Chris Whitfield

𝙏𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙖𝙬 - 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 (𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵) AI is changing the game for law firms, and the latest Clio Legal Trends Report shows just how big of a shift we’re seeing. From client expectations to operational efficiencies, technology is paving the way for the future of law. Here are some key takeaways... - 𝗔𝗜 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲: According to Clio’s findings, 𝟰𝟳% 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗮𝘄𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀, and AI is helping to lighten that load. Legal professionals are leveraging technology to streamline everything from document review to case management, allowing them to focus more on strategic and client-facing activities. - 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟲𝟲% 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 now prefer firms that use technology to improve communication. They want real-time updates, instant responses, and the convenience of digital tools. This isn’t just about speed - it's about staying relevant and responsive to today’s fast-paced world. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: AI is also enabling firms to spot trends and optimise their approach with greater precision. It's not just about doing more work - it's about working smarter. Legal professionals who embrace these tools are using data to make informed decisions, improving outcomes for clients and firms alike. AI is no longer a bonus; it’s essential for improving service, streamlining operations, and staying competitive in today’s market. Whether you’re in litigation, corporate law, or private practice, adapting to this tech is becoming non-negotiable. If you're looking for a role where innovation and law meet, let’s connect. I’m partnering with firms at the forefront of this change, and I am keen to connect talented individuals with innovative firms across the UK. 📞: +(44) 7887 217589 📧: [email protected] To read more: https://lnkd.in/et3y-Ch7 #ThursdayTrendsInLaw #AIinLaw #LegalTech #FutureOfLaw #LegalInnovation #ClioTrends #LawandTech

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Congratulations to LegalTechnology Hub Hub on joining forces with Legal Tech Consultants and expanding into full-service consulting! This strategic move will undoubtedly enhance their service offerings and provide greater value to the legal tech community. Exciting times ahead for the industry! #LegalTech #LegalInnovation

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Kirkland & Ellis reclaimed the top spot as a leading dealmaker, beating competitors like Skadden and Latham & Watkins. UK Magic Circle firms like Freshfields and Linklaters also secured top positions, showing strength across the Atlantic. Increased M&A activity is expected, with more companies looking to expand, fueled by strong cash reserves and fewer regulatory challenges. Falling interest rates will likely spur more deals, providing a further boost to transaction-driven practice areas. Firms have seen strong demand across practice areas, signaling continued profitability moving forward.

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Winter in London: where the snow falls, the Guinness flows and the legal market grows. As the temperature drops in London—complete with the rare sight of November snow—it’s hard not to feel like the holidays here just make so much more sense! Halloween feels like something straight out of a movie—orange leaves, crisp air, and proper autumn vibes (not sweating through a costume on a 30-degree day!). And then there’s Christmas: cold winter temps, snow-covered streets, cozy markets, twinkling lights, and mulled wine that actually warms you up. The festive meal? It’s meant to be hot, with all the trimmings—not served alongside sunburn and prawns on the barbecue. And, of course, there’s always a pint of Guinness waiting to complete the winter vibes. Living here, I’ve realised that holidays just fit better. And the same can be said for the legal market, which is currently heating up as we approach the end of the year. From my perspective, here’s what’s driving this momentum: • A stabilising economic outlook: Think of it as the market finding its balance—steady inflation and hints of declining interest rates are creating a more predictable and confident playing field for businesses. • Renewed confidence in the market: Recent political shifts have resolved uncertainty, giving firms the green light to invest in growth and talent. • A year-end hiring surge: Firms aren’t just reacting to the present—they’re preparing for 2025. The demand for talent is growing, and there’s a real push to build teams capable of tackling big-ticket client needs. So, if you’re a lawyer considering a move, here’s my pitch: Come to London, where not only Christmas, but also your career finally makes sense. And if you’re already here, let’s have a chat—maybe over a Guinness! #MontgomeryAdvisory #LondonLegalCareers

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Lawyers – Engagement in an interview is critical! If invited to an interview, it means the law firm already believes you have some relevant technical experience. Partners will still ask technical questions, but this just gives you a chance to discuss your experience in more detail and impress them further with your relevant knowledge. BUT…. A big part of the interview outcome will be based on your behaviour and your interaction throughout the meeting. Be curious, enthusiastic, personable, charismatic, and most of all AUTHENTIC. This will show the interviewers the very best version of you both professionally and personally. I’ve never known a candidate being turned down because they were too interested in a law firm.

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📣 Growing Demand for Knowledge Lawyers in the UK 📣 While law firms have long employed Professional Support Lawyers (PSLs) or Knowledge Lawyers, we’re now seeing a notable surge in demand for these roles. As more fee-earners explore alternative career paths beyond the traditional partnership track, many are opting to transition into in-house positions. However, a significant number are choosing to stay within law firms, but in different capacities. As the legal landscape evolves, the role of knowledge lawyers has become increasingly crucial. They bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, driving innovation within the field. 💡 Thinking of a change? 💡 We currently have several exciting Knowledge Lawyer opportunities available with top UK, US, and international law firms: ⚡ Corporate M&A / PE Knowledge Lawyer Positions (x4) ⚡ Litigation Knowledge Lawyer Position ⚡ Construction Knowledge Lawyer Position ⚡ Pensions Knowledge Lawyer Position If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to reach out for more details! [email protected] ; or drop me a line on Linkedin #Knowledgelawyer #PSL #knowledgemanagement #lawyer #hiring #Legal

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The latest judgment in Farley v Paymaster (trading as Equiniti) sheds light on the courts' stance against exaggerated data claims ⚖️ It also warns that minimal distress doesn't always mean maximum compensation 🛡️ Looking for a fresh take on data privacy claims? You've come to the right place. Read Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP's article for more 🖱️ #DataPrivacy #CaseLaw #FarleyvPaymaster #DigitalLaw #UKTech Jenny Gibbs | Simon Davis

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A really exciting step for Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP and the industry, as MidLaw agrees a partnership with the market-leading AI tool, Harvey. The partnerships yields speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across legal solutions, with Martin Fletcher referring to the "substantial value that will follow for clients". With Whiteford sitting just outside the AmLaw 200, and the industry in a competitive transition, it'll be interesting to see the reaction of rival and AmLaw firms to Whiteford's new innovation capability. Will this narrow the competitive advantage of AmLaw firms from those outside the top 200? #LegalTech #Harvey

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Clifford Chance, the U.K.'s largest law firm by revenue, has become the latest major legal institution to soften its lockstep, as law firms continue to refine remuneration processes in order to best retain senior talent. #LegalNews #LondonLawFirms #SalaryInsight

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🔍 Ready to elevate your legal career? Personalised career advice from legal recruitment experts can be a game-changer. Tailored guidance pinpoints roles that match your skills and ambitions and align with your professional aspirations. Here at Douglas Scott, that's our raison d'etre. We know that one size doesn't fit all careers, so we take the time to understand our candidates. Personalised advice helps people find their exact match, leading to more satisfying professional lives and, in turn, more productive firms. This bespoke approach means we don't just place candidates; we pair them with their dream roles. Recent statistics reveal that 78% of legal professionals report higher job satisfaction within six months of being placed through tailored recruitment services, compared to 57% with generic recruitment methods (source: Legal Recruiters UK). This underscores the impact of expert, personalised advice on career fulfilment. It: ✔️ Enhances your career satisfaction ✔️ Helps you discover your perfect role ✔️ Allows you to trust experts with a tailored approach How has personalised career advice positively impacted your journey? Share your thoughts below or visit https://lnkd.in/eV_VSyrN for more info. #legalcareer #recruitment #jobsatisfaction

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SRA reports increase in SQE1 pass rate and rise in fees. Read more via the link in the comments. #aspiringlawyer #sqe

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Is recruitment "by far the biggest obstacle" to law firm growth? 🤔 In many chats with law firms, the concern around recruitment keeps popping up. Is it really the biggest hurdle to growth? Despite a rise in law graduates, many firms are still struggling to find the right talent at the right PQE. Recruiting isn't just about filling vacancies; it's about finding the right match - someone who fits the firm's culture and meets client expectations. 60% of new candidates at Thornton Legal receive a job offer within 28 days, but the journey to find them is far from simple. At Thornton Legal, we've realised that building strong, honest relationships is key. With our high retention and offer acceptance rates, we're proud to consult and support our partners. 📈 The UK legal scene is competitive, and talent retention is a crucial part of this puzzle. 92% of candidates we place are still with the same firm after 12 months, a testament to our thorough process and commitment to quality. What do you think? Is recruitment the main barrier to growth for law firms? Share your thoughts in the comments or visit www.thorntonlegal.co.uk to learn more about our approach. #legal #law #recruitment

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We will be at the LegalGeek Growth event tomorrow, in London. Who is coming? Comment below and let us know! would be great to catch up! Kirsty Pappin looking forward to hearing you speak at the event. #legal #growth #lawfirms #compliance #compliancetraining

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Growth in Private Client 📈 The UK wills and probate market is experiencing notable growth, expanding by 7% in 2024 to a value of £2.8bn, with projections suggesting it will reach £3.6bn by 2028. Although the primary will-writing industry was becoming more "price-led," additional services like POAs and probate drove growth. Despite this, the number of law firms offering will-writing services has dropped below 6,000. This decline contrasts with the significant rise in contentious probate and trusts work, highlighting increased client demand in these areas. One of the main causes of the drop in the number of law firms is the closure or merger of numerous high street law businesses, which are significant local suppliers of will writing services, during the past three years. However, the number of contentious probate specialists has increased to 304 by October this year, a 7% increase from 2023 and 36% increase on 2020. The number of firms specialising in disputed wills also went up, to 197 firms. For solicitors in wills and probate, the market growth presents significant opportunities, particularly in contentious probate and trusts, which are in high demand. However, the decline in firms offering will-writing services may increase competition for these clients, emphasising the need to innovate and specialise. #privateclient #willsandtrusts #legalgrowth #lawuk

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In the final instalment of our weekly Q&A series with LexisNexis UK exploring the top 10 questions asked by lawyers looking to move in-house from Private Practice; Karolina Mikulicz-Church and I are considering: 💥 Can you return to private practice after moving in-house? 💥 ❇ Having made the move in-house does not preclude you from returning to private practice although it is not a frequently trodden path.   ❇ Many lawyers we work with have successfully made this move, and the experience gained whilst in-house can be invaluable when returning to private practice. ❇ It is important to recognise that transitioning from in-house to private practice may involve a different set of challenges compared to your initial move. Be ready and prepared to effectively articulate the rationale for your move and how your in-house experience adds value to private practice clients. ❇ Some lawyers find that their in-house experience enhances their marketability, while others may need to strategically position their skills and experiences to align with the expectations of law firms.   ❇ Emphasise any commercial knowledge and practical experience gained during your time in-house. Clients often value lawyers who not only understand the law but can also provide strategic advice aligned with business objectives. ❇ Be proactive, maintain a strong professional network with solid relationships, and highlight the value you bring because of your in-house experience. ❇ Recognise that every career path is unique, and the process of returning to private practice may take time.   If you’re thinking about making the move and would like a confidential discussion, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line: 📧 [email protected] 📧 [email protected]

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