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Expert Analysis

• Legal Industry Can Help Steer UK Out Of Social Mobility Crisis

  

  The legal industry has a responsibility to help mitigate the U.K. social mobility crisis highlighted by the recent State of the Nation report, and it can start to increase socioeconomic diversity in its ranks by focusing on reducing the educational barriers to entering the profession, says Jo-Anne Pugh at BPP University Law School.

• 2024 Will Be A Busy Year For Generative AI And IP Issues

  

  In light of increased litigation and policy proposals on balancing intellectual property rights and artificial intelligence innovation, 2024 is shaping up to be full of fast-moving developments that will have significant implications for AI tool developers, users of such tools and rights holders, say lawyers at Mishcon de Reya.

• How Businesses Can Prepare For Cyber Resilience In 2024

  

  With cybersecurity breaches one of the biggest threats to U.K. businesses and as legislation tightens, organizations should prioritize their external security measures in 2024 and mitigate risks by being well-informed on internal data protection procedures, says Kevin Modiri at Nelsons.

• PR Perspectives: Taking Stock Of 2023, Preparing For 2024

  

  As law firms and PR teams review their 2023 external communications output, it is a good moment to consider how to maintain a perfect profile in order to enhance, protect and advance a firm's reputation for the coming year, says Louise Beeson at Bell Yard Communications.

• PR Perspectives: How To Communicate A Law Firm Merger

  

  Recent data shows a significant increase in law firm mergers and acquisitions in the U.K., and to ensure the deal goes without a hitch, both internal and external communications need to be carefully planned so that appropriate messaging aligns with the objectives of the deal, says Belinda Lewis at Birketts.

• Why Law Firms Should Heed Calls To Put ESG Over Profit

  

  According to Deloitte’s recent survey, the majority of Gen Z and millennials remain unimpressed with businesses’ societal impact, and junior lawyers in particular are increasingly expecting the legal profession to shift to a business model that prioritizes sustainability above profitability, says Dana Denis-Smith at Obelisk Support.

• PR Perspectives: What Not To Do In Legal Public Relations

  

  There is a wealth of advice about how to publicize a law firm, but what not to do is just as important, and ignoring a target audience, communicating without a strategy, or misusing social media are potentially risky and reputation-damaging practices, says Steve Rudaini at MD Communications.

• A Diverse Workforce Can Help Close The Legal Talent Gap

  

  Recent reports from professional firms reveal that a diverse workforce is likely to close the talent gap and achieve better business outcomes, and for law firms, this needs to start with routes into the profession in order to make a real change, says Jody Tranter at Barbri.

• Navigating The Novel Challenges Facing The Legal Profession

  

  The increasing prominence of ESG and AI have transformed the legal landscape and represent new opportunities for lawyers, but with evolving regulations and the ever-expanding reach of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, law firms should ensure that they have appropriate policies in place to adapt to these challenges, say Scott Ashby and Aimee Talbot at RPC.

• Key Lessons From The SRA's 2023 AML Report

  

  The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s recent anti-money laundering report conducted supervisory activities that revealed a variety of breaches, and with an increasingly regulated landscape, lawyers can play an important part in preventing criminal activity by taking responsibility for ensuring compliance, says Harriet Holmes at Thirdfort.

• How The Legal Sector Can Enhance Its Data Resilience

  

  In view of the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre’s recent report shedding light on the legal sector’s increased vulnerability to cyberattacks, law firms need not only establish robust defenses, but also to redefine their approach to data security by fostering a culture of continuous learning, adaptability and vigilance, says Katie McCullough at Panzura.

• Building Strong Relationships At All Stages Of A Legal Career

  

  Whether a junior attorney seeks to lay the foundation for a path to partnership, or a seasoned practitioner aims to leverage an extensive network, the road to legal industry success often involves cultivating sincere relationships, say Kathleen Hilton and Megan Senese at Stage.

• How Mentoring Can Increase Black Representation In Law

  

  U.K. Black History Month is a good time to look at the importance of Black representation in the legal profession, and how mentorship can make a big difference in empowering Black lawyers, including by offering career coaching and building valuable relationships, says Christianah Babajide at Keating Chambers.

• Socioeconomic Data Shows Diversity Needed In Legal Sector

  

  U.K. solicitors come from the highest socioeconomic backgrounds compared with the wider workforce, and with the case for a greater focus on diversity and inclusion stronger in law than in any other sector, now is the time to challenge the status quo decisions that affect equality and representation, says Nik Miller at the Bridge Group.

• PR Perspectives: When Law Firms Offer PR Services

  

  The news of libel law firm Schillings setting up its own public relations firm illustrates the equal importance of both lawyers and PR professionals in managing the reputations of businesses and individuals effectively, especially in the evolving media landscape, says Gus Sellitto at Byfield Consultancy.