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TLS Gazette gets a new look

TLS Gazette: May 1996 seems a very long time ago. Tony Blair, for whom "things could only get better", was still a year away from capturing Downing Street. England was preparing to host the last European football championships but three.

That month was also significant for another reason. The issue of 9 May was the last time that the print edition of the Gazette unveiled a major redesign, though the overhaul was less far-reaching than the one landing on desks today.

Good design is no mere frippery – it cannot be an optional extra. Solicitors are busy people. Even the best-read publications are at most partially read, which is why we have to look the part as well as speak the part. Our old format was undoubtedly showing its age.

It is vital that this flagship publication is seen as contemporary, in touch and appealing to a wide audience in the rapidly evolving legal services market. This is doubly important online, where so many of our current and future readers will find the information they need.

In print, the new Law Society Gazette's slightly wider format incorporates creative and open layouts, with greater emphasis on the incisive use of typography, pull-outs and box copy, together with increased use of imagery. All are designed to engage and stimulate the reader. And we are now printed on 100 per cent recycled paper.

Online the Law Society Gazette is as radically changed, with all sections of the magazine represented. Most importantly, each area of Gazette coverage is now easily accessible – we have flattened the site's structure to make things easier to find, and the home page has everything we do right at the top of the page.

Changes to content you will notice in coming weeks include enhanced coverage of the City and a new In Business section, created to help practitioners run their firms better. And there will be many more.

We value your feedback – tell us what you think at gazette-editorial@lawsociety.org.uk.

Details

(Posted: 07-06-2008)

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Improvement in performance saves Law Society from further fine

The Legal Services Complaints Commissioner, Zahida Manzoor, CBE, announced her decision that the Law Society's complaints handling arms – the Legal Complaints Service (LCS) and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) – have not handled complaints in accordance with their Improvement Plan for the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008. However, the Commissioner decided that she will not impose a financial penalty on the Law Society.

The Commissioner set the Law Society 13 targets relating to timeliness, quality and use of resources. The Law Society met six of these targets, exceeded two and missed five.

Speaking of her decision, the Commissioner said: "Whilst I would have liked to have announced that the LCS and SRA have met all the targets I set, I acknowledge that improvements have been made in most areas.

"I am particularly pleased that jointly LCS and SRA met their overall target to close 67 per cent of cases within three months (the LCS achieved 63 per cent and the SRA 77 per cent). Since I was appointed in 2004 and began setting targets, the number of older cases has reduced substantially, and complaints are being handled more quickly. This is good news for the consumer, and this upward trend needs to be sustained and improved upon."

The Commissioner sounded a warning that the lack of a fine should not be seen as a commendation: "My decision not to levy a penalty on the Law Society is not a cause for celebration, as the LCS and SRA have both missed a number of targets, and further effort is needed, especially on those targets measuring their adherence to quality processes."

This year has shown a clear divergence in performance between the LCS and SRA with the LCS performance levels meeting only three of its seven quality targets set, and the SRA performance being at targeted levels for five of its six quality targets.

Commenting on this the Commissioner stated: "The LCS still has a long way to go in terms of value for money, cost efficiency and quality. I have set individual targets for 2008/09 for the LCS and SRA. This means the LCS will have to be more effective in meeting the targets I have set as any targets exceeded by the SRA in future will be considered separately."

Regarding her decision not to impose a financial penalty, the Commissioner added: "When I announced my decision in November 2007 not to impose a penalty on the Law Society for LCS and SRA's failure to handle complaints in accordance with their Improvement Plan for 2006/07, I said I would be unlikely to extend the same latitude again.

"However, where there are failures against the targets for 2007/08, I have set these against the improvements that have been made. For example, the Law Society achieved 84.4 per cent against a target of 85 per cent, to ensure it applies its own procedures and policy relating to making special payments to consumers as compensation where there are failings in its own service. This is a welcomed improvement compared to 48.4 per cent in 2006/07."

The Commissioner spoke of her earlier decision in relation to the 2008/09 Plan: "I had hoped that the LCS and SRA would want to build on the improvements in performance for 2007/08 by submitting an appropriate Improvement Plan (including the targets I set) for 2008/09. However, I recently announced my decision to impose a £275,000 penalty on the Law Society for its inadequate 2008/09 Plan. It failed to demonstrate a commitment to achieve many of the targets at the level I set, and this would have prevented sufficient progress being made towards achieving effective and efficient complaints handling. Having an adequate Plan in place is in the best interests of consumers and the legal profession."

The Commissioner concluded: "The LCS needs to commit to further improvements that will safeguard the consumer and profession as it moves towards closure in the next two years and hands over complaints to the new Office for Legal Complaints, scheduled to be established in 2010."

Details

(Posted: 23-06-2008)

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Law Society library wins excellence prize

The Law Society library has been awarded the 2008 Halsbury's Award for Best Legal Information Service (Non-Commercial Sector). The prize, in association with LexisNexis, was presented to library staff at the annual conference of the British and Irish Association of Law Librarians in Dublin.

Find out about the Law Society's library services at: www.lawsociety.org.uk/library

Read more about the awards

(Posted: 20-06-2008)

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JLD Pro Bono Awards 2008: nominations open

The Law Society’s Junior Lawyers Division has opened nominations for the 10th annual Pro Bono Awards.

Previously known as the Young Solicitors Group Awards, the JLD Pro Bono Awards are open to the following:

• LPC students;
• Trainee solicitors; and
• Solicitors up to five years qualified.

• Solicitor – local projects (projects undertaken by a solicitor assisting individuals or groups based in the UK);
• Solicitor – international projects (projects undertaken by a solicitor assisting individuals or groups outside the UK);
• Solicitor – team (projects undertaken by a group of solicitors assisting individuals or groups whether based in the UK or abroad);
• Trainee (projects undertaken by an individual trainee or group of trainees, whether the project is based in the UK or abroad); and
• Student (projects undertaken by an individual student or group of students, whether the project is based in the UK or abroad).

(Posted: 20-06-2008)

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Law Society supporting solicitors in more ways than ever

Your Law Society was published this week. This publication looks back on the successes of the past year, during which the Law Society has been able to support solicitors more effectively than ever, running high impact campaigns and introducing innovative new services. It also sets out the Law Society's goals for the next three years to build on these achievements.

Details

(Posted: 20-06-2008)

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Law Society Excellence Awards 2008 – nominations open

This year's Law Society Excellence Awards are now open for nominations with new categories including client service, marketing and business development and exporting legal services. Last year's awards established the event as a prestigious date in the legal calendar, recognising and rewarding the most outstanding practitioners in the legal professions. Winning an award is a huge achievement and brings great recognition for individuals and firms. The awards are open to individuals and teams across the entire legal sector, not just solicitors. The closing date for entries is Friday, 12 September.

Details

(Posted: 20-06-2008)

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The Solicitor's Handbook 2008: order your copy

This authoritative new handbook draws together all of the most important rules and regulations that affect solicitors. Written from the practitioner's perspective, it provides expert commentary on the practical reality of the regulatory and disciplinary environment in which solicitors operate.

Find out more and order your copy

(Posted: 07-06-2008)

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New Public Guardian appointed

Martin John has been appointed the new Public Guardian and Chief Executive of the Office of the Public Guardian, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice announced.

Martin John will succeed Richard Brook. Mr John has extensive experience of leading the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal and more recently in Business Development for the new Tribunals Service. Although Mr John does not formally take up post until Mr Brook leaves on 10 July 2008, he is working alongside Mr Brook, the current postholder, with immediate effect.

Justice Minister Prentice said: "Richard Brook made an enormous contribution to implementing the Mental Capacity Act and in setting up the Office of the Public Guardian.

"I am pleased that Martin will now be leading the organisation and continuing with the work to deal with the significant workload at the Office of the Public Guardian."

Mr John said: "I am delighted to be appointed as Public Guardian and Chief Executive of the Office of the Public Guardian. Over the coming weeks my priority is to work with staff and stakeholders to ensure customers receive the right services at the right time.

"The Office faces some key challenges in dealing with the processing of lasting powers of attorney and extra resources have been brought in to tackle the delays and we are already seeing improvements.

"Over the longer term, I will be reviewing how well the Office and the Mental Capacity Act are working overall and we will be engaging closely with customers and stakeholders on this."

Details

(Posted: 13-06-2008)

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Society slams unnecessary rise in court fees

The Law Society has voiced strong concerns about the increases in care proceedings fees paid by local authorities since May 2008. Setting court fees purely on the basis of cost may leave vulnerable children, particularly in cases of neglect, at greater risk of harm. Local authorities intervene in family life to protect children on behalf of the state. The Crown Prosecution Service does not pay in this way to bring prosecutions.

The Law Society is fundamentally opposed to the government's policy of full cost pricing to meet the costs of the civil and family courts, which provide a benefit for all society. There is currently over recovery in relation to the civil courts, and this should be fed back into the system. There is also a strong case for public funding to support the work of the family courts in cases concerning the protection and welfare of children.

The Law Society will continue to monitor and politically lobby on this issue.

Background

The Law Society published a press release on 28 February 2008 warning that the government's plans to increase court fees could price vulnerable children out of court.

Read the press release

Details

(Posted: 05-06-2008)

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Law Society and LCS respond to LSCC fine

The Law Society and the Legal Complaints Service (LCS) have reacted to news that Legal Services Complaints Commissioner Zahida Manzoor is to levy a fine of £275,000 in relation to its complaints handling plan for 2008/09.

Law Society chief executive Des Hudson said: "We disagree with the commissioner's decision.
"The fact is that the Legal Complaints Service [LCS] has delivered a year-on-year improvement in terms of quality and speed with which it handles complaints.

"The performance of LCS compares favourably to other similar organisations, and on any reasonable measure, LCS must now be regarded as an effective complaints handling body."

Professor Shamit Saggar, chair of the Board of the LCS, said the decision was "completely unjustified" and distorted the true picture of the effectiveness of the organisation.

Professor Saggar said: "By any reasonable measure, this is a disproportionate action by the Legal Services Complaints commissioner that brings no benefit to either the legal profession or consumers of legal services. You do not fine a successful organisation, let alone one that, in fact, leads the way in consumer redress.

"We recently published results that clearly showed we were performing at levels only attainable by the very best consumer redress organisations. The plan that has attracted today’s financial sanction built on those already impressive performance levels and would have delivered further improvements in our service.

"These improvements have been recognised by leading consumer champions such as the National Consumer Council and Which?."

Deborah Evans, chief executive of the LCS, said: "It is important when developing a complaints handling plan that we do not make false promises. We didn't – we set stretching targets but not ones that it would be impossible to achieve."

Details

(Posted: 05-06-2008)

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Pastoral Care Helpline launched

The Law Society launched a new Pastoral Care Helpline. This is in response to members' feedback, which shows that the Law Society's helpline services are highly valued. The new service will help members with personal, financial, professional or employment problems and refer them to the most suitable helpline for their circumstances. The number is 020 7320 5795, and lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Details of all the Law Society's helplines can be found at: www.lawsociety.org.uk/helplines.

(Posted: 05-06-2008)

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Law Society launches new client care practice note

The Law Society issued the second practice note in its client care range, focusing on getting the most out of initial interviews with prospective clients. Initial interviews with prospective clients provide a good opportunity to understand what services your client wants and to agree the terms and conditions for providing your services with them.

Read the full practice note

This practice note outlines how effective communication of key information to the potential client will reduce the chances of disputes arising later in the retainer.

Practice notes are issued by the Law Society as a professional body for the use and benefit of its members. They represent the view of the Society on what a standard of good practice in a particular area is. Solicitors are not required to follow them, nor are they intended to represent the only standard of good practice which solicitors can follow. Practice notes are not legal advice.

Details

(Posted: 15-05-2008)

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LMS Financial Benchmarking Survey 2007 launched

Sponsored by:

The eighth annual Law Management Section Financial Benchmarking Survey is now available. Produced in association with Robert Mowbray of MacIntyre Hudson LLP, the survey has become the annual financial health check of the Law Society’s Law Management Section (LMS), and it represents the most in-depth research of its kind. The results are based upon responses to a questionnaire that was sent to all LMS members in 2007.

The two most revealing indicators that reflect the state of health of respondent firms are fee income and employment costs. However, the research delves deeper than that, and for example, firms were asked to provide detailed statistical information about their treatment of working capital.

As well as looking at the economic wellbeing of law firms, the survey also seeks to identify best management practice in the legal profession. In particular, the survey quantifies the importance that firms attach to quality marks, such as Lexcel, as well as measuring time spent on practice management within the firm.

The survey looks at an increasingly complex and ever-changing profession and seeks to identify and measure new trends as they arise. Respondents were asked to indicate how receptive they were to new corporate structures, such as limited liability partnerships. Firms were asked to provide information about how they fulfil obligations under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, as well as their experience of reporting suspicious activities to the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

The areas surveyed are as follows:

• fee income;
• employment costs;
• net profitability;
• working capital management; and
• best practice. 

Click here to download any associated documents

(Posted: 22-04-2008)

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Law Society launches complaints management practice note

The Law Society is boosting excellence in client care and complaints management by issuing a new practice note.

The practice note outlines good practice in client care to help solicitors increase client satisfaction, promote their practice in the competitive legal services market, lower their insurance premiums, demonstrate their professionalism and enhance the reputation of the profession.

The initiative is aimed at supporting solicitors to deliver a more client focused service and highlights the Law Society’s commitment to help solicitors achieve good practice in complaints handling.

The move coincides with a decision by the Legal Complaints Service (LCS) to consult on whether they should start publishing the complaints records of solicitors who are found to have provided inadequate professional service. They say they are doing this to support solicitors to improve their client care.

Des Hudson, Law Society chief executive, says: "The Law Society has a different view of how one actually supports a solicitor to improve their performance. We do not name and shame them. We give them real tools, which demonstrate good practice and provide them with training.

"Not only has the LCS not provided any evidence to demonstrate that it is effective within a professional context, the move will apply to only a small number of firms so will not really assist clients in picking between most firms."

These initiatives build upon the existing Law Society services provided to solicitors to pursue excellence in client care including, Lexcel practice management standard, Law Management Section services, and the Law Society Excellence Awards.

Read the complaints management practice note

Read more about what the Law Society is doing to support solicitors with client care by visiting www.lawsociety.org.uk/clientcare.

The Law Society has set up a series of spring training sessions on client care and complaint management, which are already fully booked. Further seminars on a wide range of client care issues are being developed to start in May and proceed through the autumn.

Details

(Posted: 11-04-2008)

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Publication of the Finance Bill

In his Budget statement, the Chancellor set out measures to deliver the government's objectives of building a strong economy and a fair society, where there is opportunity and security for all. Finance Bill 2008, which enacts many of the Budget measures, is published 27 March.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Jane Kennedy, said: "Today's Finance Bill furthers the progress this government has made in building a stable, competitive economy that supports a high level of enterprise and growth. Measures in this Bill will contribute to a more sustainable future, and continue to support our goals of fairness and opportunity for all."

The Lobby notes, also published 27 March, briefly describe the clauses and Schedules in the Bill and can be found on the HM Treasury website. More detailed Explanatory Notes on clauses are available from Stationery Office bookshops and also on the HM Treasury and HM Revenue & Customs websites.

Further details on the Bill will be published on the HM Treasury and HM Revenue & Customs websites as the Bill progresses through Parliament.

Read the full Finance Bill 2008
Further information from HM Treasury website

(Posted: 27-03-2008)

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Measuring the true value of firms

The Law Society is taking forward an initiative to explore ways of measuring the success of law firms. The initiative will look beyond the blunt instrument of profit per equity partner to the longer-term sustainability of firms, including business strategy, client care, employee engagement, innovation, social capital and efficiency.

The initiative is prompted by a significant and innovative project launched by Allen & Overy during 2007, and follows their request that the Society takes the project profession-wide.

Next steps

During the first half of 2008, the Society will consult with firms of all types and sizes to refine the ideal model for analytical tools. The Society aims to make these tools available in the second half of the year.

Stay updated

Regular information will be posted to the Law Society website, and updates will be posted in the weekly e-newsletter for solicitors, Professional Update.
Sign up for this e-newsletter

More information

On 15 November 2007, a wide range of firms met to discuss early proposals for measurement approaches at a seminar at Allen & Overy's offices.
Read a meeting summary

Presentations:

• A Law Society view – Andrew Holroyd, Law Society president
• Measuring law firm performance: a proposed analytical framework – Guy Beringer, John Kelly and Ilian Iliev
• Measuring law firm performance: a US (economist’s) view – Bruce MacEwen, founder and publisher, Adam Smith, Esq.
• Measuring the success of law firms – Quentin Poole, Senior Partner of Wragge & Co

(Posted: 10-03-2008)

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Law Society launches free online library service

The Law Society has launched a free online legal information source for solicitors and their employees. Law Society Library Online is the result of a collaborative venture between the Law Society and LexisNexis. It brings you fast, easy access to the library catalogue and value added legal information sources, plus selected free LexisNexis content.

Details

(Posted: 21-02-2008)

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Law Society issues new client care publication

The Law Society has released an updated version of Your clients – your business, an information booklet designed to encourage solicitors to consider how they can improve their relationships with clients.

The publication draws on experiences of those with direct involvement with solicitors and their clients. It refers to regulatory requirements and best practice in an easy-to-use format that highlights some of the problem areas that can arise.

It looks at four main areas of client management from when a solicitor first meets a client, through to matters that solicitors should consider for their client care letter and terms and conditions and, finally, how to deal effectively with complaints. 
 
It is available via the Law Society website and will also be distributed to firms visited by members of the Practice Standards Unit and at Law Management Section events. To request a hard copy, contact Practice Advice (email practiceadvice@lawsociety.org.uk).

Download a copy

(Posted: 04-10-2007)

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LMS Legal Aid Toolkit launched

The LMS Legal Aid Toolkit was launched at the LMS LAPG Annual Conference 2007 on Friday, 19 October in Oxford.

The toolkit is chapter-based and deals with topics such as finance, management, strategy and growth, mergers and disposals, preferred supplier, fixed and graduated fees, criminal contracts and related timetables.

It includes a number of checklists, a usual diagnostic tool and a specially designed benchmark calculator – which is available electronically via the Section’s website.

The toolkit is designed to help practitioners understand how to operate under the new fee regime and prepare for the next wave of changes. The contributors are experts in the legal aid sector who have pooled their resources to produce the very best advice available to help users make sound business decisions.

The LMS produces five other toolkits on mergers, risk management, business development, human resources and Internet policies. Each toolkit is chapter-based with new additions issued periodically. Written by experts in the fields, they are designed to provide an initial reference source for managers and include summaries of key issues and techniques, checklists, hints and tips, and suggested reading.

Recently released chapters include:

• putting it together, due diligence and integration (LMS Merger Toolkit);
• intellectual property and the management of personnel, and identity management (LMS Internet Policy Toolkit);
• statutory risks (LMS Risk Management Toolkit); and
• social media and client feedback (LMS Business Development Tookit).

(Posted: 19-10-2007)

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Earn up to eight hours free CPD points each year with MFS

The Law Management Section has introduced a way for members to meet CPD requirements via its Managing for Success magazine:

• Fifteen multiple choice questions will be published on the Section’s website to coincide with the release of every issue (January, April, July and October).
• The questions will only relate to articles in that issue and are designed to ensure practitioners have read and understood the content. 
• After submitting all the answers in one sitting, members will be notified online immediately of their result. 
• If successful, members can claim two hours unaccredited CPD. To be successful, the score most be more than 12. Answers cannot be re-submitted.
• Members will have until a week before the next CPD-based issue to complete the quiz. 
• Past results can be viewed and printed via the Edit my Profile area of the website.
• Members need to use their current website username and password. To request a new one, please email lawmanagementsection@lawsociety.org.uk or telephone 020 7316 5707.
• This is only available to members. If you normally pass your copy to colleagues, contact the Section and change to corporate membership so they too can join and take advantage of the service. If you're not a member, join now.

(Posted: 10-10-2006)

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