briefing" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Artificial intelligence (AI) risk management&mdash;board briefing</a></p></div><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">By leading by example and actively demonstratin</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">g the benefits of AI in their daily workflows, senior leaders can inspire confidence and encourage adoption among their teams. This top-down approach not only sets the tone but also reinforces the firm's or legal team's commitment to embracing innovative technologies.</span><br></p></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>Comprehensive training and education</strong></h4><div>Providing comprehensive training and education is crucial to fostering AI adoption among lawyers. As Pawel Lipski, a partner at Bird &amp; Bird, notes, "As generative AI tools become better in research and drafting, it may be very challenging for younger colleagues to get proper training. It will certainly not be the kind of training I had."</div><div><br></div><div><p>To address this challenge, law firms and in-house legal teams should develop tailored training programmes that cover the fundamentals of AI technology, its applications in legal practice, and best practices for effective utilisation. These training sessions should be designed to build confidence and equip lawyers wi</p></div>urn:uuid:18236be3-c361-4e5e-8a89-c2e807f1e830/blog/future-of-law/will-ai-change-billing-models-for-law-firmsFuture of LawAs AI continues to increase efficiency, it is causing many to challenge the suitability of the billable hour.Sun, 13 Oct 2024 23:00:00 Z<div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">For decades, the billable hour has been the cornerstone of law firm pricing models. However, AI is challenging this long-standing tradition. As AI streamlines routine tasks and accelerates legal work, the traditional billable hour model may no longer accurately reflect the value delivered to clients.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">According to a newly published </span><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" style="font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;white-space:inherit;">������Ƶ survey of 800+ UK lawyers</a><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">, 39% of private practice lawyers now expect to adjust their billing practices due to AI, up from only 18% in January 2024. This shift is driven by the recognition that AI can significantly reduce the time required to complete certain tasks, potentially rendering the billable hour model obsolete for those activities.</span></p></div><div><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></div><div><br></div><div><p>A General Counsel and Company Secretary at a biotech firm stated, "The billable hour rewards inefficiency. AI removes the excuse of hours spent, so private practice lawyers will have to change the way they measure their contribution."</p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Many firms are exploring alternative pricing models that better align with the value delivered to clients. One such model is value-based billing, which focuses on the outcomes and results achieved rather than the time spent. A law firm partner shared, "AI will push the legal industry towards value-based billing models </span></p></div>urn:uuid:8144326d-3620-406d-9bd4-644b4933a3b9/blog/future-of-law/mitigating-hallucinations-strategies-for-lawyers-to-ensure-accurate-ai-generated-informationFuture of LawDespite the increase in adoption, hallucinations are still the top concerns for lawyers using AI. But there are ways to mitigate risk.Wed, 09 Oct 2024 23:00:00 Z<div><p>Despite the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sector, concerns about the potential for inaccurate or fabricated information, known as "hallucinations" are still widespread. These hallucinations can pose significant risks, particularly in the legal field where accuracy and reliability are paramount. To mitigate these risks, lawyers must adopt proactive strategies to ensure the integrity of AI-generated information.</p></div><div><br></div><div><h4><strong>Grounding AI in authoritative legal sources</strong><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></h4><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">One of the most effective ways to mitigate hallucinations is to ground AI tools in authoritative legal sources. By leveraging AI systems that are trained on reliable and up-to-date legal databases, such as <a href="/products/lexis-plus-trial.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">������Ƶ' vast repository of accurate and exclusive legal content</a>, lawyers can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering fabricated information.</span></p><p><a href="/insights/fast-law-why-speed-is-the-priority-for-lawyers-using-ai/index.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p></div><div><p>Gerrit Beckhaus, Partner and Co-head of the Freshfields Lab at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, emphasises the importance of this approach: "The most important element of our approach, is the 'lawyer in the loop' principle and human centered legal AI."</p><p><a href="/legal/precedents/training-materials-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-the-workplace" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Train your staff to use AI safely in the workplace. Download our training presentation</a></p></div><div><h4><strong>Implementing robust verification processes</strong></h4><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">While grounding AI in authoritative sources is a crucial first step, it is equally important to implement robust verification processes. This involves critically evaluating AI-generated information, cross-checking against reliable sources, and challenging any discrepancies or inconsistencies.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Dr. Katy Peters, Law Lecturer and Programme Lead for LLM in Professional Legal Practice from the University of Surrey, underscores the importance of human oversight: "Whilst it may no longer be necessary to spend hours in a library or searching an online database, it will still be necessary to create appropriate prompts, review responses, adapt templates and challenge discrepancies."</span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;te style=""></span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;te></p></div>urn:uuid:cc7cdb99-a2d8-44d8-8675-8f463d332371/blog/future-of-law/top-benefits-use-cases-of-ai-for-lawyersFuture of LawA new survey of UK lawyers highlights the top benefits of AI and the top use cases.Sun, 06 Oct 2024 23:00:00 Z<div></div><div><p>The legal profession is witnessing a remarkable surge in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. According to a <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">recent ������Ƶ survey</a>, four out of five lawyers (82%) are currently using or have plans to use this cutting-edge technology, signaling a paradigm shift in the industry. This blog explores the top benefits of AI and its key use cases, with a particular focus on legal research and drafting.<a href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html" data-sf-marked="" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p><p><a href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html" data-sf-marked="" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><em>Find out how AI can speed up legal research and drafting.</em></a></p><p><em>&nbsp;</em></p></div><h4><strong>Top benefits of AI in legal research and drafting:</strong></h4><p>&nbsp;</p><div><br></div><h4><strong>1. Accelerated legal research:</strong></h4><div><p>AI-powered legal research tools can quickly sift through vast amounts of data, identifying relevant cases, statutes, and legal precedents with unprecedented speed and accuracy. As Gerrit Beckhaus, Partner and Co-head of the Freshfields Lab at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, states, "Generative AI not only retrieves information but contextualises it, connecting disparate pieces of data and our knowledge pool." This not only saves valuable time but also ensures that no critical information is overlooked, leading to more comprehensive and well-informed legal strategies.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>2. Efficient document review and analysis:</strong></h4><div><p>Traditionally, document review and analysis have been time-consuming and labour-intensive tasks. AI technology can rapidly analyse and extract key information from legal documents, contracts, and case files, enabling lawyers to focus on higher-level tasks and strategic decision-making. According to Bhavisa Patel, Director of Legal Technology at Eversheds Sutherland, "Activities such as legal research, document review, and contract analysis will become simpler and quicker, allowing lawyers to concentrate on complex and strategic work."</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a><div><br></div><h4><strong>3. Enhanced drafting capabilities:</strong></h4><div><p>AI-driven drafting tools can assist lawyers in creating accurate and consistent legal documents, such as contracts, pleadings, and briefs. By leveraging natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, these tools can suggest relevant clauses, identify potential inconsistencies, and ensure compliance with legal standards and industry best practices. As a partner at a law firm with 100+ fee-earners shared, "Generative AI is streamlining my legal research and drafting processes, allowing for faster turnaround times and more comprehensive analysis."</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><h4><st></st></h4>urn:uuid:0cbfdc22-0d32-4392-8976-d47ccb7207e5/blog/future-of-law/firms-hope-ai-will-drive-faster-delivery-of-legal-servicesFuture of LawAI stirs demand for faster legal service delivery from law firms, but will it reshape pricing models?Wed, 02 Oct 2024 23:00:00 Z<div><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></div><div><p>Clients are increasingly demanding faster and more efficient legal solutions. As a result, the UK legal sector is turning to cutting-edge technology to meet these expectations - most notably, generative AI. </p><p>The <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">recent surge in AI adoption among lawyers</a> is not only transforming the way legal work is conducted but also paving the way for faster and more streamlined service delivery.</p></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>The demand for faster legal services</strong> </h4><div><p>Clients and internal stakeholders alike are no longer willing to wait for prolonged turnaround times. Whether it's drafting contracts, conducting legal research, or reviewing documents, the need for speed and efficiency has become paramount. This shift in expectations has prompted law firms and in-house legal teams to seek innovative solutions that can accelerate their processes without compromising quality.</p></div><div><p><a href="/legal/guidance/artificial-intelligence-explainability" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><em>I want to read practice notes on AI and the need for explainability</em></a></p></div><div><br></div><div><p>Enter generative AI, a game-changing technology that has is already revolutionising the legal industry. By leveraging advanced natural language processing and machine learning capabilities, AI tools can streamline routine tasks, freeing up lawyers to focus on more complex and strategic work. From legal research and document analysis to contract drafting and due diligence, AI is proving to be an invaluable asset in delivering faster and more efficient legal services.</p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">One of the key advantages of AI adoption is its ability to enhance productivity and accuracy. By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, lawyers can significantly reduce the time spent on administrative work, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities that require human expertise and judgment. Additionally, AI-powered tools can quickly identify patterns, inconsistencies, and potential risks, ensuring a more thorough and accurate analysis of legal documents and cases.</span></p></div><div><p><a href="/legal/precedents/training-materials-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-the-workplace" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><em>Training materials on AI in the workplace</em></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><h4><strong>Competitive advantage through faster delivery</strong></h4><div><p>In the competitive legal landscape, the ability to deliver faster and more efficient services can be a significant differentiator. Law firms and in-house legal teams that embrace AI technology are better </p></div>urn:uuid:bda69a25-9650-45a9-b3af-d53f490053a3/blog/future-of-law/mastering-countervailing-measures-protecting-uk-industries-from-subsidised-importsFuture of LawHere we share a summary of our webinar exploring strategies on how the UK industry may protect itself from subsidised imports entering the UK. This is the second instalment of our three-part webinar series on trade remedies.Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:51:25 Z<p>We recently hosted the second instalment of our three-part series on trade remedies. This webinar explored strategies on how the UK industry may protect itself from subsidised imports entering the UK.</p><p>The webinar was hosted by Rian Geldenhuys who looks after the ������Ƶ International Trade content. Two expert panellists, Dr Bregt Natens, counsel in the International Commercial &amp; Trade Practice Group at Baker McKenzie and Raheel Shahid, a solicitor with the UK&rsquo;s Trade Remedies Authority provided key insights in obtaining protection from subsidised imports. </p><p>Dr. Natens shared his experience assisting industries in applying for protection against subsidised imports, while Mr. Shahid offered insights into the Trade Remedies Authority's considerations when receiving such applications. The webinar provided a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and processes involved in safeguarding UK industries from unfair trade practices.</p><p>You can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACuoQ0aXvdk&amp;t=28s" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">watch the full webinar here</a>&nbsp;or read on for the key insights from the session.<strong></strong></p><h4>Subsidies involves some investigation</h4><p>Unlike in dumping where an applicant would somewhat easily be able to gather the required information to prove dumping, subsidies require further investigation. This is due to the fact that one needs to prove four elements to show that a subsidy does exist namely that:</p><ul><li>It is a financial contribution;</li><li>By a government (or entity authorised by government);</li><li>Which confer a benefit on the recipient; and</li><li>Is specific. </li></ul><p>To prove the existence of a subsidy, an applicant will have to carry out research on the legislation, regulation or policy authorizing the subsidy. This involves analysing media reports, company or industry specific press releases, and leveraging subsidy investigations conducted by other countries investigation authorities, which often serve as a crucial resource. </p><p><em><a href="/legal/international-trade/subsidies-countervailing-measures" data-sf-ec-immutable="">View international trade practice notes, precedents and news articles</a></em><br></p><h4>Planning for protection is key</h4><p>Proving the existence of a subsidy is one part of the requirements to obtain protection. The applicant must also demonstrate injury as a result of the subsidised imports. In this regard, it is crucial to plan ahead for when protection is required. Significant </p>urn:uuid:2956ca43-0e28-4865-be45-fdac98ff6aeb/blog/future-of-law/reshaping-the-legal-landscapeFuture of LawDiscover how law firms are adapting to new technologies, client expectations, and regulatory changes to thrive in a dynamic legal environment.Sun, 29 Sep 2024 23:00:00 Z<div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">AI adoption in the legal sector is accelerating at breakneck speed. A <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">recent report by ������Ƶ</a> found a staggering 82% of UK lawyers have either embraced generative AI or have plans to do so in the near future. This figure represents a nearly four-fold increase from the summer of 2023, when only a fraction of legal professionals had adopted this transformative technology.</span></p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><strong>The demand for speed: how AI enhances legal services</strong></div><h4><strong></strong></h4><div><p>The driving force behind this rapid AI adoption is the need for faster delivery of legal services. In an increasingly competitive legal landscape, where clients demand efficiency and expediency, AI has emerged as a powerful tool to streamline processes and expedite turnaround times. The report reveals that a remarkable 71% of <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/reimagining-what-makes-a-successful-lawyer">lawyers</a> cited faster work delivery as a key benefit of AI, with 52% identifying it as the primary advantage.</p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p></div><div><br></div><div><p>"The kind of applications we're seeing &ndash; the way it's been rolled out, the innovation, the investment &ndash; it's off the scale," says Jonathan Kewley, Partner and Co-Chair of the Global Tech Group at Clifford Chance. "It's important that lawyers are familiar with AI technology in the same way they are with the internet now. Those that don't use it will face a bit of an existential risk."</p><p><a href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">How Lexis+ AI speeds up legal research safely</a></p></div><div><p>Beyond speed, the report highlights other significant benefits of <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/explore-the-growing-appetite-for-legal-ai">AI </a>adoption, such as improved client service (54%) and gaining a competitive advantage (53%). As clients become more discerning and demanding, AI offers a means to enhance the quality and responsiveness of legal services, ultimately leading to greater client satisfaction.#</p></div><p><strong>The time-saving power of AI in law</strong></p><div><p>The time-saving abilities of <a href="[f669 href="/"></a href="[f669></p></div>urn:uuid:6ec37b56-8f5d-4199-b9c5-293d1976fffc/blog/future-of-law/ai-adoption-soars-across-uk-legal-sectorFuture of LawExplore the rapid adoption of generative AI across the UK legal sector, with insights from industry leaders on the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for successful implementation.Wed, 25 Sep 2024 23:00:00 Z<p>The legal profession, long known for its traditional practices, is undergoing a seismic shift as generative AI technology takes centre stage. A <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">recent ������Ƶ survey</a> has revealed a remarkable surge in AI adoption across the UK legal sector, with four out of five lawyers (82%) currently using or planning to use this transformative technology. This blog delves into the key findings of the report, offering insights from industry leaders and exploring the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for successful AI implementation.</p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Exponential growth</strong><strong> in AI adoption</strong><br></h4><p><em><strong>The staggering numbers</strong></em></p><p>The <a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">survey findings</a> paint a compelling picture of the rapid AI adoption within the legal sector. The number of lawyers using generative AI for work purposes has nearly quadrupled in just over a year, jumping from 11% in July 2023 to an impressive 41% in September 2024. Additionally, the percentage of lawyers planning to use AI has also increased significantly, from 28% to 41% during the same period.<br></p><p><em><strong>A paradigm shift</strong></em></p><p>The stark decrease in the number of lawyers with no plans to adopt AI, dropping from 61% to a mere 15%, underscores the profound shift taking place within the industry. Jonathan Kewley, Partner and Co-Chair of the Global Tech Group at Clifford Chance, aptly describes the level of adoption as "extraordinary," with innovation and investment reaching unprecedented levels.</p><h4><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></h4><p><em><strong>Embracing the future</strong></em></p><p>While AI is undoubtedly a valuable tool in the medium term, industry leaders like Kewley believe its use will only accelerate in the longer term. As Laura Hodgson, Generative AI Lead at Linklaters, points out, the legal profession has remained largely unaffected by new technology for several decades and was overdue for a shake-up.</p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/generative-ai-survey-h2-2024.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">I want to read the full generative AI survey findings</a></p><h4><strong>Streamlining routine tasks and unlocking strategic potential</strong><br></h4><p><em><strong>Immediate benefits</strong></em></p><p>According to Bhavisa Patel, Director of Legal Technology at Eversheds Sutherland, the short to medium-term gains of generative AI will focus on streamlining routine, administrative tasks. Activities such as legal research, document review, and contract analysis will become simpler and quicker, allowing lawyers to concentrate on complex and strategic work.<br></p><p><em><strong>Vast possibilities ahead</strong></em></p><p>In the medium to long term, Patel acknowledges that the possibilities are vast, but the legal sector has yet to clearly identify the specific problems generative AI will solve. As the industry continues to explore and i</p>urn:uuid:84f2be09-19af-480d-95bf-731bdb004508/blog/future-of-law/pioneering-law-firms-harnessing-the-potential-of-generative-aiFuture of LawMel Kang, CEO of international law firm Mezzle shares his insights on the transformative potential of AI technology in the legal sector. He explains how integrating AI into his firm's operations has not only kept them at the forefront of industry advancements but also helps them to actively shape the future of the field.Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:19:13 Zurn:uuid:3e03a9be-fbcf-4151-850a-7e696a9fb94f/blog/future-of-law/protecting-the-uk-industry-from-dumped-importsFuture of LawCatch the highlights from our webinar exploring strategies for UK industries to safeguard against unfairly dumped imports. This is the first in a three-part series in partnership with the TRA on trade remedies.Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:07:08 Z<p style="text-align:left;">We recently hosted an insightful webinar exploring strategies for UK industries to safeguard against unfairly dumped imports. We have partnered with the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) to bring you a three-part series on trade remedies, this being the first.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Moderated by Rian Geldenhuys, who oversees the ������Ƶ International Trade content, the virtual event featured a distinguished panel of trade remedy experts.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Dr. Bregt Natens, counsel in the International Commercial &amp; Trade Practice Group at Baker McKenzie, and Raheel Shahid, a solicitor with the UK's Trade Remedies Authority, shared their invaluable expertise on obtaining protection from dumped imports. Drawing from his experience assisting industries in filing anti-dumping applications, Dr. Natens provided practical insights into navigating the process successfully. Mr. Shahid offered a comprehensive understanding of the critical factors considered by the UK's Trade Remedies Authority when evaluating such applications.</p><p style="text-align:left;">You can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjbuUb8ljI4" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">watch the full webinar here</a>&nbsp;or read on for the key insights from the session.</p><h4 style="text-align:left;">Dumping is not necessarily intentional<span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span></h4><p style="text-align:left;">While dumping is often painted as an unfair trade practice, and it often is, it is most often not intentional. That is due to the definition of dumping, which goes beyond selling products cheaply or below cost in an export market. It is in fact international price discrimination, where an exporter sells its product at a lower price in the export market compared to the price for the same product in its own domestic market (the so-called normal value).&nbsp; Often exporters do not benchmark their export pricing against their domestic pricing, and as a result, may be unaware they may be subject to anti-dumping duties.<em></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em><a href="/legal/international-trade#pa-topics-section" data-sf-ec-immutable="">View international trade practice notes, precedents and news articles</a></em><em></em><em></em><em style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><em></em></em></p><h4 style="text-align:left;">Dumping is but one part of the equation</h4><p style="text-align:left;">In an anti-dumping duty application, significant emphasis is placed on whether the imported products are in fact being dumped. Applicants typically use import data to determine the export price, and conduct research in the exporter&rsquo;s domestic market </p>urn:uuid:2aab8fb1-f59c-4798-8978-2f1ec4ac424c/blog/future-of-law/law-firms-evolving-relationship-with-freelance-lawyersFuture of LawOutsourcing client work is something many law firms do, yet very few talk about. ������Ƶ investigates the freelance legal market, and how firms are working with them.Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:28:35 Z<div></div><div><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Law firms are navigating a new frontier &ndash; the rise of freelance lawyers. ������Ƶ' latest report, "</span><a href="/research-and-reports/law-firms-relationship-with-freelancers.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Law firms' hush-hush relationship with freelancers</a><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">," unveils this emerging trend, shedding light on the extent to which firms rely on freelancers, the types of work they outsource, and the factors driving more lawyers to embrace the freelance path.</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p></div><div><br></div><h4>Key findings:</h4><div><p></p></div><div><p><strong>1. </strong><strong>Over a third of law firm leaders rely on short-term contract or freelance lawyers for client work</strong>. The survey found that 34% of law firm leaders employ freelancers, with medium-sized firms being th</p></div>urn:uuid:e5e693da-3540-4a97-9dc4-0a5691afaac1/blog/future-of-law/the-type-of-work-law-firms-will-likely-outsourceFuture of LawWe investigate the types of legal work being delegated to freelancers, shedding light on the strategic considerations and implications of this growing trend.Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:28:03 Z<p>Outsourcing legal work remains a contentious topic, shrouded in secrecy. Yet many rely heavily on external resources to stay afloat. </p><p>But what exactly are firms outsourcing to these freelance lawyers? </p><p>This blog post delves into the types of legal work being delegated to freelancers, shedding light on the strategic considerations and implications of this growing trend.</p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/law-firms-relationship-with-freelancers.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Read our full report on the freelance legal market</a></p><h4><strong>Accessing specialist expertise</strong></h4><p>One of the primary reasons firms turn to freelance lawyers is to tap into specialised knowledge or expertise in niche areas of law. As John Joyce, the Former Managing Partner at Addleshaw Goddard, explains, "If a client wants an expert in something quite niche, say submarine cable laying law, you can hire an expert on a short-term contract basis for that specific task. That means you're not permanently employing someone that's waiting around for more work to come in."</p><p>These highly specialised freelancers can be found individually, through fee-sharing firms like Keystone Law, or on secondment from flexible legal resourcing providers such as Lawyers on Demand. By leveraging their expertise, firms can provide clients with tailored solutions without the overhead of permanent hires.</p><h4><strong>Routine tasks and document review</strong></h4><p>While accessing niche expertise is a common use case, firms also outsource more routine tasks and document review to freelance lawyers. As Deborah Finkler, the Managing Partner of Slaughter and May, notes, "Freelance lawyers are there to do a very specif</p>urn:uuid:103d72c9-1a0b-4cce-ba42-b6a57bdd0e99/blog/future-of-law/just-how-much-work-do-law-firms-send-to-freelancersFuture of LawLaw firms have been outsourcing client work to freelance lawyers for years. Discover the types of legal work being outsourced, the benefits and drawbacks, and the future of freelancing in the legal industry.Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:22:15 Zurn:uuid:69dc442e-9c28-426e-9b2e-ae8024629b82/blog/future-of-law/20-essential-ai-terms-all-uk-lawyers-need-to-knowFuture of LawQuick and easy definitions of the AI related terminology all lawyers now need to know.Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:13:28 Z<div></div><div><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;color:inherit;">As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance and become more integrated into various industries, including the legal field, it's crucial for lawyers in the UK to familiarise themselves with the relevant terminology. Understanding these terms will not only help you communicate more effectively with clients, colleagues, and experts but also enable you to navigate the legal implications and challenges posed by AI technologies. Here's a comprehensive list of AI terms that every UK lawyer should know:</span><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><br></div><div><p>1. <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Artificial Intelligence (AI) </a>- The broad field of developing computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><div><p>2. <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/machine-learning" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Machine Learning (ML)</a> - A subset of AI that involves developing algorithms and statistical models that enable computer systems to learn from data and improve their performance on a specific task without being explicitly programmed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><div><p>3. <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/deep-learning" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Deep Learning </a>- A type of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks with multiple layers to learn and make intelligent decisions based on data inputs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><div><p>4. <a href="https://cloud.google.com/natural-language" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Natural Language Processing (NLP</a>) - A branch of AI that deals with the interaction between computers and humans using natural language, enabling tasks such as text analysis, speech recognition, and language translation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Join the <a href="/ai-insider/sign-up.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Lexis+ AI Insider Programme</a> for real-time updates on the latest AI developments and exclusive resources and events.</em></p><p><em>&nbsp;</em></p></div><div><p>5. <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/machine-learning/computer-vision/" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Computer Vision </a>- The field of AI that enables computers to derive meaningful information from digital images, videos, and other visual inputs, enabling applications like object recognition, facial recognition, and image analysis.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><div><p>6. <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/robotics" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Robotics </a>- The branch of AI focused on designing and building robots, which are programmable machines capable of carrying out complex tasks and interacting with their environment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><br></div><div><p>7. <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/reinforcement-learning" target="_blank href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/reinforcement-learning" target=""></a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/reinforcement-learning" target="_blank></p></div>urn:uuid:3417668d-1853-41d3-a75e-c1865dc5cb57/blog/future-of-law/how-family-lawyers-can-use-lexis-to-boost-efficiencyFuture of LawDiscover how UK family lawyers can leverage the powerful tools and resources of Lexis+ Family to streamline legal research, drafting, analytics, and ease of access for increased efficiency and productivity.Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:37:04 Z<p><strong></strong>The age-old saying &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not what you know, it&rsquo;s who you know,&rdquo; may still ring true in some circles, but for family law solicitors wanting to increase their efficiency and overall effectiveness, the saying should be switched to the following: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not what you know, or who you know, it&rsquo;s what tools you have access to.&rdquo;</p><p>Leveraging the right legal technology tools is essential for streamlining your workflows and increasing productivity. ������Ƶ offers family lawyers a suite of powerful resources that can increase efficiency and effectiveness. In this guide, we'll explore specific technical tips and strategies for using <a href="/legal/family-law" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Lexis+ Family</a>.</p><h4>1. <strong>Mastering legal research with Lexis+</strong></h4><p>Comprehensive legal research is crucial in family law matters, and <a href="/legal/family-law" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Lexis+ Family </a>provides access to a vast collection of resources, including case law, legislation, precedents and forms.</p><p>To make the most of this wealth of information, follow these tips</p><p><strong>- </strong><strong>Utilise natural language searches:</strong> Lexis+ Family allows you to search using plain language queries, making it easier to find relevant information quickly.</p><p><strong>- Set up search filters:</strong> Customise your search filters by jurisdiction (e.g., England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) or practice area to ensure you're accessing the most relevant resources for your case.</p><p>- <strong>Save frequently used searches: </strong>If you have recurring research needs, save your search queries for easy access and reuse.</p><p>Additionally, ������Ƶ has recently introduced AI-powered tool the <a href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a href="/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></p>urn:uuid:1227c8d5-a6ac-4f3d-85db-8653148931da/blog/future-of-law/why-small-law-firms-are-investing-more-in-techFuture of LawWe discuss why many small law firms see tech as an essential ingredient to growth. We explore the growing appeal of tech investment for small law firms, discuss some of the barriers to investment, and explore the revolutionising effective of AI.Fri, 28 Jun 2024 11:43:13 Z<p>The 2024 ������Ƶ Bellwether report, <a href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2024.html" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="" target="_blank">Lessons on law firm growth</a>, explores all the vital ingredients that have led to growth among independent firms, including plans for scaling up, investment strategies, employee-employer relations, and so much more.</p><p>Growth has become a core priority. <a href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2024.html" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">The Bellwether report</a>, built on a survey of more than 250 leaders and associates at small- and medium-sized legal practices, found that 63% of firms plan to grow through organic means, up from 40% in 2023.</p><p>A key route to growth, <a href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2024.html" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">according to the report</a>, stems from tech investment. In this article, we explore the growing appeal of tech investment for small law firms, discuss some of the barriers to investment, and explore the revolutionising impact of <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/tracking-the-irresistible-rise-of-generative-ai">artificial intelligence. (AI)</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>The growing appeal of tech</strong></h4><p>Firms placed tech firmly at the top of their priorities for investment. More than a third (35%) will increase spending in the next 12&ndash;18 months, while one-fifth (21%) have already done so. A mere quarter (26%) of firms suggest no plans to increase investment.</p><p>The appeal of tech stems from its ability to save time. The <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/how-is-technology-used-in-law-making">right platforms and the right tech</a> can reduce the time spent on drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, sourcing relevant precedents or citations, improving day-to-day operations, and so much more.</p><p>Tech also strengthens existing client relationships. Anthony Earl, Chair of the Law Society&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/small-firms" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Small Firms Network</a> Committee, says tech reduces time spent on admin, which &lsquo;means staff can concentrate on actually practicing law and improving the client experience&rsquo;.</p><p>Tech does not simply strengthen existing relationships. Stephen Roper, professor at Warwick Business School, claims that tech investment, when effectively deployed and integrated, can bring in new clients and boost revenue: &lsquo;Digital technologies can yield significant productivity benefits, most notably by making non-billable activities more efficient.&rsquo;</p><p>It is no surprise that small firms are aiming to increase investment in tech, especially as they need to </p>urn:uuid:d166b055-51f5-4391-be77-c827e7be44bf/blog/future-of-law/keeping-up-with-the-latest-legal-changes-without-it-impacting-client-workFuture of LawWe speak to Emma Egerton-Jones, award-winning solicitor and founder of Egerton-Jones Consulting, for her take on how small firms can keep up with increasing client expectations, whilst keeping up with changes to the legal industry and law.Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:46:57 Z<p>According to our 2024 Bellwether Report, <a href="/research-and-reports/bellwether-2024.html" data-sf-ec-immutable="">83% of small firms say that their clients demand a quicker response time than before.</a> We speak to Emma Egerton-Jones, solicitor and founder of Egerton-Jones Consulting, for her take on how expectations have evolved, and what the &ldquo;new&rdquo; set of requirements that smaller firms are expected to meet looks like today.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Why are small firms facing such a sharp rise in client expectations? How has this shifted since the pandemic?</strong></p><p>In today's rapidly evolving legal landscape, the lawyer-client dynamic is undergoing significant transformation, driven by shifting client expectations, changes in communication methods, heightened cost sensitivity, and the enduring impact of covid-19. Clients are seeking out lawyers who not only possess deep technical expertise <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/the-golden-era-for-small-law-firms-using-innovation-to-delight-clients">but are able to understand their unique needs, goals and preferences</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>The pandemic caused a global trust haemorrhage leaving clients with higher expectations of law firms than before and, given economic pressures, conducting more due diligence on their buying decisions. With geographical limits removed and all service providers available remotely, clients are surrounded by choice and looking for proof that what law firms <em>say </em>they deliver is true. There is a real sense of needing to know their legal spend will be justified, with a growing emphasis on transparent, value-driven solutions and tangible, cost-effective, results. </p><div><div><div id="_com_1" language="JavaScript"><p>Similarly, the experience deprivation and lack of connection during the pandemic reminded clients how much they value a humanised client journey. Paradoxically, <a href="[f669d9a7-009d-4d83-ddaa-000000000002]7B419546-9BE7-4547-B040-49D402C6565E/can-technology-help-independent-law-firms-to-grow">clients are also increasingly drawn to firms that leverage technology</a> to be more efficient and cost effective. This leaves small firms with the somewhat challenging expectation of accelerating digital service delivery whilst simultaneously investing more time in building relationships, understanding preferences, and offering enhanced experience. This is where understanding what your clients truly value becomes essential to gaining a competitive advantage.</p><p>When we combine these market shifts - such as economic pressure, diminished local bias, easier comparison, accessibility of knowledge, and increased competition - it isn&rsquo;t surprising </p></div></div></div>