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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

Ogier—Martin Livingston

Ogier—Martin Livingston

Martin Livingston joins Ogier in Cayman to strengthen regulatory support

Blake Morgan—47 promotions

Blake Morgan—47 promotions

Blake Morgan announces 47 summer promotions across UK offices

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
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