Madeleine Weber

🚀 AI rising rapidly in the legal sector! According to a recent blog by LexisNexis, AI implementation is increasing across the UK legal landscape, transforming the way legal professionals operate. According to survey findings, the number of lawyers using generative AI for work purposes has nearly quadrupled in just over a year, jumping from 11% in July 2023 to an impressive 41% in September 2024. Additionally, the percentage of lawyers planning to use AI has also increased significantly, from 28% to 41% during the same period. As firms increasingly adopt AI technologies, they are seeing immediate benefits from streamlining routine, administrative tasks. Therefore, activities such as legal research, document review, and contract analysis will become simpler and quicker, allowing lawyers to concentrate on complex and strategic work. The larger law firms, one being Linklaters, seem to be at the forefront of driving AI adoption, with 78% having made changes to implement generative AI. As with any technological change, this does come with some challenges. It will be important for lawyers to keep up with the pace of the new technology, which will bring the need for continuous learning, resource allocation, and training to stay ahead of the curve. Will AI continue to just be an immediate benefit to help with the administrative tasks in the legal sector, or could it ever be a long-term solution to completely solve complex legal work? Full article: https://lnkd.in/e887u4Y6 #LegalTech #AI #Innovation #PrivatePractice #LawFirms #Technology

7

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

9

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]

36

1 Comment

🚀 Emerging Practice Areas in the UK Legal Market 🏴 The UK legal market is continuously evolving, with new practice areas gaining prominence. Staying ahead of these trends can give legal professionals a significant edge. Let's explore some of the emerging areas making waves in 2024. **Tech Law**: As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, there's been a growing demand for legal expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, data privacy, and cybersecurity. The UK's tech sector is booming, and lawyers specialised in these areas are crucial in navigating the complex legal landscape. According to Tech Nation, the UK tech industry is now worth over £180 billion. **Environmental Law**: With increasing awareness of climate change, environmental law is gaining traction. Lawyers specialising in sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental regulations are in high demand. The UK government has set ambitious targets to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, further pushing the need for expertise in this field. **Health Law**: The impacts of global health crises like COVID-19 have brought health law to the forefront. Issues around public health policy, pharmaceutical regulations, and bioethics are becoming increasingly relevant. Legal professionals in this field are essential in addressing the complexities of healthcare legislation. 🔎 At Thornton Legal, we pride ourselves on keeping up with these industry trends to better serve our candidates and clients. Interested in venturing into these emerging practice areas? Comment below or visit www.thorntonlegal.co.uk to learn more. #legal #law #uklegalmarket

2

It's disheartening to see that such a large percentage of professionals in the Legal Sector feel their compensation isn't keeping up with inflation. This data shows the importance of advocating for better pay and being open to new opportunities that offer the financial recognition you deserve. What are your thoughts on this? Are you seeing similar trends in your own experience? If you're looking for a remuneration package that will actually reflect the work you do, reach out today. #CareerGrowth #LegalProfession #Compensation #InflationImpact

4

📢 The SRA just released the statistical report for the July 2024 SQE1 sitting, revealing a concerning trend - only 44% of candidates passed, the lowest pass rate in the exam's history. This drop is significant when we compare it to the usual pass rate of 50-55%. It's a wake-up call for all in the legal industry and beyond, indicating potential challenges in training and preparation. The cost of re sitting the SQE exams are significant for both candidates if going it alone or for employers if putting candidates through apprenticeships and other routes to qualifying. Training providers have already expressed concern about the cost and how this will be managed going forward. As a recruiter at Thornton Legal, our primary focus is on ensuring that our candidates are well-prepared and supported. If you're an aspiring solicitor looking to navigate these tough times, let's connect and discuss how we can help you succeed. What's your take on this? Let's discuss in the comments or reach out directly. www.thorntonlegal.co.uk #legal #SQE #recruitment

2

Legal Recruitment: 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬 and 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 schemes.   I speak to a lot of people in Legal recruitment. There are many different ways of winning business, that all have different costs associated. For example, sponsoring events is a huge cost. And those costs have impact on both top line and bottom line. Meanwhile, some people are just a desk, a phone and a coffee.    Do you think bonus/commission should be a portion of 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞, or 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭? ---- If you're looking for a new role, with a better package: - Drop me a note on Linkedin 📩 - Email me [email protected] 📧 - Set up a call 📞 #legal #recruitment #commission

21

3 Comments

Deciding between a big law firm and a High Street practice is pivotal for legal support roles. What can both offer? ✨ Pros of Big Firms: Large firms offer prestige that enhances your CV and can lead to future prospects. They boast extensive resources like advanced tech, specializing in a specific legal area and working on high-profile cases is common, alongside clear career progression and competitive compensation. 🌿 The Appeal of Small Practices: Smaller firms offer a close-knit atmosphere where contributions are valued and really make an impact. Varied responsibilities rapidly broaden legal expertise and you have the opportunity to learn directly from the seasoned pro's. The balance between work and life often feels more personalized, and you have a tangible impact on the firm's journey. 🤔 The Decision: Your choice is about personal fit. Do you prefer the structured ambition and reputation of a big firm, or the adaptable and personal growth impact of a smaller practice? Think about what aligns with your career goals and which environment will support your evolution. Both options offer unique pathways to success. #LegalCareer #BigLaw #SmallPractice #CareerChoices If you're considering your options, please reach out today: 📧[email protected] ☎️ 0121 272 7371

13

Embracing AI can be a game-changer for legal professionals looking to enhance their careers, with on average a 27% premium being offered to those with AI skills. 🔍Multiple firms, including Magic Circle, are using AI bots for document review and analysis. 🎓AI bot 'Lawrence' has passed a mock SQE. 🔉LexisNexis has reported that over a quarter of lawyers are regularly using AI in their everyday practice. What steps have you taken to ensure you're ahead of the curve and can adapt to the integration of AI in the legal space? [https://lnkd.in/gehYZsSZ]

10

What Alternative Legal Services Providers do we know❓ You probably use Alternative Legal Services Providers as part of your role, or at least are aware of them. Anyone missing on this list? — Axiom  — Elevate — LOD (Lawyers On Demand) — Pinsent Masons Vario — Lexoo — UnitedLex — Factor — Keystone Law — The Legal Director — Obelisk Support — Peerpoint by Allen & Overy — Konexo by Eversheds Sutherland For context, I have a coaching call tomorrow with a lawyer who wants to live in Spain part of the year and work as a remote contractor. We will work on his CV, LinkedIn and route to remote jobs, and I am also preparing a list of ALSPs where he can find assignments. If you know a firm that is missing, please could you let me know either in a comment below or via a DM? Many thanks in advance! 😊 ----------- If you're new to my network 🔔 — I am a specialist recruiter for In-House Legal roles in Tech companies covering the UK, Europe, Middle East and North America with 16,500+ network of lawyers working for tech companies — My agency Found Legal is a preferred supplier to EMEA in-house legal teams of Tech companies, both small and large, including Fortune 100 Tech multinationals — If you are looking to hire an in-house lawyer please feel free to email me [email protected] message me here on LinkedIn — I also send out a weekly newsletter with GC-level jobs coming to market at general-counsel-jobs.com — feel free to subscribe and stay in touch.

15

12 Comments

How AI is Changing the Legal World 🤖 We’re seeing more and more law firms, like A&O and Shearman, embracing AI and even advising candidates to use it smartly in their applications. AI isn’t about replacing solicitors (or recruiters!) it’s about helping them work smarter. From speeding up tasks to providing better insights, AI is becoming a real asset in law firms. 🌟 For those looking to grow in this field, understanding how to work with AI is a major plus. As firms embrace new technology, they’re looking for candidates who can keep up and thrive in this evolving landscape. At G2 Legal, we’re here to help legal professionals and firms navigate this shift. Get in touch today to learn how we can support your job search and help you take advantage of tech advancements. #AIinLaw #LegalTech #LegalCareers

6

Thinking about IP protection in the tech world? 🚀 The UK and US have intriguing approaches. In the UK, there's a balanced emphasis on formal IP rights and informal methods like trade secrets. For US tech firms, the patent system takes centre stage, with robust litigation. Why does this matter? In the UK, the strategies are more cost-effective but might require tighter internal controls. In the US, companies often face higher costs but benefit from greater enforcement power. 🔍 Here's the scoop: ✅ UK: Cost-efficient, mix formal + informal protection ✅ US: Patent-heavy, strong enforcement, higher costs What's your take on these different models? Drop your thoughts below! 👇 #tech #innovation #IPprotection

7

Law firm - “We don’t recruit Lawyers from that type of law firm” EXCUSE ME?!?! 🙄 How incredibly short-sighted…. Law firms will naturally have an idea of what a ‘perfect candidate’ should look like. Quite often that candidate should already be working at a particular firm – ie. a direct competitor. There’s a problem with that though: If a Lawyer is working at a direct competitor, then how is the recruiting law firm going to distinguish itself? It’s rare that the hiring law firm can offer anything significantly different to those Lawyers. Law firms can be so fixated on prizing talent away from a specific pool of firms, that they overlook Lawyers at smaller practices. Small-mid size firms are loaded with top-quality Lawyers who are just as capable as their peers working at top-tier practices: 🔹  They often work on the other side of the same matters, so they have access to the same high quality work. 🔹  They often have greater hands-on exposure to work as there are fewer people to distribute work to. Nothing brings a smile to my face more than when I see a firm recruit a Lawyer from a smaller practice. Firstly, it can be an incredible move for the Lawyer with a life-changing salary to suit. And secondly, a law firm has seen the potential in someone and made the decision to invest in their future rather than pay over the odds to recruit from a competitor firm. Forget the name of the firm someone works at. Take notice of the person instead.

94

7 Comments

🚨 Navigating GDPR just got more interesting! 🚨 The EU Commission’s new Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) aim to close the Module 4 gap, but may add a fresh layer of complexity 🙃. Adoption expected by Q2 2025. Do reach out to our amazing Jennie Sumpster and Benji Payne if you'd like more information on this or anything else Privacy related (they are wonderful!). #GDPR #Privacy #SCCs

8

Hearing the good news! 🌟 One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at Thornton Legal is hearing back from candidates who have just started their new roles. The excitement, fresh challenges, and the opportunity to grow are often at the forefront of these conversations. There's nothing like that initial feedback which reinforces the importance of what we do. We have had lots of candidates starting new jobs in the last few weeks who have settled into roles well and advised they wish they had made the leap sooner! Check out our testimonials https://lnkd.in/e7DwBqCd 👉 How has a recruiter helped you in your career? Share your experience in the comments or visit www.thorntonlegal.co.uk. #legal #recruitment #careergrowth

1

1 Comment

Time kills deals ⏰   “We're at the beginning of our search we won't be able to make a decision for some time.”   My candidate interviewed on Monday last week. It took until Friday afternoon for the law firm to contact me with the above message.   ❌ No further feedback.   ❌ No constructive comments on how the candidate performed.   ❌ No time frame on when to expect a further update.   ❌ No indication on whether they’re inclined to progress any further.   ❌ No indication on what a better candidate might look like.   Last week I posted that law firms lose out on great legal talent is because of a slow hiring process. And here’s a real life example!   This candidate meets the brief, they have the relevant technical ability, and the candidate really hit it off with the Partner.   Good candidates have options, and if law firms don’t act quicker then Lawyers will join competitor firms.   Recruitment shouldn’t be this difficult, right..?

4

💢 Challenges Facing UK Law Firms in 2024 💢 Law firms in the UK are navigating a complex landscape marked by various challenges: 1. Economic Uncertainty: Brexit and global economic fluctuations are affecting client confidence and legal budgets. 2. Technological Disruption: Rapid advancements in technology necessitate significant investments in new tools and cybersecurity, along with integration and training efforts. 3. Regulatory Changes: Evolving regulations, including GDPR and anti-money laundering laws, require substantial compliance resources. 4. Talent Retention and Recruitment: Attracting and retaining top talent is increasingly difficult due to competition from alternative legal service providers and in-house legal teams. 5. Pricing Pressure: Clients demand more cost-effective services, pushing firms to adopt alternative billing models and improve efficiency. 6. Remote Work Adaptation: The shift to remote work has necessitated changes in firm culture, management, and technology infrastructure. 7. Diversity and Inclusion: There is growing pressure to improve diversity and inclusion, requiring cultural and structural changes. 8. Client Expectations: Clients expect more value, transparency, and innovation, challenging traditional practices. 9. Global Competition: UK firms face stiff competition from international firms, particularly US-based ones offering competitive pricing and services. 10. Sustainability: Clients are increasingly prioritising environmental sustainability, prompting firms to adopt more sustainable practices. Navigating these challenges requires strategic thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to innovation. How is your firm addressing these issues? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #LegalIndustry #LawFirms #Challenges #Innovation #UKLegalSector #LegalTech #DiversityAndInclusion #ClientExpectations #Sustainability

5

The legal industry in Greater Manchester is evolving rapidly🌟 We've seen a notable shift towards digital transformation in recent months. Local law firms are increasingly adopting AI-driven tools, leading to more efficient case management and client interaction. It's impressive to see how these advancements are reshaping traditional practices. Another key development is the growing focus on diversity and inclusion. More firms are implementing policies to ensure wider representation across all levels, fostering a more inclusive work environment. This progression is likely to enhance creativity and decision-making in the sector. To top it off, there's been a surge in demand for legal services related to data protection and cybersecurity, reflecting the broader trends in today's digital landscape. #LegalTech #Innovation #GreaterManchester

2