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Smart investments (Pt 2)

29 January 2016 / Dr Marc K Peter
Issue: 7684 / Categories: Features
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Developing a new skill set can give Chambers the edge in an increasingly competitive market, as Dr Marc K Peter explains

It is undoubtedly an exciting time to be a barrister or manage a set of chambers. Factors such as alternative business structures (ABSs), direct access and the dramatic leap forward in technological advancements with regards to legal research, drafting and client management are enabling entrepreneurial spirits within the Bar to drive their chambers to great heights both financially and in terms of exceptional client service.

However, barristers’ turnover has decreased in the last four years by an average of 8.5% per year, making business development and marketing activities increasingly important (ONS (Turnover of Legal Activities 2010-2014)). As a result, greater numbers of individual barristers and chambers are engaging in strategic, well-executed marketing plans to attract regular, well-paid work. Our own research into the market shows that more barristers now believe that providing access to the best legal information available, having a clear IT strategy in place and investing in efficiency tools

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Ceri Morgan, knowledge counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd, which reshapes the law of fiduciary relationships and common law bribery
The boundaries of media access in family law are scrutinised by Nicholas Dobson in NLJ this week
Reflecting on personal experience, Professor Graham Zellick KC, Senior Master of the Bench and former Reader of the Middle Temple, questions the unchecked power of parliamentary privilege
Geoff Dover, managing director at Heirloom Fair Legal, sets out a blueprint for ethical litigation funding in the wake of high-profile law firm collapses
James Grice, head of innovation and AI at Lawfront, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal sector
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