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03 December 2015 / Dr Marc K Peter
Issue: 7679 / Categories: Features , Profession
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Smart investments

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Dr Marc K Peter explains how mid-sized law firms can use technology to succeed in a challenging marketplace

In today’s legal market, it is no longer enough for law firms to excel at providing legal advice to their clients. Consumers are getting smarter and, in response, law professionals have to increase the effectiveness of their client servicing, the quality of their legal information, and the business processes of their practice.

It is only by understanding the challenges facing the legal profession as we move towards the 2020s, that organisations supporting the industry can truly provide value and return on investment. In a series of interviews conducted in July this year, a number of partners of mid-sized law firms discussed the challenges and opportunities facing their business. During discussions, four core issues affecting law firms in today’s market were identified (see diagram below).

Attracting new business in a competitive marketplace

Finding and retaining new clients is a challenge for any business. However, since the legal industry was deregulated four years ago, lawyers have had to

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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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