header-logo header-logo

Law firm risks: weathering the storm

101259
Trying times: Clare Hughes-Williams & Patrick Hill advise on how best to mitigate exposures in an economic downturn
  • Certain risks for law firms become more prevalent during times of economic crisis, including the frequency of claims and the possibility of cyber-attacks.
  • It is vital to maintain strong financial governance and security systems during such times.

The news that the UK may be entering a recession is as unwelcome for the general public as it is for business leaders.

Professional services firms, and law firms in particular, are no exception. Recessionary conditions traditionally have an adverse impact on real estate and corporate lawyers with fewer deals being done, while their insolvency colleagues experience an uptick in activity levels as businesses start to suffer.

But are there any exposures that are specific to a poor economic climate, and can we mitigate those exposures?

Financial governance

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently made it clear that it will be keeping a watchful eye over

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

NLJ Career Profile: Stephen Ward, The Barrister Group

NLJ Career Profile: Stephen Ward, The Barrister Group

From mowing lawns to life at the Bar: Stephen Ward reflects on an unconventional career

Clarke Willmott—Ben Loosemore

Clarke Willmott—Ben Loosemore

Commercial property partner joins Clarke Willmott in Southampton

Ellisons—Robert Tiffen

Ellisons—Robert Tiffen

Robert Tiffen joins Ellisons as Partner in growing Norwich office

NEWS
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

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

back-to-top-scroll