How the traditional world of law is embracing entrepreneurial values July 29, 2015 THE legal profession has always been exactly that – a profession. It has grown within a strict statutory framework, which has been vital for maintaining standards, but it’s perhaps not the easiest environment for flexibility and entrepreneurialism. However, that doesn’t mean law firms can ignore this growing trend. After all, the legal profession vies for [...]
Buyout gurus make venture charity push July 12, 2015 CVC Capital’s managing partner talks to Michael Bow about his plans for so-called venture philanthropy MENTION the words “business philanthropy” to most cynical people and their eyes will glaze over. The onslaught of charity gala dinners and community initiatives, however well intentioned, can arguably make philanthropic ventures indistinguishable from one another. CVC Capital’s managing partner [...]
July Budget 2015: Are you an entrepreneur, an apprentice or a single parent? What does George Osborne’s statement mean for you? July 8, 2015 THE SINGLE PARENT Catherine Gannon, 51Managing partner at law firm Gannons Gannons Commercial Law continues to do well, with profits and earnings up on last year. Catherine is commercially savvy and has restructured the business from an LLP to a limited company, illustrating that she is a smart operator in a segmented legal [...]
Perils of the amateur office lawyer June 15, 2015 If you’re making decisions that have a legal dimension, it pays to ensure you’re informed. Nearly 75 per cent of employees would rather not seek advice from their company lawyers about a serious business decision. The desire for ease and proximity means that turning to the person next to them is far more appealing [...]
Forging ahead: Raidla Ellex founder Juri Raidla talks Baltic collaboration, grandchildren and the day the world changed June 14, 2015 At the back end of 1991, the Soviet Union began heaving itself out of Estonia – 60 years after it invaded and illegally occupied it, and shoved in a puppet government. For the former Estonian SSR, independence was a watershed moment – a brighter future for a country reclaimed. But this was a country [...]
It’s time for law firms to go public – and end the archaic partnership model June 4, 2015 On Monday, Gateley will become the first UK law firm to list as a public company. It should serve as a wake-up call for the entire industry and more firms should follow suit. For some lawyers, moving away from the partnership model will be terrifying – but it’s an essential evolution, not just for the success [...]
Who owns ideas in the workplace? May 28, 2015 There are several grey areas, but employers can take steps to stop staff lifting material. The film The Social Network dramatises the story behind the setting up of Facebook. Early in, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, is asked by fellow Harvard students the Winklevoss twins to help them set up a [...]
Libor-rigging scandal: Tom Hayes lost his Citi job over his methods, prosecutors tell court May 26, 2015 Former trader Tom Hayes was fired in 2010, four years after he started attempting to manipulate Libor, according to the prosecution’s case in court yesterday. Lawyers presenting the Serious Fraud Office’s (SFO) case in Southwark Crown Court said the former UBS and Citi banker received complaints just months after he started to work at [...]
The world’s best universities for law: Cambridge and Oxford trump UK competition May 21, 2015 More Britons would prefer to be lawyers than Hollywood movie stars, but where's the best place to ensure the dream could become a reality? According to the 2015 World University rankings from QS, Cambridge and Oxford live up to their lofty academic reputation when it comes to law degrees. Cambridge and Oxford are ranked second [...]
Zero hours contracts: A godsend for high-flying professionals May 19, 2015 The professions are not well-known for the flexibility of their working environments. But with technology allowing employees to work remotely, and staff wanting to juggle family life or keep a work/life balance, many employers are finding that their employees want more innovative solutions. Flexibility can benefit employees, the employer and clients. Advantages can include: a [...]