header-logo header-logo

Home Login E-newsletter About us
28 February 2019 / Joanne Cracknell , Jonathan Angell
Issue: 7830 / Categories: Features , Profession , Legal services
printer mail-detail

Consolidation matters

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All Rights Reserved.

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

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Read All
Sponsored by
NLJ Career Profile: Nikki Bowker, Devonshires

NLJ Career Profile: Nikki Bowker, Devonshires

Nikki Bowker, head of litigation and dispute resolution at Devonshires, on career resilience, diversity in law and channelling Elle Woods when the pressure is on

Ellisons—Sarah Osborne

Ellisons—Sarah Osborne

Leasehold enfranchisement specialist joins residential property team

DWF—Chris Air

DWF—Chris Air

Firm strengthens commercial team in Manchester with partner appointment

NEWS
Read All
NLJ this week: When post-breach events rewrite damages claims
Contract damages are usually assessed at the date of breach—but not always. Writing in NLJ this week, Ian Gascoigne, knowledge lawyer at LexisNexis, examines the growing body of cases where courts have allowed later events to reshape compensation
NLJ this week: Supreme Court redraws unfair prejudice rules
The Supreme Court has restored ‘doctrinal coherence’ to unfair prejudice litigation, writes Natalie Quinlivan, partner at Fieldfisher LLP, in this week' NLJ
NLJ this week: ‘Joe Donor’ ruling exposes dangers of unregulated conception
The High Court’s refusal to recognise a prolific sperm donor as a child’s legal parent has highlighted the risks of informal conception arrangements, according to Liam Hurren, associate at Kingsley Napley, in NLJ this week
NLJ this week: CILEX warns Mazur ruling must spark reform
The Court of Appeal’s decision in Mazur may have settled questions around litigation supervision, but the profession should not simply ‘move on’, argues Jennifer Coupland, CEO of CILEX, in this week's NLJ
NLJ this week: Conditional job offers carry hidden risks for employers
A simple phrase like ‘subject to references’ may not protect employers as much as they think. Writing in NLJ this week, Ian Smith, barrister and emeritus professor of employment law at UEA, analyses recent employment cases showing how conditional job offers can still create binding contracts
Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
back-to-top-scroll