A third of lawyers want to work from home
More than a third of lawyers in firms with between 25 and 49 lawyers would like to work from home more frequently even if it was unpopular with colleagues. A study carried out by Research and Markets discovered that more partners believe that working from home leads to a more productive firm compared to those that think it would detrimental (29.45 per cent against 23.97 per cent). However, the study also found that while women are split in almost equal numbers in their ability to be more productive working from home, for men twice as many believe it makes them less productive.
Legal services body opens debate on regulating in-house teams
The Legal Services Board, the body that oversees legal services in the UK and sits above organisations including the Law Society and the Bar Council, has opened a debate on the regulation of in-house legal teams. The Board’s question to the regulators it oversees and other interested parties is whether the current regulation of in-house lawyers stifles their ability to expand their reach and innovating. Chief executive of the LSB Richard Moriarty says: “With over 25,000 in-house lawyers in England and Wales it is important that any restrictions on their practice be clearly justified." He believes that not over-regulating will cut costs and red tape and avoid adversely affecting access to justice.
Clyde & Co opens new office in Saudi Arabia
Clyde & Co has opened its new fully-integrated office in Saudi Arabia headed by Abdulaziz Al-Bosaily who has been closely associated with the law firm for the past six years. The firm is only the second international law firm to gain regulatory approval to open a fully integrated office in the Kingdom. The team of 14 fee-earnings, mostly Saudi nationals, are an important part of the firm’s regional growth plans.
Gibson Dunn PEP breaks U$3 million
Los Angeles-based international law firm Gibson Dunn has broken the US$3 million mark for profits per equity partner. Revenue has increased by 6 per cent to US$1.47 billion across the group which includes Singapore, Hong Kong and Beijing offices. Equity partners profits are up 3 per cent to US$3.05 million.
