About Practice Management
There’s more to running a law firm than being good at law. If you want to succeed in today’s tough legal landscape you have to manage your business effectively. That means strategic planning, business planning, financial management, risk management, talent management, operational management, knowledge management, HR, IT, tax, pensions, business development, health & safety, learning & development and facilities.
Human resources (HR)
If you have a HR department or not, this topic can be a reference tool or way to understand why HR is important, what a firm needs to do, and how. We combine relevant employment law with practical HR guidance.
Health & safety (H&S)
Every business needs to be compliant with H&S legislation. Law firms often outsource this area due to a lack of knowledge. We can demystify these requirements and help firms do what they need to do themselves.
Lexcel Practice Management Standard
Any law firm that has or wants to get Lexcel accreditation (the Law Society’s practice management standard) will find this subtopic invaluable. Get practical pre-assessment, assessment day, and post-assessment guidance.
Running a firm
There's more to running a firm than being a good lawyer. If you want to succeed in today's tough legal landscape you have to manage your business effectively. Strategic planning, finances, business development and more.
Our Practice Management Experts
Jon Whittle
Louisa Winning
Jennifer Oswin
Alex Storer
Larry Cattle
Latest Practice Management News
Carers UK and Employers for Carers have conducted a survey on the implementation of the Carer's Leave Act 2023, which came into force in April 2024...
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a warning notice to law firms, particularly those engaged in high-volume claims work, regarding...
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published guidance on what employers need to know about the new sexual harassment law and...
Employment analysis: The Lexis+® Employment team have put together a round-up of the key employment law developments in 2024 as well as a look ahead...
Law360: The UK's proposed Fair Work Agency will be 'more than the sum of its parts', the heads of the labour enforcement bodies being absorbed to form...
Latest Practice Management Practice Notes
Brexit—cybersecurity [Archived]ARCHIVED: This Practice Note has been archived and is not maintained.This Practice Note explores the effect of Brexit...
Doing business in: New ZealandUpdated in March 2023IntroductionThe business environmentForming a companyFinancing a companyOpening a branch...
Doing business in: BrazilUpdated in April 2024IntroductionBrazil is the fifth largest country in the world by geographical area (3,287,956 sq mi), and...
Contract variationThis Practice Note summarises the law, guidance and practice relating to the variation of contracts and deeds. It explains how a...
Doing business in: the UKUpdated in November 2024IntroductionThe UK has been one of the favoured locations for global businesses to set up their first...
Latest Practice Management Precedents
Price and service notice—fixed price—general—law firms1Legal costs1.1There are [two OR three] main elements to the legal costs of [insert brief...
Policy—hybrid working1Introduction1.1Our hybrid working arrangements are designed to provide staff with a better work/life balance, increase...
Letter—Agreed extension to decision period for flexible working request[Insert name of employee][Insert address of employee][Insert date]Dear [Insert...
Letter—trainee solicitor offer letter [Archived]ARCHIVED: This Precedent has been archived and not maintained. From 1 September 2021, candidates can...
Compliance officer for finance and administration—COFA—job description and role profile1Compliance officer for finance and administration (COFA)...
Latest Practice Management Q&As
Featured Practice Management content
Qualifying work experience (QWE)
Qualifying work experience (QWE)From 1 September 2021, there is a new route to qualification for aspiring solicitors—the Solicitors Qualifying...
Corporate social responsibility—CSR—regulatory requirements
Corporate social responsibility—CSR—regulatory requirementsThis Practice Note considers regulatory requirements relating to corporate social...
How to read and understand the financial accounts of a law firm
How to read and understand the financial accounts of a law firmThis Practice Note provides information about how to read and understand the financial...
Formulating a learning and development—L&D—policy
Formulating a learning and development—L&D—policyThis Practice Note provides information on formulating a learning and development (L&D) policy. It...
The impact of pricing on profitability
The impact of pricing on profitabilityBusinesses are constantly looking for ways to improve performance and effective pricing can be instrumental in...
How to conduct an effective attendance review meeting—law firms
How to conduct an effective attendance review meeting—law firmsThis Practice Note is intended for law firms. It provides guidance on how to conduct an...
How to prepare and deliver a training course or presentation
How to prepare and deliver a training course or presentationThis Practice Note covers how to prepare and deliver a training course or presentation. It...
What is pro bono?
What is pro bono?Many lawyers recognise it is a privilege to be able to provide legal advice and representation and be a part of the legal system....
Fee sharing agreement—law firms
Fee sharing agreement—law firmsThis Agreement is made on [insert date]Parties1[insert name of company] [of OR a company incorporated in [England and...
Health and safety in the workplace—regulatory requirements
Health and safety in the workplace—regulatory requirementsThis Practice Note covers regulatory requirements relating to health and safety in the...
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)Until 31 August 2021, the main route to solicitor qualification (training contract route) required...
Benchmarking—what are normal measures of financial performance in a law firm?
Benchmarking—what are normal measures of financial performance in a law firm?This Practice Note provides information about different ways of measuring...
The structure of a negotiation
The structure of a negotiationWhen entering into any negotiation, be it a multimillion pound business deal or an agreeing the office coffee rota,...
Completion of training contract
Completion of training contractThis Practice Note explains SRA requirements and guidance on the process for applying for admission as a solicitor,...
Preparing an effective tender presentation
Preparing an effective tender presentationThe interview stage is your opportunity to present your proposal to the prospective client. Lack of...
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) statement—law firms
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) statement—law firmsOur diversity and inclusion (D&I) statement articulates our commitment to a diverse workforce and...
The importance of good time recording
The importance of good time recordingThis Practice Note is intended for law firms. It explains why time recording is so important. It also explores...
Lexcel—assessment
Lexcel—assessmentLexcel is the Law Society's practice management standard. It is not compulsory although Lexcel accreditation can be helpful for firms...
Associated legal terms
Attachment order
A court order in divorce proceedings which provides for pension benefits to be used to pay either maintenance or a capital sum from a pension scheme direct to an ex-spouse on behalf of a member.
BPF
British Property Federation (BPF)
Limited partner
A partner of a limited partnership nominated as such who has no active involvement in the management of the limited partnership business and enjoys limited liability.
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