Morning Briefing: Should your law firm offer ‘freemium’ products?

A growing number of law firms are offering free products in a bid to attract clients... K&L Gates launches new employment service for business… Finance team new arrival for Gibson Dunn… DLA Piper expands government and relations teams… New real estate partner at Eversheds…

Should your law firm offer ‘freemium’ products?
A growing number of law firms, along with countless other businesses, are offering free products in a bid to attract clients. The model, known as freemium, is based on a simple marketing idea; give something away as ‘bait’ and paid work will follow. It won’t do so every time, however by giving away information and documents many firms find it builds trust and generates paid business enough to make it worthwhile. Content such as ‘how to’ guides for start-ups; draft employment contracts; or simple non-disclosure agreements; can all be useful ways to attract new customers. 

K&L Gates launches new employment service for business
K&L Gates has announced the launch of its new staffing-focused service Global Employer Solutions. As the name suggests the service is aimed at multinational businesses that face the challenges associated with employees based in multiple jurisdictions. With the potential pitfalls of workplace regulations, employment law, tax, benefits and much more the firm aims to position itself as a one-stop solution for employment compliance. 

Finance team new arrival for Gibson Dunn
There’s a new partner in the finance practice at Gibson Dunn in Singapore. Christopher James Thomas, known as Jamie, will focus on banking, finance and restructuring as he did at White & Case. 

DLA Piper expands government and relations teams
DLA Piper has two additional members of its government and relations teams in London. As a former senior official with the UK civil service and a government advisor John Forrest will bring extensive knowledge as head of the firm’s trade practice. Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean will expand her role at the firm, where she is an existing consultant, by leading the government relations practice. 

New real estate partner at Eversheds
Clare Whitaker has been appointed as a partner in the real estate practice at Eversheds in a lateral hire from Clyde & Co. She specialises in the hotel and leisure sector. Based in London the team is multi-jurisdictional.