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Boutiques in bloom

22 September 2023 / Sinead O’Callaghan
Issue: 8041 / Categories: Features , Profession
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With the rise in smaller specialist law firms showing no signs of slowing down, Sinead O’Callaghan explains how the boutique firm can stand out in a crowded field
  • The continued success of boutique law firms shows that this model remains attractive for both lawyers and clients.
  • Boutique firms are top of the acquisition wish list for larger firms wishing to invest in specific practice areas.
  • The key to the survival of the boutique law firm is planning and diversifying to accommodate the ever-evolving disputes market.

While the 2008 financial crash and the consequent surge of conflicts work arguably instigated the emergence of the new wave of litigation boutiques, the changes in working practices brought about by the pandemic, among other things, have meant that the growth in numbers of specialist legal boutiques shows no signs of abating.

Increased competition

The legal landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the last decade, with many smaller, more specialised firms taking work away from established full-service domestic and international law firms. With the ongoing

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gilson Gray—Linda Pope

Gilson Gray—Linda Pope

Partner joins family law team inLondon

Jackson Lees Group—five promotions

Jackson Lees Group—five promotions

Private client division announces five new partners

Taylor Wessing—Max Millington

Taylor Wessing—Max Millington

Banking and finance team welcomes partner in London

NEWS
The landmark Supreme Court’s decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd—along with Rukhadze v Recovery Partners—redefine fiduciary duties in commercial fraud. Writing in NLJ this week, Mary Young of Kingsley Napley analyses the implications of the rulings
Barristers Ben Keith of 5 St Andrew’s Hill and Rhys Davies of Temple Garden Chambers use the arrest of Simon Leviev—the so-called Tinder Swindler—to explore the realities of Interpol red notices, in this week's NLJ
Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys [2025] has upended assumptions about who may conduct litigation, warn Kevin Latham and Fraser Barnstaple of Kings Chambers in this week's NLJ. But is it as catastrophic as first feared?
Lord Sales has been appointed to become the Deputy President of the Supreme Court after Lord Hodge retires at the end of the year
Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are reportedly in the firing line in Chancellor Rachel Reeves upcoming Autumn budget
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