Klein Hamilton

The legal services market will need to adapt to a more deregulated environment and stronger commercial pressures! The legal services market will need to adapt to a more deregulated environment, stronger commercial pressures and increasing adoption of technology, the Law Society of England and Wales said as it released research to inform strategic workforce planning for the sector to 2027. “Our analysis anticipates the shape of the future legal workforce, identifying trends and skills gaps based on a range of alternative scenarios, from technology adoption and Brexit to competition,” Law Society president Simon Davis said. “Developments identified here will help define the roles and skills required for solicitor firms to perform successfully, while the Law Society will continue to refer to these findings to plan and develop relevant support for our members.” Since 1993 the number of legal professionals has increased steadily, at an average rate of just under two per cent per ye...

The option of becoming a freelance solicitor makes it cheaper and easier to set up and practise alone than ever before. The option of becoming a freelance solicitor makes it cheaper and easier to set up and practise alone than ever before. Unlike the process of establishing as a sole practitioner – it can take months to get a new firm authorised – if you have a practising certificate and want to become a freelance solicitor, you could be up and running in less than a week. To get going, you simply need to notify the Solicitors Regulation Authority and ensure that you have a letter of engagement and terms of business which meet the notification requirements set out by the regulator. If you want to offer reserved legal services, you will also need three years’ post-qualification experience and ‘adequate and appropriate’ professional indemnity insurance. It really is that simple. Except, of course, nothing is quite that simple. The low upfront costs and promise of reduced bureaucra...

Here are ten points to bear in mind in order to excel when attending networking events. Do your research Before attending a networking event, you should not only make yourself aware of the focus of it, but also take the opportunity to consider the attendance list, if there’s one available. Peruse any online profiles of the people with whom you’ll be networking, while bearing in mind the next tip. Don’t stay glued to your phone   It’s acceptable to take it out to check the contact details of someone who doesn’t have a business card, but not to talk, text or check messages. By focusing on your phone, you’ll seem too busy to engage with and may be considered disrespectful. Do remain subtle   Don’t come on too strong. Whether you’re discussing legal matters or simply chatting on a personal level, avoid going overboard on what or how much you know. Avoid forcing your opinions on anyone, even if you hear something you don’t agree with. Don’t be late ...