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07 October 2016 / Jeff Hemming
Issue: 7717 / Categories: Features , Profession
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Data-savvy law

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Smart data practices can improve work practices and profits in law firms, says Jeff Hemming

Smart data helps law firms understand business development drivers, establish key metrics and continuously measure against them. A smart data strategy that enables law firms to use data to find ways of working smarter and not harder is key at a time of increasing global competition in the legal sector. For example, US firms are achieving much greater profitability than their UK counterparts. If the UK top tier’s global net profit margin of 37% could match the US top tier’s of 46%, it would generate, on average, £115m of additional profit equating to £229,000 per partner (source: PwC 2015 Annual law firms’ survey).

Against this backdrop, it is vital that firms use data to provide the business intelligence they need to remain competitive. Legal professionals will see real benefits from translating raw data into actionable information that helps them respond to client demands for more resources, more time, and greater productivity—improving results and reducing costs along the way.

An evidence

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

mfg Solicitors—Hannah Finnegan

mfg Solicitors—Hannah Finnegan

Law firm strengthens private client team to support continued growth

Devonshires—Andrew Cromb

Devonshires—Andrew Cromb

Devonshires expands offering with appointment of tax partner Andrew Cromb

Freeths—John Jones

Freeths—John Jones

Freeths strengthens senior leadership team with Chief Technology Officer appointment

NEWS
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The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners
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