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05 February 2014 / Simon Love
Issue: 7593 / Categories: Features , Regulatory
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Mind your step

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Simon Love provides a warning to firms facing financial difficulty

A year ago, the failure of a law firm was virtually unheard of. That sort of thing simply didn’t happen to solicitors. However, a number of high profile failures have made it clear that the solicitors’ profession is not immune to the prevailing harsh economic conditions. Following the intervention by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) into Follett Stock LLP in November 2013, Helen Herniman, the SRA’s Director of Client Protection, said: “The legal services market is facing a tough economic environment and other firms may find they are in a similar position. We’d urge all those who may be struggling financially to get in touch as soon as possible with either ourselves at the SRA, or other organisations that can offer advice such as their local Law Society.”

Why are more law firms at risk of insolvency?

It is undoubtedly the case that the solicitors market is having to face up to historic challenges on every front. All firms are grappling with the fact

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Specialist associate solicitor rejoins Muckle’s leading employment team

NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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