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Consolidation matters

28 February 2019 / Joanne Cracknell , Jonathan Angell
Issue: 7830 / Categories: Features , Profession , Legal services
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Joanne Cracknell & Jonathan Angell discuss the best strategies for reducing risk in law firm acquisitions

  •  Covers the key components to a successful law firm acquisition: planning early, implementing a strategic business plan, conducting thorough due diligence and patience.

Consolidation activity is commonplace within the legal services market and 2018 drew to a close with several high-profile transactions.

The decision to acquire another business can be extremely effective in the growth, innovation and diversification of a law firm but such decisions cannot be made hastily. Buying another business can be challenging and complex, so careful planning and management, together with conducting proper due diligence, are essential to a successful transaction.

Every transaction is unique, so there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach or silver bullet for risk management leading up to, during, and after the transaction. However, certain risks are often overlooked when legal firms make acquisitions. The due diligence exercise should be a comprehensive appraisal of the assets and liabilities of each firm. One of the principal aims of such an exercise is to

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Muckle LLP—Rachael Chapman

Muckle LLP—Rachael Chapman

Sports, education and charities practice welcomes senior associate

Ellisons—Carla Jones

Ellisons—Carla Jones

Partner and head of commercial litigation joins in Chelmsford

Freeths—Louise Mahon

Freeths—Louise Mahon

Firm strengthens Glasgow corporate practice with partner hire

NEWS
One in five in-house lawyers suffer ‘high’ or ‘severe’ work-related stress, according to a report by global legal body, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)
The Legal Ombudsman’s (LeO’s) plea for a budget increase has been rejected by the Law Society and accepted only ‘with reluctance’ by conveyancers
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
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