GETTING TO GRIPS · GETTING TO GRIPS Does new regulation demand radical change? February 2012 |...

GETTING TO GRIPSDoes new regulation

demand radical change?

February 2012 | Issue 108

www.leedslawsociety.org.uk

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Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 108

Views

5 From the President Against a backdrop of City bonuses,

Philip Jordan explains why legal fat cats are rarely seen

News

6 Society Key training dates and further information on

the annual dinner

9 Achievements National recognition for both a leading personal

injury lawyer and a conveyancing firm

10 Business development One of the region's oldest firms closes its

doors for the final time

12 Chambers A leading Leeds set joins forces with

Newcastle's New Court Chambers

13 Regulation SRA begins accepting ABS applications in

what is described as a bold new era

15 Appointments Find out who's gone where in our

comprehensive monthly round-up

16 Charity Donating Christmas presents and walking

over hot coals all raise vital funds

17 Social Ford & Warren and Pinsent Masons lead the

way in the debating stakes

Focus on

21 Legal update How have local firms coped with the

transition to outcomes-focused regulation?

23 My career & me Reigning Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year

Jonathan Jones explains all

25 Chambers profile Park Court Chambers has every reason to

look to the future with confidence

27 Regional spotlight Sheffield is the first port of call on our tour

of the region's legal centres

29 Software solutions The start of a new year is the perfect time to

ask how effective your current system is

33 Residential conveyancing Why outsourcing to a specialist, non-threat

organisation makes sense

Out & about

35 Corporate hospitality Take your clients or colleagues to see some

top-class sporting action this year

37 Places to go James Martin's Leeds Kitchen at Clarence

Dock proves a hit

38 The last word Blacks Solicitors' Managing Partner Chris

Allen opens up

Subscriptions are available to Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer at £70 for one calendar year (10 issues).Unless requested otherwise, your subscription will start with the issue following receipt of your payment.To subscribe contact Jonathan Crawley at publishers Barker Brooks Media on 01423 851150, or email [email protected]

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5Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 108

D avid Cameron’s recent remarks to the Sunday Telegraph when considering executive pay levels

included the following: “I’ve been struck that you now get the criticism of pay at the top, and of bank bonuses, from a business audience… There is a very strong case that small businessmen and women working hard, grafting away, building a business and not paying themselves huge amounts are furious with these rewards at the top for people who aren’t taking the sort of risks they’re having to take.”

Now I am not a gambling man but even I would wager a crisp fiver that many readers of this publication will have considerable empathy with that remark. While not furious, certainly annoyed. Hard-working solicitors enduring difficult times, grafting away, building a business and not paying themselves huge amounts. A quick straw poll of colleagues and other members of the Leeds legal fraternity leads me to believe that most lawyers in our area – perhaps as high as 80 per cent – have seen no increase in their pay or drawings in the last two or three years. The business of the law is as difficult as ever it seems and the future, if not black, is a definite shade of grey.

So if we cannot readily recognise a legal fat cat, who are the fat cats that Mr Cameron, Mr Cable, and others in the Coalition are seeking to “sort out”, in the Prime Minister’s words? And why?

The description used is ‘executive’ and Business Secretary Cable is advocating the publication of the difference between executive pay and that of the average worker and, also, information regarding the proportion of company profits paid to directors.

The reason for this not inconsiderable

attention seems to emanate from reaction to the recent report of the High Pay Commission stating that, from 2000 to 2010, shares in the FTSE 350 companies were flat at best but the average director pay rose by a staggering 108 per cent and director salaries in general (not those limited to the FTSE 350) during the same decade rose by 64 per cent.

In the past financial year alone, the directors of the top FTSE 100 companies have enjoyed a 49 per cent increase in total earnings. “What relevance has this to the average Yorkshire and Humber lawyer?”I hear you ask. Well, read my earlier comments above. We have not seen a 49 per cent increase in pay and in fact some of us may well have seen a 49 per cent decrease. Time to be furious?

Now, if a business is doing well then pay should increase, but a 49 per cent increase in total pay while the FTSE 100 companies have flat growth suggests an excessive growth in pay totally unrelated to success; remuneration not relevant to performance.

This is wrong, but what to do? The suggestion is that Mr Cable will soon propose that shareholder votes on companies’ remuneration policies should become binding votes, as opposed to being merely advisory (which is the current position), and that companies with large UK operations should appoint employee representatives to those remuneration committees that decide on executive pay.

Practical difficultiesAnother suggested reform is to make it compulsory for businesses to publish some kind of ratio information showing the relationship between senior executive rewards and the earnings of a typical employee.

Cameron has apparently promised to give shareholders a binding vote on the pay increases of directors as a way of curbing excessive pay awards. Lawyers will question whether this will work and, if so, how?

As lawyers, we recognise the huge practical difficulties facing proposed changes in the law in this area because any decision taken by the shareholders might well clash with employment law, contract law and corporate law. How could any decision taken by the shareholders be enforced?

Would the decision override the current provisions of an existing contract of employment or a commercial contract? We have every right to be sceptical. As most corporate lawyers will tell you, it is difficult enough to get more than 50 per cent of shareholders to vote against anything, let alone a proposed pay rise for executives, and, indeed, it is quite unusual to have more than half of the shareholders attend the AGM of a quoted company, as the vast majority of investors only hold shares for a limited period of time.

One can applaud the political will to create a more equitable system of capitalism that would reward performance and contribution, but one cannot fail to think that this targeting of a very small section of the business community is but a scratch on the surface. A vote catcher if you will.

Those of us in the business of providing legal services have to continue on the basis that if the money is not earned you do not take a reward, 49 per cent or otherwise. Legal fat cats are rarely seen.

Have you seen a fat cat?

FROM tHe PReSIDeNt

Philip Jordan is the President of Leeds Law Society and a Partner at Ward Hadaway Solicitors

6 Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 108

NeWS: Society

Price: £55 + VATFour course dinner including welcome cocktail, wine and port

To book please go to the events section on the Society website www.leedslawsociety.org.uk, call 0113 245 4997 or email [email protected]

The FSA’s Retail Distribution Review (RDR) will change the way financial advice is delivered in the UK and should go a long way to allaying lack of trust and confidence in the provision of financial advice. However, law firms dealing with independent financial advisors (IFAs) should be aware that there’s more to effective due diligence on an IFA firm than may at first appear obvious. The major changes that will come into effect on 31 December 2012 are:• an increase in minimum qualifications for all advisors;• commission on most products to be replaced by

transparent fees;

• advisory firms to choose between remaining ‘independent’ or adopting ‘restricted’ status; and

• an increase in regulatory capital requirements for advisory firms.As the Legal Services Act brings both opportunity and threat to law firms, this is an ideal time to review how you can work with IFA firms. Good news is that the IFA sector will be forced to move to a more customer-centric business model that relies upon ongoing service and fees.

So, how can you be certain that the IFA firm you have chosen will be fit for purpose in the post-RDR world?

The Legal Services Act and the RDR will bring major changes to both sectors. These should be catalysts for the two groups to work more effectively together, typically through alternative business structures or straightforward introducer relationships. However, to ensure you maximise the opportunities while managing the risks, you must conduct deeper due diligence on your existing or proposed IFA partners than has been the case historically or would be obvious from the main RDR changes.

The Retail Distribution Review – insights from an ‘insider’

These issues will be explored and explained in detail at the forthcoming Leeds Law Society breakfast seminar ‘LSA and IFA’ on 15 February 2012.

Formal procurement processes are a fact of life for law firms wishing to supply contracting authorities in the public sector. And private sector companies are increasingly using similar buying techniques to drive best value in their purchasing. Contracts worth billions of pounds are secured this way every year; make no mistake – this can be a very lucrative route to market.

If you’re not familiar with participating in bids and tenders, the prospect of entering these competitions can seem very daunting. As a result, some firms simply avoid them altogether.

Help is at hand – Leeds Law Society has teamed up with local bid consultancy Onto the Page to encourage members to think differently about participating in these competitions. Via an SRA-accredited course that offers 6 CPD points, delegates can learn where to find relevant contract opportunities, how to navigate through procurement processes and, of course, how to prepare winning bids.

A one-day ‘Bid management’ workshop will be held on 14 March 2012.

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NeWS: Society

Upcoming training datesWe run a number of free seminars available to members and offer a 15% discount to members on all CPD seminars that are chargeable. For full details visit us online atwww.leedslawsociety.org.uk.

New 22 February 2012 HR networking lunchesLeeds Law Society invites HR managers and those with responsibility for HR matters from member firms to meet informally over a light lunch at the Society’s premises.

9 February 2012Drafting contracts (2 CPD points)Eliminating unnecessary words, how to avoid ambiguity and redundant expressions and legalese.

10 February 2012Building blocks for a prosperous future (3 CPD points)Increasing the effectiveness of your firm, cutting costs and how to be motivated and stay motivated in times of change.

14 February 2012Insolvency law update (2 CPD points)

15 February 2012LSA and IFA (1 CPD point)The implementation of the FSA’s Retail Distribution Review (RDR) in January 2013 will present significant opportunities and risks for all law firms that introduce clients to Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs)

28 February 2012Presentation skills (2 CPD points)

7 March 2012Mediation (2 CPD points)Learn how to use mediation, how to prepare and deal with offers to mediate, their timing and nature, and the selection of a mediator.

14 March 2012Bid management (6 CPD points)Find, bid, win! A one-day workshop for anyone involved in creating bid documents within a law firm with a view to winning new business.

20 March 2012Management Stage 1 (7 CPD points)Using a model firm assess the impact of management decisions and focus on developing your own approach.

27 March 2012Tactics on disclosure and part 36 offers (2 CPD points)Addresses the principal provisions of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998, how to avoid common pitfalls and how to use disclosure and Part 36 offers to tactical advantage.

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NeWS: Achievements

Double start-up success for local businesswoman

A Leeds solicitor who launched her own venture to help businesses improve cashflow and avoid bad debts has been awarded the prize for Best Start-Up in the 2011 Women in Business awards.

Rashmi Dubé divides her time between consulting for boutique practice Metis Law and running her new credit control company, Liquid Recovery. She was awarded the prize in recognition of her success in combining both roles.

A qualified solicitor and mediator, Dubé specialises in construction law and all forms of conflict management. She drew upon expertise gained in dispute resolution when making the move to launch a debt recovery business with a difference.

“Liquid Recovery was born out of my ambition to make it as simple and as easy as possible for businesses to recover their debts,” she said. “[With] excellent credit control systems in place, business people can spend their valuable time working on their business to generate more income.”

Credit for leading clinical negligence team

Two members of Langleys’ clinical negligence team have been accredited to the Law Society’s esteemed Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel.

Senior associate Andrew Cragg (pictured) joins Sally-Ann Robinson, partner and head of the personal injury and clinical negligence unit, on the panel.

Robinson is delighted that a member of her team had joined her on the panel: “It really is a badge of honour that speaks volumes about the quality of work Andrew does. Accreditation reflects the high standards and expertise we strive for.”

Cragg undertakes all types of clinical negligence work, including claims relating to GP negligence, cancer misdiagnosis, amputation and surgical injuries. He recently secured a seven-figure settlement for a client for mismanagement of orthopaedic injuries.

Robinson specialises in brain injury and claims involving children. As well as being reaccredited onto the Law Society’s panel, she is also a member of AvMA specialist Clinical Negligence Panel.

McQuater is Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year

John McQuater, partner and head of litigation at Doncaster’s Atherton Godfrey, was crowned Claimant Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year at the 2011 Eclipse Proclaim Personal Injury Awards held in London in November.

Individuals and organisations from

across the UK gathered at the awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the leading legal professionals, rehabilitation providers and claims management specialists in the sector.

McQuater leads a department of over 30 fee-earners and numerous support staff, and provides guidance, support and encouragement to help drive their personal achievements. He is frequently involved in substantial and complex multi-track cases, calling on his knowledge of procedure, the law and his skills as a solicitor-advocate.

A distinguished panel of judges chose McQuater as the winner of this prestigious award in recognition of the outstanding customer care he delivers combined with his expertise in the field of PI procedure.

National award for APLAdvantage Property Lawyers ended 2011 on a high after being successful at the Estate Agency of the Year Awards.

The Leeds-based licensed conveyancers

took the silver award in the Best Small UK Conveyancer category at the ceremony, which was held at London's Lancaster Hotel in December.

“We are delighted and very proud to win this award and be acknowledged by important referrers to the conveyancing sector like estate agents,” explained the firm's Head of Sales & Marketing Stephen Coupland, who is pictured (centre) receiving the award from television personality Ben Fogle (left).

“We have already built strong working relationships with a number of local law firms who have decided in this climate to outsource their conveyancing work to a specialist firm. This accolade will enable us to expand our business as we are no threat to law firms, mirror the high level or service they deliver to their clients and ensure they retain control.”For more information on the benefits of outsourcing your residential conveyancing turn to page 33.


NeWS: Business development

Recession brings Brooke North to its kneesOne of Yorkshire’s oldest law firms, Brooke North, has closed after being hit by the recession.

According to property expert Rodney Dalton, a senior figure at the Leeds-based practice that is believed to have been established around 150 years ago, the effects of the economic downturn and the firm’s business model had impacted on recent performance.

Dalton said that Brooke North’s approach of offering a bespoke service for its clients across different areas of law, rather than taking a ‘one-stop shop’ approach, had actually had a negative effect. He continued: “Another problem was there was little opportunity of a solution across the board. We didn’t have the bulk stuff such as second mortgage items to fall back on. We prided ourselves on giving a bespoke service to individual clients. The recession just slaughtered us.”

All 15 lawyers at the firm, and the majority of the remaining staff, have found work elsewhere.

Petherbridge Bassra: highest fees for criminal law

A firm of Bradford solicitors has produced the highest fees for criminal law work in Yorkshire for the period 2010/2011 according to figures produced by the Legal Services Commission. Petherbridge Bassra has over 70 members of staff, of which 20 are fee-

earners dedicated to the provision of criminal defence services, and incorporates the specialist fraud practice Opus Law which handles very high cost cases resulting from the most serious types of fraud and highly complex crime.

“People may feel that generating fees from criminal work is not particularly attractive”, acknowledges senior partner Alan Petherbridge (pictured, right). “However I would prefer to think that the fees generated demonstrate our strong commitment to championing the rights of an individual whatever difficult circumstances they face. Furthermore, the fees generated allow the firm to carry out a fair proportion of pro bono work within the local community and to assist local charities”.

New recruits herald further expansion at Silk

The incorporation of the former family department from Jacksons Solicitors’ Teesside office strengthens a team of specialist family lawyers at Silk Family Law. Former partner Amanda Baker, legal executive Wendy Beacom and secretary Pauline Hodgson join the 16-strong Silk team and will be based at the firm’s North Yorkshire office.

Amanda Baker has more than 20 years of family law experience and brings her expertise of dealing with complex finance cases – in particular those relating to the agricultural and farming sectors – to the firm. Legal executive Wendy Beacom specialises in finance and children work.

According to Silk partner Margaret Simpson: “Our client base is expanding and our team works closely to provide the right advice and representation for clients. Adding Amanda and Wendy’s expertise to what is already a very strong team will enable us to maintain and continue that growth without compromising the client service on which we’ve built the business.”

Stowe Family Law expands into London

The UK’s largest family law practice has opened a new office in the heart of London’s legal district, marking the latest development for a firm that started life in a converted cobbler’s shop in Leeds in 1982.

Stowe Family Law’s team of 43 lawyers, led by founder and senior partner Marilyn Stowe, specialises in issues including grandparents’ rights, international child abduction and high-value financial settlements. The firm is also known for its work tracking down hidden assets and in 2011 launched a sister practice specialising in collaborative law and mediation.

Marilyn Stowe said of the expansion: “We are delighted to be opening our beautiful new building in the heart of London. It is a clear statement of our intent to make a lasting mark on the capital and testament to the breadth of talent and depth of knowledge we hold.

“[This] provides the perfect platform to bring our unique brand of specialist family law expertise to the south. We look forward to bringing good old-fashioned Yorkshire grit – not to mention prices! – to London.”

Pictured: (l–r) Wendy Beacom, Amanda Baker, Ian Kennerley, Kim Fellowes and Margaret Simpson.


NeWS: Business development

Clarion ahead of target

Clarion has reported strong growth with an increase in turnover of more than 25 per cent year on year in the half-year results for the period May to November 2011, 10 per cent ahead of target.

Since its launch five years ago, Clarion has established itself as a leading player on the Leeds legal scene and has continued to grow despite challenging market conditions. The firm aims to exceed £8m turnover for its full accounting year (June 2011 to May 2012) compared with £6.7m for the period to 31 May 2011.

“We are confident that the momentum built will continue during 2012,” comments Mark Burns, managing partner (pictured, left, with Roger Hutton and Richard Moran).

DWF reports record position and Crutes mergerDWF has announced a record year-end position for its corporate team in Leeds after completing deals worth £2.5 billion across the UK and £1.1 billion across Yorkshire.

The Leeds team has advised on a number of deals including Countrywide’s 60 per cent acquisition of United Surveyors Limited, its acquisition of Blundells Property Services and the disposal of its franchising business to Hunters.The team also advised on W Hotel's acquisition of Ramada Crewe and the MBO of the largest chain of butchers on Smithfield Market in London, involving banking partner Jonathan Edwards.

Meanwhile, DWF and Crutes have merged in a move that they claim will “shake up the legal services market across the North East”. The merger saw Crutes formally incorporated into DWF on 1 January, and follows the firm's announcement earlier this year that it would be further investing in its Newcastle presence with the appointment of leading corporate partner John Flynn as executive partner and intellectual property lawyer Ed Meikle.

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NeWS: Chambers

Merger for leading Leeds set

Park Court Chambers has joined forces with New Court Chambers to create a new regional set specialising in criminal, family, employment, personal injury and commercial work. The combined practice will operate from Leeds and Newcastle as New Park Court Chambers.

Situated at the heart of two of the UK’s principal legal centres outside London, the merger creates a dynamic platform from which the chambers can build on their existing reputations as specialist legal advisers and advocates in Yorkshire and Tyneside.

Robert Smith QC is to head the joint set, with Alistair MacDonald and Julian Smith taking on senior roles as heads of Leeds and Newcastle, respectively.

Robert Smith explained that for some time Park Court Chambers has been exploring the possibility of expanding, while remaining true to the firm’s core business of advising and representing individuals and businesses in the North East. “New Court has a deep passion for providing legal advice and advocacy to clients on Tyneside and its members share our absolute commitment and a determination to succeed. Its members’ expertise and experience makes New Court such a perfect fit for us.”

Major recognition for Exchange ChambersJudges at the Eclipse Proclaim Personal Injury Awards 2011 have named Exchange Chambers as Barristers Chambers of the Year.

Praising the personal injury department for offering the “highest standards of service” and for “effectively promoting the use of alternative dispute resolution”, the judges also praised the chambers for its involvement in the ground-breaking negotiation between former prisoners of Guantanamo Bay and the British Government, in which Gerard Martin QC acted as lead negotiator.

Commenting on the award, Director of Chambers Tom Handley said: “We are thrilled to be recognised as the country’s leading personal injury Chambers. With strength in depth we are committed to the very highest standards.”

A stylish end to Zenith's anniversary year

Barristers and staff at Zenith Chambers have participated in a variety of fundraising activities to mark their 10th anniversary year and have raised over £10,000 for local and national charities.

The year ended with a ‘Decade Masquerade’ themed party that raised several thousand pounds for the Surviving Winter Appeal, run by Leeds Community Foundation, which helps the most vulnerable in society.

2011 was an eventful year for Zenith Chambers, who were named Chambers of the Year at the Yorkshire Lawyer Awards and became one of only a handful of chambers in the North to attain the BarMark quality accreditation.

Chief executive Andrew Argyle said: “We are delighted to have smashed our target and want to thank everyone who has helped us raise such a terrific amount. Being able to help so many local and national charities has made our 10th anniversary year extra special.”

International award for health and safety specialist

Jeremy Barnett has been named UK Health and Safety Barrister of the Year by Acquisition International magazine in its 2011 Legal Awards, levelling the playing field between provincial practices and London’s magic circle firms.

A founder member of St Pauls Chambers, Barnett is head of regulatory law at the chambers and has built a national client base around the field of health and safety. He is also a member of the Accountants and Actuarial Discipline

Board (AADB), the ‘super regulator’ that is currently investigating a number of high-profile cases.

Barnett was delighted to receive the award: “It is recognition that provincial chambers can compete on a national basis with the magic circle firms in London and that, through direct access, they can offer high quality advice that also represents great value.

“Some solicitors are concerned that giving direct access to barristers will prove detrimental to their business. With us, that hasn’t been the case. We work closely with a number of law firms and have found that our move into direct access has in fact generated work for members of our chambers as well as for the solicitors who traditionally instructed us.”


NeWS: Regulation

ABS marks new era for entire profession

Law Society President John Wotton has urged the entire legal profession to consider the importance of alternative business structures (ABS), not just those seeking to adopt them.

Speaking on the day the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) opened for applications for ABS licences, which permit external investment in legal service providers, Wotton said

it was important for all solicitors to chose whether or not to adopt the new business model: “ABS can provide new opportunities and growth for law firms, but equally those not seeking to adopt ABS have an imperative to be more competitive, accessible and innovative.

“While today represents a significant milestone in a changing legal services landscape, our profession has been evolving, developing and becoming more competitive for some time. I expect the profession as a whole will continue that trend as the market becomes more competitive.

“The solicitors’ profession established itself as the world’s leader in legal services long before ABS became a reality and is no stranger to competition and change. ABS will prove beneficial for some law firms, but others will continue to thrive, without seeking external investment, for the benefit of their clients and the public. Whatever business model they choose, solicitors will continue to have the full support of the Law Society.”

The Cube: new home for SRAThe Cube development in Birmingham city centre is to become the new headquarters of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the base for Midlands Law Society staff who provide support services.

Approximately 700 SRA and Law Society staff currently working in Redditch and Leamington Spa will begin to occupy the landmark building in the Westside district of the city in the summer.

Desmond Hudson, CEO of the Law Society, said: “Consolidating our four current Midlands buildings and all our Midlands-based staff together in one building will reduce our costs, make us more effective and more efficient and support the provision of high-quality services for our members. The Cube offers us a better, greener and more centrally located working environment, topped with first-class transport links.”

Antony Townsend, Chief Executive of the SRA, added that the new headquarters would help the SRA to attract high-quality staff from a diverse population.

The Law Society’s main headquarters will remain in Chancery Lane, London.

When one becomes threeSometimes I forget when rattling on about the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Legal Ombudsman, Legal Services Board (LSB) and its Consumer Panel that, until recently, none of these bodies existed

and now that they do it may not be clear why and for what purpose. This was recently pointed out to me by a reader and, as we start a new year, it seems right that I should have a crack at explaining all.

The Law Society is the approved regulator of solicitors, but the regulatory function is carried out by the SRA which, although part of the Law Society, is independent in operation but not autonomous. In terms of major function, the SRA makes the rules, can punish for breach, and prosecute to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT). It decides policy on education and training, oversees professional indemnity insurance and the compensation fund.

The SRA can license alternative business structures (ABS). The Law Society is its primary consultee on all these and other matters. The SRA is governed by its own board with a lay majority and has its own chairman, he and members being appointed by an independent process. The SRA is paid for by solicitors.

Complaints, but not rule breaches, are dealt with by the Legal Ombudsman which is a free service to those who complain, but not to solicitors who are complained about. It has no connection to the Law Society and is administered by the Office of Legal Complaints.

The LSB oversees all the approved regulators in the discharge of their regulatory functions. It has a board and a chairman, all appointed by the Lord Chancellor, and the chairman and a majority of members must not be lawyers. The board appoints its own consumer panel and all of this is paid for by the general legal profession and thus in proportion to size.

All of this represents no more than a thumbnail guide to politically driven change to the environment in which solicitors must practise. In my opinion some is good and frankly some plain worrying.

So where there was one body there are now three. One, the LSB, determined to introduce competition across the legal sector as if it did not exist already.

In conclusion (and in response to the reader who rightly asked me to explain) I can only remark that this is life, but perhaps not in the way we have known it.

Happy New Year!

Bob Heslett is the Law Society Council Member for Leeds and is a Past President of the National Law Society. His monthly column explains the latest goings-on at Chancery Lane.

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NeWS: Appointments


McCormicksMcCormicks of Harrogate has appointed Ben Wilson as a trainee solicitor. After qualifying from Lancaster University, Wilson spent a couple of years travelling before gaining a distinction

in the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in York. At McCormicks he will specialise in all aspects of corporate and commercial work and will assist in the firm’s sports law practice.

Winston SolicitorsNotary public Katie Beckett brings a new service to the team at Winston Solicitors. She

specialises in authenticating documents for use abroad and advises on specific aspects of international legal transactions. Jenny Drurey has joined as an assistant fee-earner working for both the conveyancing and family departments.

KirbysExpert corporate and commercial lawyer Gareth Read has joined Kirbys Solicitors in Harrogate as a consultant solicitor. Having worked for most of his career as senior partner of

a substantial West Yorkshire practice, Read brings experience of dealing with all types of commercial law, including transactions up to £30 million, to enhance Kirbys services for businesses in the region.

ClarionClarion welcomes associate Helen Young to its corporate team. Helen qualified in the corporate finance team of

Hammonds in 2008 and has acted on a variety of corporate transactional work including M&A and private equity (PE) transactions, acting for buyers, sellers, management teams and PE houses.

Lupton FawcettSenior Associate Sarah Brittain joins Lupton Fawcett’s business recovery and insolvency department. Brittain will use her expertise in both corporate

and personal insolvencies to help the firm strengthen its position in Sheffield and the surrounding region.

QualitySolicitors MewiesFamily law specialist Sarah Buxton joins Skipton’s QualitySolicitors Mewies from McAras in

Leeds where she has specialised in family law since qualification. She deals with everything from divorce and financial issues to matrimonial property disputes and child contact arrangements.

RaworthsWilliam Kinread joins the Probate, Wills and Trusts Unit at Raworths as partner. President of

Harrogate and District Law Society, Kinread was at Hutchinson and Buchanan for 18 years then in private practice. He specialises in agriculture and land management. Elizabeth Pollock joins the Employment Unit headed by Deborah Boylan.

ShulmansShulmans boosts its commercial debt recovery department with two new

experts. Andrew Wilson (r) brings a wealth of experience gained at Eversheds, Addleshaw Goddard and, most recently, as debt recovery manager at Milners. Lee Scott (l) comes from Drydens where he was a debt recovery executive.

Schofield SweeneySchofield Sweeney strengthens its private client team with the appointment of solicitor

and chartered tax advisor John Feaster. Feaster qualified as a tax lawyer with Eversheds before moving to EDF Tax and has recently published a textbook on Stamp Duty and Land Tax.

Simpson Sissons & BrookePersonal injury specialists Jess Harrison and Steven Sutherland

join an expanding team at Simpson Sissons & Brooke. Harrison will focus on claimant personal injury, while Sutherland, an award-winning legal trainer, will develop and deliver training programmes, within the company and the wider legal market.

Dickinson DeesDickinson Dees has made three key promotions: Paul Jackson has been made associate in the pensions team, Rob Twohy in the property

team, and Azher Quyoom in the corporate recovery team. Solicitor Mark Ashton (pictured) has qualified into the firm’s award-winning charities practice having specialised in charity law for half of his training contract.

3volution3volution in Leeds has recruited three newly qualified solicitors: Jonathan Cole

joins the commercial litigation team from hlw Commercial Lawyers; Mab Moeiri-Farsi joins the IP/IT team after training at Herbert Smith; and Jonathan Paines joins the corporate team after completing his training contract at Beachcroft.

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NeWS: Charity

Winston Solicitors show their softer side

Winston Solicitors joined in with the Radio Aire and Magic 828’s Cash for Kids Christmas appeal when staff donated gifts and encouraged neighbouring businesses to drop off presents at their office.

Family solicitor Joanna Wrigley, playing Santa, delivered a car-load of presents to Radio Aire. “They were incredibly

appreciative and could not believe how many toys were delivered to them,” she said.

Rich Williams (pictured left) from the Radio Aire Breakfast Show kindly posed for a photo with Wrigley, although she had to prise the lovely soft teddy out of his hands before he returned to the studio.

Local artists are on displayChadwick Lawrence has shown its support for Yorkshire charity Hollybank Trust with the purchase of seven pieces of art by the Hollybank Artists.

The Hollybank Artists are a group of adults living within the Trust, all of whom have profound physical disabilities and complex medical needs.

The pieces of art will be used to decorate Chadwick Lawrence’s Huddersfield premises, with some taking pride of place in the boardroom.

Carol Simpson of Chadwick Lawrence said it was a pleasure to support such a good cause. “We’re delighted with the artwork. It’s both colourful and vibrant and will complement our Huddersfield offices beautifully.”

Stewart Geddes of The Hollybank Trust added: “It’s been a great project for the artists to work on the Chadwick Lawrence commission. Seven pieces is a substantial order and we’re thrilled that they will take pride of place in Chadwick Lawrence’s premises.”

Firewalk raises funds for duoDaredevil lawyers from Irwin Mitchell have hot-footed it over burning coals at Headingley Carnegie Stadium to raise money for charity.

The brave, bare-footed team walked across the red-hot surface to raise over £2,800 for Leeds

Mencap and the Leeds Rugby Foundation. The total raised over the whole event was around £8,000.

Organiser Sarah Coles, a solicitor in the medical law team, said: “We wanted to do something a little bit unusual for these two great causes and help them raise funds.”

The team which took part in the fire walk comprised the Leeds office regional managing partner Nick Bates, Jane Horton, Raminder Bhabra, Andy Russell, Sarah Coles, Scott Beckett, Tarlo Suprim, Rebecca Streets, Simon Cuerdon and Jack Gibson.

Taylor&Emmet branches out to help Bluebell Wood

Sheffield’s Taylor&Emmet has nominated children’s hospice Bluebell Wood as its annual charity for 2012 and began its year of fundraising by donating £250 to the hospice in place of sending Christmas cards.

The planned calendar of charity events will combine tried and tested fundraisers with a number of new ideas, including weekly Zumba sessions.

Taylor&Emmet raised over £10,000 for St Luke’s Hospice in 2011, making them the charity’s top corporate fundraiser. The firm ran a packed programme of events throughout the year but by far the largest contributor to the fundraising success was the probate team who raised almost £7,000 by waiving their will-writing fees in favour of a donation from clients during the St Luke’s Wills Month in March.

Marketing coordinator Claire Petty was delighted to announce the partnership with Bluebell Wood. “Raising such a phenomenal amount for St Luke’s has set the charity bar extremely high this year, but I am confident my colleagues will rise to the challenge,” she said.

Bluebell Wood’s corporate fundraiser Julie Hampson added: “We receive no statutory Government funding and without the generosity of local businesses we simply couldn’t help as many children as we do.


DLA Piper drums up support for Manuel BravoDLA Piper welcomed New York Times bestselling author Chris Cleave to a book-signing event at its Leeds office to encourage support for an important pro bono initiative.

The event was organised in conjunction with the Manuel Bravo Project, a Leeds-based charity that helps asylum seekers find access to legal representation.

Manuel Bravo was an Angolan asylum-seeker who was sent to Leeds. Unable to get legal support, he failed in his bid to stay in the country and was detained for deportation in 2008. Tragically, Manuel committed suicide to allow his 13-year-old son to remain in the country. With access to proper legal representation, there is a strong possibility that his asylum claim would have been successful and the tragedy would have been averted.

Cleave’s bestselling book, Little Bee/The Other Hand, inspired by Manuel’s story, is scheduled to be made into a major motion picture starring Nicole Kidman this year.

Regional debating royalty is crowned

A group of talented debaters went head-to-head in the final of the third Michelsberg Debating Competition at the Malmaison Hotel in Leeds. Participating in the event were trainees from some of the biggest players on the Yorkshire legal scene, including

Pinsent Masons, Eversheds, DLA Piper, DWF and Squire Sanders. The motion for the evening: “This house would rather be East than West”.

Proving she could think on her feet when under fire from some of the sharpest legal minds, Jo Bancroft, trainee solicitor at Ford & Warren, was awarded the prize for Best Speaker: a bespoke suit that her future husband will wear when they marry in September 2012. Sairish Tahir and Tom Woodhead of Pinsent Masons were voted Best Team. Other finalists included Alex Cook and Dorothea Shreiver of Eversheds, and Nicola Collins and Anna Moran of Clarion Solicitors.

Judging the event were Andrew Stubbs QC of St Pauls Chambers, David Parkin of TheBusinessDesk.com, Adam Roney, who was crowned Best Speaker in 2010 and is the founder of Calls9, and James Michelsberg of Michelsberg Tailoring.

The event will be opened up next year to trainee barristers and other young professionals outside the legal sector.

NeWS: Social

Exciting events planned

LJLD is looking forward to delivering an exciting and varied programme for 2012. To start the year's social calendar, a group of junior lawyers gathered at the Funk & Soul Night at the Brewery Taps on 29 January. Food and drink was complemented with sample tasting of on-site microbrewery ales.

In December, junior lawyers attended Florit Brooke’s presentation on moving in-house which was held at The Roast. There was a Q&A session with in-house counsel from some of the region’s most high-profile organisations and advice from in-house specialists, Florit Brooke. LJLD is keen to further the involvement of in-house members so please contact [email protected] if you would like more information.

We recently hosted a networking event with Commerce & Industry, an association for in-house lawyers, to encourage younger members to join.

Before Christmas the division also held its first event with Leeds Chartered Accountants Students’ Society. The young professionals enjoyed a champagne tasting evening at Epernay (pictured above) to welcome the festive season. The event, sponsored by Wesleyan for Lawyers, was a huge success and LJLD will continue to arrange joint networking events with young professionals in the region.

Following the success of a networking event for FELT (Firms with Eight or Less Trainees) at the Hop in November, LJLD hosted a further related event at the Oracle.

The committee is very pleased to be able to facilitate comfortable networking for those trainees and junior lawyers who don’t necessarily have a large pool of junior lawyers to share experiences with at work.

For more information visit www.leedsjld.com.

Leeds Junior Lawyers Division (LJLD) arranges educational, social, charitable and networking events for junior lawyers in the Leeds area. Each month the committee brings you the latest news in this column

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Walking two Mondays in another’s moccasinsPatrick Walker expounds on his recent experience of jury service

L ast month I had some fascinating experiences but I can’t tell you about them. If I do I will have

my tongue cut out, I will be tied to a cartwheel and the birds will peck out my eyes – that I think was the gist of the warning as I left Leeds Crown Court after a spell of jury service.

To a mediator, asking one party to see another’s point of view is an obvious step but the response is usually that they have done so and their own position is unchanged. Sometimes the response is purely tactical but on many occasions I think someone has really tried and although they have seen a different view, they feel the same.

In a similar way I expect that many of the Judges and court staff, and perhaps even a few of the advocates, believe they can see how frustrating it must be for jurors to be kept waiting – often many hours and sometimes days while the court completes its plea list, hears arguments about admissibility, or adjourns for extended lunch with a local dignitary. But having spent time with over 60 good people and true, I am convinced that any such concerns are readily overridden by the convenient fact that jurors have no choice. The court service is understandably – and arguably rightly – partly driven by budget statistics, but it largely ignores, quite wrongly, the financial and personal implications for jurors.

There is no magic solution. I meet many who would like to serve but have never been selected and a few of those serving

with me would have been content to remain for many weeks. But if random selection were to be abandoned, a well-established facet of the jury system would be lost. Giving special treatment to the self-employed could also compromise the true cross-section of society.

Before serving I considered it madness for advocates and judges to sit on juries and I remain convinced they pose a real risk to the delicate balance of the jury room which worked well enough before the rules were changed. But I also think that lawyers should experience for themselves the frustrations and even occasional humiliation of jury service (like being refused permission to go to the toilet!). The most common description was being “treated like cattle” and, as one fellow juror remarked, “we would probably have been treated better if we had been convicted before carrying out this ‘community service’!”

A friend sometimes asks me not to judge until “you have walked two moons

in my moccasins”. She is no Native American but she does have a point, and when it comes to jury service, walking two Mondays would be enough to convince anyone that urgent reform is needed.

Small changes could make a big difference: a little more acknowledgment of the sacrifices made, a meal allowance that buys more than a few coffees, free coffee or at least free hot water (yes it’s 25p if you bring your own soup powder!), more information in and out of court... the list goes on but happily both the legal and administrative establishment have agreed to consider my concerns. So, by the time you read this, the Lord Chancellor will have made appropriate directions and approved amending legislation…

Well, maybe change will not be that quick, but if you happen to see the Presiding Judge or Recorder of Leeds wearing comfortable shoes embroidered with a ‘j’, they are not free slippers from a Japanese airline but a pair of juror’s moccasins.

Patrick Walker is Head of Squire Sanders’ advisory and advocacy service Property @ction, and is an independent mediator: www.imediate.co.uk

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Getting to gripsRob Price explains why, three months after the dawn of a new era of regulation, firms are only now starting to feel the impact

T hursday 6 October 2011 officially heralded the introduction of outcomes-focused regulation (OFR)

which radically overhauls the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)'s relationship with law firms and the way in which it delivers its regulatory objectives.

In my opinion, only now, as the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) and Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) nomination deadlines loom and as the alternative business structures (ABS) licensing process belatedly begins, are we beginning to feel the true impact of these changes.

So how smoothly has the transition to OFR gone and what additional matters should firms address in order to succeed in the post-Legal Services Act world?

Risk-based approachUnder the more targeted and risk-based approach of OFR, firms now need to implement the Principles and mandatory Outcomes in the new Handbook, rather than complying with the detailed and prescriptive rules in the old Code. The new approach seeks to allow firms to deliver services to clients in a way that best suits the clients' needs.

The concept of OFR is not new, having been used to regulate the financial services sector for many years. However, despite having increased flexibility on how we deliver services to our clients, the question I am regularly asked is how do we really know if we are complying when only webinars, decision trees and brief FAQs have been provided by the SRA?

Did we really need a ten page Law

Society Practice Note on how to add the words “authorised and ….” onto our websites and e-mail footers, when commercial property lawyers still have no specific conflicts guidance and a further Practice Note on Conflicts in Criminal Cases has only recently been published?

Furthermore, how do we ensure that we always “treat our clients fairly?” under O(1.1)? The concept of “TCF” (“treating customers fairly”) within the financial services sector has resulted in increased complaints compensation, culture changes and mystery shopper exercises. At least we knew where we stood under the old code!

In getting to grips with OFR, one thing is certain: doing nothing is not an option. To remain compliant, all firms should have reviewed their client care letters, conflicts systems, referral arrangements and diversity policies, put in place policies covering financial benefits, interest payments and whistleblowers, and provided training on the new regime.

Radical change is usually not required – continued compliance with existing (but updated) office procedures and effective supervision of staff should suffice. However, Chapter 7 of the Code does demand much more pro-active identification, monitoring and mitigation of risk within firms, rather than just having such compliance systems in existence.

COLPs and COFAsNow is also the time to consider who should “volunteer” for the COLP and COFA roles within firms. I have witnessed both increased attendance at partners’ meetings over the last few months (presumably so that a missing partner is not nominated unanimously in their absence!) and also in some cases retirement from the partnership rather than taking on the unknown responsibilities. The latter is a real concern as now is the time when senior

partners’ experience is needed to steer firms through the post-LSA world. I am also aware of partners hoping that the role will provide them with increased job security in the future which clearly is not a healthy situation.

COLPs and COFAs will have principal responsibility for ensuring compliance with the SRA’s regulatory and licensing requirements and will need to notify the regulator of “material” failures. But what will constitute such a failure? Again, more guidance is urgently needed so that a consistent approach develops across the whole profession. The current Law Society Practice Note simply duplicates the Guidance Notes for Rule 8.5 of the SRA Authorisation Rules and the SRA Quick Guide only provides a brief 16 line COFA case study.

The appointments will ultimately depend on the firm’s size and structure – is there a partner who regularly handles compliance issues or who updates office procedures? Who is currently responsible for Accounts Rules compliance and should they take on COFA responsibilities? Once nominated, role holders should use this time to pressure test their updated compliance systems before the COLP and COFA responsibilities go live in October 2012.

Road aheadI do predict radical change within the legal sector itself within the next two to three years. Now is the time for firms to review their future strategy, USPs and niches. Is a rushed merger or paying significant sums to a relatively new legal marketing network really the best long-term solution?

Given recent economic conditions many firms have been primarily focused on survival but are now facing the challenges of belatedly getting to grips with OFR. Meanwhile, ABS are targeting their core practice areas. Seismic changes await us.

Rob Price is a non-practising solicitor who runs Bolder Solutions, a Leeds based specialist legal training consultancy

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FOCUS ON: My career & me

Modesty is a virtueA landmark past 12 months in the career of Jonathan Jones resulted in him winning a major award

I happened to be in the right place at the right time,” is how Jonathan Jones modestly describes an interesting past

12 months. Referring to himself as more a profiteer of circumstance than an architect of his own success, humility is clearly a quality of the reigning Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year.

As Managing Partner of the Leeds office of the newly rebranded Squire Sanders, Jones acts for a blue-chip client base and his lengthy CV is certainly not short of personal accolades. Indeed, on a regional basis, he advised on the largest ever Yorkshire management buy-out – the £783 million Keepmoat plc deal in 2007.

Throughout 13 years with the same firm, the corporate finance expert has worked at both the London and Leeds offices and has witnessed many changes. However, none has been as significant as Hammonds’ combination with Squire Sanders & Dempsey, which took place on 1 January 2011 and created a top 25 global legal practice boasting 17 offices in 36 countries.

The combination has given the Leeds office an opportunity to leverage upon a international network stretching from Beijing to Washington DC and, with Jones a member of its 13-strong international board, he has every reason to be proud of what has occurred during the last 12 months. But pride aside, the 44-year-old is not one to blow his own trumpet.

“I am very fortunate in a couple of respects,” he says, when discussing his success at last October’s Yorkshire Lawyer Awards. “The first is the merger, which the market has genuinely seen as a good thing and I am basking in that reflective glory.

“Secondly, I am the beneficiary of being part of a really good team. Doing deals is a team sport and, although it's a cliché, you really are only as good as the people who work with you and in that respect I am privileged.”

Dynamic marketplaceAccording to the judges on the night, Jones beat off healthy competition from a stellar shortlist after playing a “major role in the resurgence of the Leeds office” and for showing “the enthusiasm and commitment to lead the office through the next stage of its development.”

So what does the man who has recently agreed to remain Managing Partner of the Leeds office for a second three-year term expect to occur in the regional legal services market in the medium term?

“Leeds is a very competitive marketplace which presents one main issue,” he explains. “That is how you differentiate yourself effectively in order to win the work. Clearly we have chosen to go down the internationalisation of our business route but, whichever way you go, differentiation is vital.

“I anticipate that there will be a polarisation of the legal profession over the next five years – smaller and medium-sized firms, or those that provide a bespoke service at a relatively low price, will find that their margins just aren’t there. The challenge will be to either attract the bespoke work that

retains a premium price or provide legal services in a more standardised way in order to be competitive from a price perspective and maintain margin.

“What will go on in Leeds won’t be majorly different to the picture nationally and you’ll certainly see legal services being a dynamic marketplace over the next five years with plenty of mergers and perhaps even the disappearance of several names that are around at the moment.”

Friends and colleaguesThe future then could be a challenging one in what is likely to become a fast-moving sector but, despite the obvious pressures on those in demanding positions like his, Jones has never regretted choosing a career in law and swapping his native Stoke-on-Trent for Yorkshire.

“We have a good team here that is stable and settled,” explains the married father of four who lives close to the city centre. “People get on, we have a good laugh and we have been successful which always helps generate confidence.

“Also Leeds is a sufficiently small market that a number of people, both clients and competitors, have become friends over the years and long may that continue.”

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FOCUS ON: Chambers profile

Perfect fitPark Court Chambers is looking to the future with confidence

R etaining its proud Yorkshire base but now reaching further afield, in the past six months Park Court

Chambers has carefully positioned itself for a successful future.

On 1 January pre-eminent advocates joined forces to create a new regional set specialising in criminal, family, employment, personal injury and commercial work when Park Court Chambers of Leeds and Newcastle’s New Court Chambers decided to merge. The new combined practice will continue to operate from the same two bases but collectively will boast an impressive 94 members, including 11 silks. The merger will, according to Chief Executive Michael Meeson, create a set that is ideally placed to be successful despite what continue to be challenging times for the Bar.

“The merger not only combines the experience of the North East’s pre-eminent criminal barristers but also provides individual and corporate clients with access to almost 100 barristers able to offer expanded expertise in civil, commercial, family and other matters,” he explains.

Meeson admits that the merger is

a key strand of a modernisation drive; however, he is at pains to stress that growth will not be at the expense of the quality, reliability and integrity that both Park Court Chambers and New Court Chambers have traditionally been renowned for.

Robert Smith QC, currently head of Chambers in Leeds, is the new Head of the joint set, while Alistair MacDonald QC and Julian Smith will take senior roles as Head of Leeds and Newcastle respectively.

In effect what the merger means is the addition of commercial and employment strings to the bow of the Newcastle set. Meanwhile, both will now be able to call on the combined strengths of the region’s largest, nationally renowned criminal team, which currently resides in both Leeds and Newcastle.

“Offering a wider breadth of services to our clients at the highest level of excellence led us to this merger,” comments Julian Smith. “Our clients are fiercely loyal to us, not only as we get great results, but also because we maintain integrity while providing excellent value. In this economy that’s more important than ever.”

Fit for the futureUnder a new name, New Park Court Chambers also hopes to lead by example when it comes to cutting-edge ways of working. In a modern, forward-looking Chambers, members now hot-desk utilising an upgraded IT system, have the ability to work remotely in a seamless fashion and conduct meetings nationally and internationally via video conferencing facilities.

“By getting the right infrastructure in place we are looking to the future with optimism,” continues Meeson. “People want choice [and] a one-stop-shop approach but at the same time they quite rightly want to see the same quality of service and integrity that they have come to associate with both sets over the years.”

The next step is to expand into the growing areas of mediation and arbitration which should prove an attractive proposition.

“It [the merger] demonstrates our ambitious plans to create a practice of choice for clients and contacts within our specialist areas of practice,” explains Robert Smith QC who, according to Chambers & Partners 2011 is “the best and most impressive silk on the circuit”.

He adds: “New Court has a deep passion for providing legal advice and advocacy to its clients on Tyneside and its members share our absolute commitment and determination to succeed. It’s a perfect fit for us.”

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FOCUS ON: Regional spotlight

Displaying real steelLYL begins its series of regional spotlights with a trip to Sheffield where we encounter a city well placed for the future

A ccording to one of the city’s foremost lawyers, Sheffield can be a model that the rest of the

country follows as it looks to pull its way out of the economic malaise of recent years. There is, it seems, real steel at the heart of South Yorkshire’s business community despite what remain challenging times.

“If Sheffield gets it right over the coming years then it really could be a benchmark or model for the rest of UK plc,” explains Paul Firth, Irwin Mitchell’s Regional Managing Partner for Sheffield and the Chairman of the city’s economic development agency Creative Sheffield. “It is generally accepted that we as a country are too reliant on financial and professional services and there is a need to move towards a more mixed economy. With the Advanced Manufacturing Park and Nuclear Research Centre that have emerged here in recent years, Sheffield is very well placed for the future.

“Historically the legal sector in Sheffield has specialised in dealing with manufacturing-led business. Increasingly this has switched to more hi-tech businesses with specific needs and requirements like intellectual property and issues surrounding exports. In the coming years the legal market will adapt as it always does to fit in where commerce and enterprise is heading.”

Green shoots of recoverySheffield’s legal sector has not been immune to the problems of consolidation and contraction experienced elsewhere in the UK during a time of recession and sluggish recovery. Many headlines were made by the spectacular demise of Halliwells in 2010 while market conditions continue to be “challenging” according to many in the know. However, backing up Firth’s optimistic vision for the future, some green shoots of recovery have emerged lately with

the arrival onto the scene of some new niche practices in growth areas such as employment and matrimonial law.

“The sector has suffered significantly over the last few years and while, unfortunately, I don’t think that’s over yet, there does seem to be more optimism and creativity about the way we deliver legal services,” says Jay Bhayani, who took the bold decision to launch her own employment law practice Bhayani Bracewell midway through 2011 after deciding to leave her role as a Senior Partner at long-established Sheffield firm Watson Esam.

“Over the last few years we have seen many local established firms joining forces with others as there is some security in numbers when firms are under pressure to pay extortionate public indemnity insurance, and fees are being driven down. There is more competition than ever and those that have ways of differentiating themselves are surviving better than those that are carrying on as they were in the heady days of our profession.

“We have seen some large firms coming to Sheffield and trying to make their mark as there is a perception that Sheffield is not as saturated as Leeds, but I think it’s getting that way.”

Bhayani points out that, despite ambitious plans for the development

of the city being put on hold, Sheffield is fortunate that “great efforts” were made to promote it as a place to do business before the recession hit. “It feels as though we can pick up where we left off and for some sectors, such as manufacturing, digital industries and further education, the future is really bright,” she adds.

If and when that happens, the legal sector will be ready and waiting to lend its support and expertise. A glance down the exhibitor list at the University of Sheffield’s November 2011 Legal Fair indicates the interest there is in the next generation of Sheffield lawyers. Everyone, from Addleshaw Goddard to Wragge & Co., was queuing up to inform students of their options and Irwin Mitchell’s Firth, who is also Pro-Chancellor of the university, believes the future is bright for a combination of reasons.

“Uncertainties aside there are still well-established and strong businesses here offering a high quality of work,” he explains. “Added to the very high standard of living and quality of life, you can see why Sheffield retains a higher percentage of its graduates than any other major city.

“People become very fond of the place, they enjoy the atmosphere and they want to live and work here.”

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Harness your potentialRichard Smyth explains why this new year more than most demands attention when it comes to your software systems

T he legal IT sector serves two masters. If technology – the ‘know-how’ element – provides the sector

with its drive, its forward momentum, the legal market provides the steer; if technology says “Hey, look what we can do!”, the legal market says “Yes, but this is what we need you to do.”

As 2012 settles into its groove, it seems clear that each of these key drivers is going to make a forceful contribution over the next 12 months and beyond. In the technology corner, Software as a Service (SaaS) – a.k.a. ‘the cloud’ – is looking to impose itself; the legal market, meanwhile, is obsessing over those three little words that have come to mean so much to us all: alternative business structures (ABS).

Realists in the traditional law sector will no doubt see the former as an opportunity and the latter as, to say the least, a challenge (and, as an aside, might enjoy the old joke that if Apollo 13 had been manned by business consultants, the message to ground control would have been “Houston, we have an opportunity!”).

Jonathan Seaton at DPS Software believes that many of the difficulties presented by the Legal Services Act could be overcome by making 2012 the year of the cloud.

“In general, it is going to be a lot more competitive, simply because of the Legal Services Act,” he says. “There are going to be a lot of new entrants to the market. So there’s a new emphasis on efficiency – if you’re looking to compete with these big boys who are coming in with these huge budgets and knowledge of how to do process-driven work, even if you can’t compete with them on the marketing budget, you still need to be able to front up to them on the operational side of things and in the services you offer.”

DPS has been offering SaaS for around 10 years; the key factor in

delivering the necessary impetus to push take-up of the technology to a tipping point, Seaton says, will be low-priced, high-bandwidth, properly distributed Internet access.

“The reliability of the lines has gone up but, more so, the cost of them has come down,” he says. Outsourcing your IT infrastructure to a SaaS provider now represents a genuinely cost-effective option, and may give traditional law firms a fighting chance against the incoming ABS behemoths.

“Traditional legal firms, I think, are going to be relying on the knowledge they possess of practising law, which they’ve been doing a hell of a lot longer than these new entrants,” Seaton says. “But you’ve got to have the mechanisms in place to bring to bear that knowledge and experience. If we can help them at least operate on a level playing-field, then I don’t think things are as bleak for these law firms as some commentators might make out.”

In a sense, the SaaS offered by DPS isn’t a ‘cloud’ in the strictest sense, in that the firm maintains its own data centre.

“We’re using a private cloud model

here, to maintain the necessary security and integrity, because if you went with what many people would consider ‘true’ cloud, you wouldn’t know where the data is,” Seaton explains. “It could be on a Google server anywhere in the world, and that’s not really going to work for client data at a law firm. You need to know it’s at least within the European Economic Zone.”

Compliance considerations of this kind are an important aspect of the DPS model. “You’re offloading responsibility for maintaining your own IT infrastructure, and with that comes responsibility for back-ups and maintaining business continuity and disaster recovery procedures,” Seaton says. “That’s even more important now because of the increase in regulation and the fact that firms have got to be compliant with that, whether it’s for security, how you look after your data, or even where it’s stored.

“Being UK-based – our data centre is in our London head office – is very important, because clients know where their data is.”

Efficiency improvements are also central to the appeal of the cloud to law

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firms. “We do it all for you, and you get that one key strategic partnership with a supplier rather than having several parties you need to coordinate in order to achieve the outcome you are aiming for,” Seaton says.

Warren Wander, the founder and managing director of LawWare Ltd and CEO of LawCloud Ltd agrees about the growing importance of the cloud.

He adds: “The number of firms transitioning is growing at a tremendous rate and the opportunity is here today for small to medium-sized high street law firms to start using best of breed software (traditionally reserved for the bigger firms), delivered directly to their PC, laptop, Mac or iPad at a low fixed monthly subscription, with no upfront capital expenditure.

“LawCloud is at the forefront of transforming the way lawyers work. Since the official launch in February 2011, we have grown from a standing start to now hosting more than 60 law firms to date on what are secure and robust servers and this number is

growing by the week. LawCloud really is more about business transformation than technology.”

Tailor-made solutionsBradford-based Eclipse Legal are also pushing the cloud as an efficiency measure that can help law firms to streamline their processes.

“Where this option wins is when you have an organisation operating across several different locations, needing consistent access to centralised data,” notes Eclipse’s Darren Gower. “A cloud option can remove some of the infrastructure complexities and streamline the practical considerations of multi-location software access.”

The firm’s Proclaim-hosted software seeks to appeal not only to start-ups and smaller firms but also to larger, multi-disciplinary operations.

“The profile of the firms using our products is always changing,” Gower says. “We’re still developing the software every day, in line with what the clients request and what the industry demands.”

It is important, of course, not to regard ABS as an invasive species as, like it or not, the interlopers will have to be accommodated within the structures of the traditional law sector. In fact, many will emerge from within this sector, as existing firms explore the freedoms granted by the Legal Services Act and develop new ways of operating and collaborating.

For legal IT firms, the emergence of ABS is an opportunity. “The introduction of alternative business structures brings a huge level of opportunity for both existing law firms and new market entrants,” says Eclipse’s chief business executive Russell Thomson. “Our experience with a wide range of organisations in law, insurance and consumer services (including many forthcoming ABS entrants) has shown that these organisations demand software solutions specific to their needs.”

Eclipse’s Proclaim ABS software, tailored specifically for post-Legal Services Act operators of all kinds, is thought to be the first product of its kind to hit the market (a personal injury-specific version is also available). Co-operative Legal Services – one of the front-runners in the race to become the UK’s first official ABS – is already a client.

“Gone are the days of legal service providers simply wanting to manage their financials and accounts,” explains Gower. “A holistic and global view of all case processes is vital. Without the tools to manage a variety of cases in a transparent and admin-light manner, traditional legal service providers will struggle.”

It seems that the technology is all in place – indeed, that it is straining at the leash – and that legal IT providers are only too keen to provide firms in all sections of the industry with the tools they need to adapt to the ABS age. All that remains to be seen is whether the firms themselves can take advantage.

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FOCUS ON: Residential conveyancing

Moving issueStephen Coupland explains how outsourcing your residential conveyancing requirements can actually help retain clients

O ver the last three years the conveyancing landscape has changed significantly, with

many firms looking at the practical and financial viability of continuing to provide a conveyancing service for their clients.

The number of property transactions in the UK has halved since 2008 and there are now far fewer firms whose main focus is conveyancing. The Land Registry statistics show that of 4,618 firms who registered applications with them in November last year, only 147 registered over 50 transactions.

What is clear is that many firms are still offering a conveyancing service simply to retain clients, i.e. not from a profit-making perspective, but to ensure that the client doesn’t instruct another firm which could then pick up the rest of their business.

The obvious solution is to outsource to a specialist conveyancing-only firm that has nothing else to sell to your client.

Why outsource?There are three key reasons to join those firms that are already outsourcing residential conveyancing.

When it comes to analysing the cost of delivery, numerous factors have driven down fees at a time when bank interest is also negligible. Increasing professional indemnity premiums, a lack of volume and the need for huge investment in IT and specialist staff means residential conveyancing is loss-making for most mainstream law firms.

So, the question you need to ask yourself is: why fund a department when you could outsource? Niche

conveyancing firms deliver the process and the expertise that matters to your clients. You retain your client, avoid the risks, focus on your profitable departments and generate an income through Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)-regulated fee-sharing agreements.

Secondly comes the issue of lenders in general being risk averse and consequently removing firms from their panels. They want volume, specialist expertise, robust processes and Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation. Therefore, if you are not on a major lender’s panels, you can’t serve your client properly.

Last but by no means least is the issue of compliance. It stands to reason that if you’re not investing properly in your department, its processes and procedures, and you can’t afford senior conveyancing professionals, then it may not be too long before an SRA inspection visit uncovers breaches of their code of conduct. You need to ask yourself whether your firm is sitting on a potential fine and if your partners are at risk of having practising certificates revoked. Why take that risk?

“Client retention in this marketplace is imperative,” explains Rob Lewis, Director of Advantage Property Lawyers.

“A firm like ours only does residential conveyancing so your client relationship is safe and we guarantee outstanding customer service.

“We currently work with law firms of all sizes who outsource conveyancing to us. They trust us, and pass the risk and responsibility on to us, and in return we ensure we keep them fully informed. They remain in complete control of their client relationships and generate a fee-sharing income for them.”

Stephen Coupland is the Head of Sales and Marketing at award-winning conveyancing firm Advantage Property Lawyers

Ask the experts:APL is an independent and award-winning business regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. Based in Leeds, they work with law firms throughout the region to help understand and take full advantage of the latest developments in the world of residential conveyancing.

For more information on outsourcing your residential conveyancing work to a specialist organisation, visit www.aplawyers.co.uk or for a confidential discussion about your needs contact Stephen Coupland on 07712 880551 or email [email protected]

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Sporting chanceWith an action-packed sporting calendar taking shape, corporate hospitality is the perfect way to entertain your clients

T he start of a new year is traditionally a time to set targets, goals and ambitions for the next

12 months. However, there is nothing to say that these need to be restricted exclusively to professional matters as, with a relatively blank canvas of calendar sat on your desk, there is ample opportunity to plan an action-packed year out of the office too. Combine some top-quality sports action with corporate hospitality to ensure your clients or guests remember what an excellent day they enjoyed in your company.

The Yorkshire County Cricket Club is the perfect place to entertain your clients, offering a range of exclusive facilities available for both high-profile match-day hospitality and non-match-day meetings and events. These include private boxes and a range of shared restaurant facilities, all with a fantastic view of the pitch.

In 2012, the club will host two thrilling international matches. The 3rd England v. West Indies NatWest Series One Day International takes place on Friday 22 June; and between Thursday 2 August and Monday 6 August the England Test team, currently top of the world rankings, will return to the ground to take on South Africa in the 2nd Investec Test Match.

Full corporate hospitality is available at these matches including champagne reception, four-course lunch and celebrity guest speakers within the Carnegie Pavilion and East Stand Boxes, or more informal options are available in other areas of the ground.

Meanwhile, hospitality is available at all of Yorkshire’s domestic fixtures

including the Yorkshire Carnegie v. Lancashire Lightning match on Friday 29 June (5.30pm start). Packages for this match are just £99.00 + VAT per person making them fantastic value for money at one of the most sought-after sporting events in Leeds.

Many of the club’s facilities are also available on non-match days for meetings or seminars, including the premium Hawke Club. This has been furnished to the very highest standards and, with a fantastic view of the pitch, this exclusive facility which seats just 12 people boardroom style is bound to inspire both you and your clients.

If horse-racing sounds like a fun day out then why not head to a venue that was recently named the best small racecourse in the North. Commonly known as the ‘garden racecourse’, Ripon Racecourse is one of the most attractive and intimate race venues in the country. During race days the atmosphere is truly exceptional – your guests or clients will be able to witness the top jockeys in action amid sumptuous surroundings with gourmet food and drink.

With racing running from April through until September there is plenty of opportunity to visit. A total of 16 race days cover the six-month period with a range of midweek, evening and weekend race days to suit all needs. Some of the most popular include the Family Day (Sunday 20 May), Ladies’ Day (Thursday 21 June), Day One of the Yorkshire Festival (Saturday 21 July) and Children’s Day (Monday 6 August).

If participation is more your idea of effective corporate hospitality then the outskirts of Leeds offers some of the finest golf courses in the UK. Of these Horsforth Golf Club, on the border of Horsforth and Rawdon, is a leading example.

The course is easy walking and provides a challenge to golfers of all

abilities. Visitors and members alike are met with a warm welcome.

The clubhouse has several rooms that are available for private functions, conferences, workshops and meetings with free Wi-Fi available throughout the clubhouse.

Alternatively if you’re looking to head further afield then a Leeds-based corporate hospitality provider that celebrates its third anniversary in February might provide the answer.

Leodis Sports Management boasts a calendar featuring golf’s Open Championships, the Test match at Headingley against South Africa and the return of the autumn rugby after a year’s break due to the World Cup.

“Companies now more than ever need to value their key clients and hospitality,” explains Managing Director Ian Hawkridge. “Despite popular belief this hasn’t really been affected by the current climate as most, if not all, major sporting events are sold out. For example, you rarely see an empty seat at Twickenham or anywhere in the country for an England Test match.”

OUt & ABOUt: Corporate hospitality

FactfileYorkshire County Cricket Club (Hospitality department)T: 0113 203 3667 www.yorkshireccc.com

Ripon Races T: 01765 530530 www.ripon-races.co.uk

Horsforth Golf ClubT:0113 258 6819www.horsforthgolfclub.co.uk

Leodis Sports Management T: 0113 3662026 www.leodissportsmanagement.com

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OUt & ABOUt: Places to go

Event of the monthInternational matches make welcome return to Headingley

Book your tickets now for what promise to be two thrilling international matches at Headingley this summer. The 3rd England v. West Indies NatWest Series One Day International takes place on Friday 22

June; and between Thursday 2 August and Monday 6 August the England Test team, currently top of the world rankings, will return to the ground to take on South Africa in the 2nd Investec Test Match.

Full corporate hospitality is available at these matches, including champagne reception, four-course lunch and celebrity guest speakers within the Carnegie Pavilion (pictured) and East Stand Boxes. More informal options are available in other areas of the ground.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club (Hospitality department)T: 0113 203 3667 www.yorkshireccc.com

Restaurant of the monthThe one thing that isn't a gamble is the dining experience

T he Clarence Dock area of Leeds was especially quiet in the middle of January but our dining

experience at The Leeds Kitchen certainly brightened our day. Run by James Martin of Saturday Kitchen fame, the restaurant is part of the vibrant Alea Casino entertainment venue. It is modern, dark and sleek, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

The menu is concise, with just enough to choose from. Cream of pumpkin soup with Berkswell cheese profiteroles was a pleasantly hearty starter for a cold January night. Our alternative choice of warm winter salad of braised pig cheeks, celeriac crisps and apple was truly excellent.

When the main courses arrived we were once again overcome with food envy. Roast chicken breast with walnut crust, creamed smoked garlic spinach and salsify was deliciously rich but the duo of local duck with winter spices, Yorkshire pak choi and soused hedgerow blackberries took centre stage: the duck breast was perfectly pink and an amazing large and crispy spring roll completed the double act.

A caramelized orange tart that we shared for dessert was every bit as moreish as we had expected, especially given Martin’s renown for his desserts.

The bill for dinner, complete with sides and a couple of rounds of drinks, was around the £80 mark, making The

Leeds Kitchen a perfect choice for fine dining for two.

The Leeds KitchenAlea Casino, Clarence Dock, LeedsT: 0113 341 3202www.theleedskitchen.co.uk

Picture courtesy of: www.swpix.com

INteRVIeW: The last word


Just be yourselfLYL talks to Chris Allen, Managing Partner of Blacks Solicitors and the 2011 Yorkshire Lawyer Awards' Managing Partner of the Year

ProfessionalWhat inspired you to take up this particular vocation?I realised after a period of work experience that the job actually revolved around meeting and helping a variety of people and not just reading case law. That variety means no two days are ever the same.

What has been your career highlight so far?I am proud that we have built the firm over the last 15 years primarily on the principle of organic growth. The net result is a loyal, dedicated and well-trained workforce that has bought into our goal and objectives.

What are your ambitions for the future?To be regarded by clients and competitors alike as the best law firm in Leeds for quality of service and client care.

What will be the biggest challenge going forward?The next generation of clients is embracing social media. Ignore it at your peril.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?Just be yourself.

What advice would you offer anyone starting out?Put a smile on your face and a tie under that collar. Welcome to Blacks.

PersonalHow do you unwind after a hard day at the office?Football in the garden with our children and their pals.

Who would be your dream dinner party guests?Spike Milligan, Eric Morecambe, Stan Laurel and my grandfather.

What one luxury item would you take to a desert island?A big hat.

If you weren’t involved in law, what would be your dream profession?A Spitfire pilot.

What would be your ideal holiday?Travelling the world (in some luxury) with our children and the beautiful Mrs Allen.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?Yes, my TVR Tuscan.

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