By: Maria Ward-Brennan

Professional Services Editor Maria Ward-Brennan is the Professional Services Editor at City AM, focused on law, Big Four, and other management and accounting consulting firms. She edits the Beyond The Billable newsletter and column. She was previously a litigation reporter at The Lawyer. Contact her via email at maria.ward-brennan@cityam.com or on X @MariaW_B.

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Shortage of skilled lawyers challenges UK life sciences sector

September 17, 2025

The UK market is experiencing a shortage of lawyers at life sciences businesses amid a growing need for talent to meet the rising demand for regulatory advice from businesses. A report from recruiter Major, Lindsey & Africa highlights a lack of UK candidates with expertise in legal, regulatory, and compliance matters, intellectual property (IP), and [...]
HMRC’s new tax adviser legislation puts ‘undue burden’ on professionals

September 16, 2025

From next April, tax advisers will be required to register with HMRC and meet certain minimum standards, as a top legal body has warned that this “risks undue burden on professionals.” Following a consultation carried out in 2024, HMRC published its policy paper and draft legislation in July, which outlined a new legal requirement for [...]
From law to tech: Who’s championing equal parental leave in the UK?

September 16, 2025

New research has revealed the inaugural list of 165 UK employers that offer equal parental leave, including more than 20 professional services firms. The full findings, which will be formally launched at the UK’s first Working Dads’ Summit, revealed that 72 of the 165 companies offer dads up to six months of fully paid paternity [...]
How AXA UK&I boss is building a £7bn insurance powerhouse

September 16, 2025

If AXA UK&I was listed on the London Stock Exchange in its own right, it would be part of the FTSE 100, its chief executive Tara Foley has said. The AXA group is one of France’s best-known financial services firms, and its financials reflect this, having generated over €110bn (£95bn) in 2024. While back at [...]
Rule of law key to UK economic growth, says Attorney General

September 16, 2025

The rule of law and trust in British institutions are essential to driving economic growth and attracting global investment, the UK’s Attorney General will say. Lord Hermer KC, Attorney General, is set to speak on Tuesday evening at an event hosted by the Sheriffs of the City of London for the launch of the Legal [...]
Co-op Insurance expands into loans in partnership with ClearScore

September 16, 2025

The insurance arm of the Co-op Group is expanding its presence in the financial services market by offering personal loans, in partnership with ClearScore. As part of the collaboration, ClearScore’s credit matching platform will be available to Co-op members and customers, offering personalised credit services. Its member-owners and customers will be able to access unsecured [...]
EU far-right Patriots engulfed in legal battles over funding headwinds

September 15, 2025

Europe’s far-right Patriots for Europe is engaged in legal action over the European Parliament’s accusation that it misused funds, as well as a battle to have withheld public funds returned. The Patriots for Europe, formerly the Identity and Democracy Party, surged to the third-largest group in the Parliament following the European election held last year, [...]
FCA hires influencers to raise awareness of motor finance compensation scheme

September 12, 2025

In its attempt to stop people using claims management companies or law firms to access the motor finance compensation scheme, the City watchdog has kicked off a £1m media campaign. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is launching a £1m campaign to inform people that they don’t need to use a CMC or law firm to [...]
EU Data Act: Stricter standards for smart devices and cloud services

September 12, 2025

The European Union (EU) Data Act, which is designed to boost the region’s data economy and support a more competitive market, is the latest piece of legislation putting technology under the spotlight. With this new law, the EU aims to build an internal market where data can move freely, unlocking more opportunities for businesses, individuals, [...]
Law firm Freshfields kicks off paralegal redundancies

September 12, 2025

Top British law firm Freshfields has kicked off a round of redundancies targeting paralegals in its Manchester office. According to a legal trade publication, Roll on Friday, paralegals in the Manchester office were summoned to a meeting last week titled “Important Update.” According to sources, the firm plans to axe about half of its junior [...]

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By: Maria Ward-Brennan

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