The risks of outsourcing

The use of outsourcing by law firms continues to grow. What are the benefits of doing so, and, from a lawyers perspective what are the risks? We look at some of the issues involved.

Draft Complaint Policy

A draft policy that can be adapted by you to suit the needs of your practice. Used in conjunction with the item on implementing a draft policy it should make easier the task of putting such a policy into force.

Implementing a complaint handling procedure

Some guidance on the implementation of a complaint handling system and a policy for clients.

Need for complaint procedure

There are a number of very good reasons why a firm should – indeed must – have a complaint handling system. Some of those reasons are regulatory whilst others, often the most convincing arguments, are practical, business-focused and competitive.

Complaint Handling

All firms need to adopt and implement an effective, robust and transparent complaint handling process and this section look at the imperatives behind that requirement and at how the process should be undertaken.

Professional Indemnity Insurance 2011 – Options at Renewal

As the date for professional indemnity insurance renewal approaches, it is becoming clear that in many cases it will again be the indemnity insurers who have the final say as to which firms live and which die. Anxiety is running high in some quarters as to whether insurers will make an offer and whether that offer will be economically viable.

Professional Indemnity Insurance 2011 – The ARP and working after run-off

Where insurance is not obtained on the open market and where a merger or takeover is not possible, options remain extremely limited.

Professional Indemnity Insurance 2011 – Avoiding the Successor Practice Trap

Can a firm avoid becoming a successor practice if it takes over or merges with another firm? The answer is yes, provided that certain steps are taken.

Clarity and Communication

Implementing a Business Continuity Plan

Planning for the unexpected

As the provider of a legal service, you need to be available to your clients when you are needed, your practice should be up and running effectively no matter what and if you have a deadline to meet, a transaction to complete or a court hearing to attend, you need to be there to attend to your client’s interests. That is where having in place a Business Continuity Plan will assist all practices – whatever their size..

Making reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 requires that employers, the providers of goods, facilities and services and others make reasonable adjustments for those with a disability. This item looks at that duty and the steps which firms should take to comply with it.

Introduction to Equality Act 2010

An introduction to the Equality Act 2010 – an Act which simplifies the law and removes many of the inconsistencies between the application of the different forms of protection.