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10 June 2016 / Arlene Adams
Issue: 7702 / Categories: Features , Profession , Technology
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Time for change

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More law firms must continue to re-invent themselves, says Arlene Adams

Peppermint Technology’s latest research takes a broad look at the professional services market. How Law Firms Measure Up Against Other Sectors compares the management practices of lawyers to accountants and consultants.

Close attention was paid to the sectors’ willingness to innovate; their willingness to invest in future innovation and whether they have done so up to now. These are all indicators of their levels of awareness of the competitive era to come.

The research found that a third of law firms have not been involved in any business innovations in the last two years, a much higher figure than the other two sectors and an indication, perhaps, that law firms are continuing to spend money just to stand still, instead of innovating and adding value.

Law firms invest only 4.1% of turnover in IT, compared to consultancy (4.9%), and accountancy (5.1%). Deploying technology to add value to clients in ways that are commonplace in the retail sector is also an area where

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony

DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony

Commercial disputes practice expands with partner hire in London

Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster

Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster

Partner appointed to lead family and matrimonial department in Leeds

Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh

Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh

Commercial property team expands in Manchester with partner appointment

NEWS
SRM Recruitment has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Law Society RFC Festival of Sport 2026, which will take place on 20 September at Richmond Athletic Association. The specialist legal search firm joins the event as organisers prepare to welcome more than 110 teams across five sports, including rugby sevens, netball and five-a-side football
The civil justice landscape could be heading for a shake-up, with reform of the Solicitors Act 1974 gathering pace
Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements
A series of procedural developments could have significant practical consequences for litigators. Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Stephen Gold highlights important updates ranging from digital court reforms to family procedure and admissions of liability
As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships
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