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Evidence base
Peter Scott offers some practical tips to demonstrate compliance with SRA regulations.
Legal Compliance - Jan 2024
Performance indicators
Peter Scott considers law firm performance measures in light of the SRA's recent thematic review on workplace culture.
The Law Society - Jul 2022
Sting in the tail - the financial issues facing law firms in the long tail of the pandemic
Legal Compliance
The Law Society - Oct 2021
Small wonder
The financial issues small firms face in the long tail of the pandemic
The Law Society - Oct 2020
COVID-19 Survival steps for law firms
In Risk and Compliance Update – jointly authored by Peter Scott with Paul Browne and Karl Wingfield
The Law Society - Apr 2020
Law firms - #metoo?
Article co-authored with Polly Rodway, a partner at specialist employment law firm BDBF and published by The Law Society in the January 2020 issue of Legal Compliance.
Legal Compliance - Jan 2020
The future of the billable hour and new approaches to pricing
Article by Peter Scott based on an interview with Andrew Muir and originally published by LexisNexis on LexisPSL and Future of Law.
LexisNexis - Jun 2019
Exploiting price transparency for advantage
Legal Compliance Bulletin
Law Society - May 2019
Gaining a competitive advantage through pricing strategies and methods
Article by Peter Scott based on an interview with journalist Diana Bentley and originally published on LexisPSL.
LexisNexis - May 2019
Strategising in law firms
Article by Peter Scott based on an interview with journalist Samantha Gilbert and originally published on LexisLibrary and LexisPSL.
LexisNexis - May 2019
The Price Transparency Rules are about much more than compliance
Being open and clear with clients about pricing is something which clients of law firms respect and shows them that their law firm recognises its 'worth' to them.
- Feb 2019
Coping with risk in a mid-size firm
Levels of risk and strategies for dealing with them vary, depending on the size of the practice.
Legal Compliance Bulletin - Sep 2018
‘And then there are the things we don’t know we don’t know’ (Donald Rumsfeld)
Is it time for your firm’s compliance health check?
- Jul 2018
Why Law Firms Fail - and how to prevent it happening
In uncertain economic times, it's only prudent to think about the resilience of your law firm ...
Legal Compliance Bulletin - Jan 2018
Preventing Client Leakage
key aspects to ensure financial strength for a firm – co–authored with Robin Dicks.
Surrey Lawyer - Jun 2017
Actively managing learning and development
Legal Compliance Bulletin, January 2017
The Law Society - Jan 2017
Remuneration systems for partners of law firms
Article by Peter Scott based on an interview with journalist Diana Bentley.
Lexis@PSLPractice Management - Oct 2016
Put ethics back at the heart of legal practice
If the spirit of ethical practice is not deep-rooted in a firm's very being, the consequences can be far-reaching.
Legal Compliance Bulletin - Jul 2016
Systemise your compliance: can you afford not to?
Managing risk and compliance is regarded by many as a burden, usually because they lack sufficient resources to do so. It need not be so ...
Legal Compliance Bulletin (Law Society) - Mar 2016
The quickest way to damage your firm - carry on rewarding the slackers
Firms that don't stop rewarding bad behaviour will eventually fail.
BDLN - Feb 2016
Financial stability
It is rather surprising that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), according to its Risk Outlook 2015/16, no longer views lack of 'financial stability' in a law firm as a 'high priority risk' for a regulator that protects people who use legal services, the operation of the rule of law and the proper administration of justice.
Legal Compliance Bulletin - Jan 2016
Financial Health Checks
Article by journalist Diana Bentley based on interviews with Peter Scott and Andy Poole.
Lexis@PSLPractice Management - Jan 2016
Continuing competence - an opportunity for law firms
Published in January 2016 via the newsletter of The Thriving Company.
The Thriving Company - Jan 2016
Complacency kills: change before you have to
There is a tsunami of change coming towards law firms and they need to be prepared. However, if they rest on their laurels and are then forced to change, that process can be painful for them. Instead firms should embrace change and make it their ally, which is what the most successful businesses do.
BDLN - Dec 2015
Allies or aliens?
The relationship between a managing partner and a finance director is of critical importance to the well-being of a law firm. However, as firms increasingly recognise they must change in response to the challenges they now face, the precise roles of each and the relationship between the two are evolving.
www.managingpartner.com
Managing Partner - Nov 2015
Lateral hiring of Partners
Article by journalist Diana Bentley based on an interview with Peter Scott and with John Grimwade of JDP.
Lexis@PSLPractice Management - Aug 2015
Top tips for merger
Article by journalist Diana Bentley based on an interview with Peter Scott
Lexis@PSLPractice Management - Aug 2015
Partner Pay
Article by journalist Diana Bentley based on an interview with Peter Scott
Lexis@PSLPractice Management - Aug 2015
10 top tips for managing compliance
Legal Compliance Bulletin
Law Society - Jul 2015
Has your law firm made plans for the future?
Article by journalist Diana Bentley based on an interview with Peter Scott.
Lexis@PSLPractice Management - Apr 2015
Showing you care
Article by journalist Diana Bentley based on an interview with Peter Scott
Lexis®PSL Practice Management - Mar 2015
Measuring partners' performance - best practice
Practice Management analysis: How important are key performance indicators (KPIs) for partners and how should they be developed? Mark Jones, partner at Addleshaw Goddard LLP and leader of Addleshaw Goddard's Professional Practices Consultancy, and Peter Scott, principal of Peter Scott Consulting and former managing partner of Eversheds' London and European offices, discuss best practice in this area.
Lexis®PSL Practice Management - Mar 2015
Lawyers are not interpreting financial reports
Implementing a financial education programme can be one of the most effective initiatives to take to improve cash generation.
Solicitors Journal - Oct 2014
How good is your disaster recovery plan?
Is it a mystery to all or the lynch pin of your firm's strategy? Read our guide to avoid being caught out.
Legal Compliance Bulletin - Sep 2014
Market position
Peter Scott advises how to keep one step ahead of your competitors.
Personal Injury Law Journal - Aug 2014
Warning signs
What law firms should be doing to ensure effective management of financial stability.
Solicitors Journal - Feb 2014
Financial stability
Financial stability is a current topic of concern as law firms continue to fail and the SRA announces it has identified at least 1,200 firms with evidence of financial difficulty after it carried out a mass survey of at-risk sectors.
Legal compliance bulletin - Jan 2014
Monitoring compliance failures – Where risk meets KM
Developing a knowledge-management strategy to capture and share knowledge is an essential component of effective risk management.
COLP & COFA Update – Volume 1 Issue 1 June 2013 - Jun 2013
Four years on: where are we now?
Sometimes it is useful to stop, reflect and take stock, especially during times of momentous challenge.
Legal Compliance Bulletin - May 2013
An ABS application: one firm’s experience
In an interview, Ann Harrison, chair of the law firm Stephensons, describes the firm's experience of applying to become an alternative business practice (ABS).
Legal Compliance Bulletin, Law Society - May 2013
COLP and COFA approvals: What should law firms learn from the process?
Compliance officers should now all be in place, and most are. But you would be mistaken in thinking that approval of individuals in their posts is automatic.
Legal compliance bulletin - Jan 2013
Outcomes - focused regulation - its impact to date and thoughts on likely future repercussions
The author's contribution to the report published December 2012 by the ARK Group on The Future of Legal Services – Expert Analysis. The report reveals renowned experts' vision of the future of legal practice as law firms look to 2013 and beyond.
Expert Analysis - Dec 2012
Reluctant COLPs: how prepared are they for the problems ahead?
When the new appointees take up their posts in the New Year, they will need to balance their responsibilities to their firms and to the regulator. No easy task, but it can be done. (Co-authored with Stephen Ralph of Penningtons LLP.)
Legal compliance bulletin - Sep 2012
Using a partner reward system to keep your law firm ahead of the competition
Outstanding partner performance is now more important than ever to keep your practice ahead of the competition. So how can you use your reward systems to achieve this goal?
Managing for success - Aug 2012
OFR and mergers: another hurdle to overcome?
For many law firms, a merger could be the next logical step to consolidating and expanding their business. In the new regulatory regime, it is advisable to be wise before the event and tread carefully to avoid unseen pitfalls ahead.
Legal compliance bulletin - May 2012
SRA requirement to appoint compliance officers risks clash of responsibilities
Balance independence with business knowledge when appointing COLPs, say Stephen Ralph and Peter Scott
Legal Week - Apr 2012
Measures to achieve financial stability under OFR
Under outcomes-focused regulation (OFR), financial management in law firms will no longer be just about running a profitable and sound business. Financial directors and compliance officers will also need to ensure that their firm is meeting all its compliance obligations in terms of its financial stability.
Legal Compliance Bulletin - Law Society - Jan 2012
The role of the COLP
How can the role of the compliance officer for legal practice (COLP) be effectively carried out when outcomes focused regulation (OFR) becomes a reality for law firms on 6 October this year?
Legal Compliance Bulletin - Law Society - Jul 2011
Don’t cross-sell, co-sell
Overview of ways to increase fee earners' effectiveness at developing business with clients.
Professional Marketing - Apr 2011
Achieving a level playing field for the integrated multidisciplinary ABS
by David Furst of Horwath Clark Whitehill, Accountants and Peter Scott
Legal Compliance Bulletin - Sep 2010
How one small firm approaches compliance
Compliance is regarded by many law firms as a burden. However, it need not be, even for small firms if they organise themselves to manage compliance and risk in a systematic manner.
Legal compliance bulletin - May 2010
Financial management in the challenging legal world of tomorrow
The authors’ contribution to the report published on 15 January 2010 by the Ark Group on The Future of Legal Services – Expert Analysis. The report reveals renowned experts’ vision of the future of legal practice as firms look to 2010 and beyond – see press release attached.
Ark Group - Jan 2010
Masterclass – a virtuous circle
Law firms are right to expect high performance from all their partners and professionals. But what can they do to bring that about? There are various elements that need to be in place to achieve high performance in practice.
Managing Partner magazine - Jan 2010
All-round feedback in a firm can deliver higher performance
Getting the best performance from people and helping them maximise their potential should always be priorities for law firms. When we emerge from the recession, achieving higher performance is likely to matter as never before if firms are to be able rapidly to exploit market opportunities and build their competitive advantage.
The Law Gazette - Sep 2009
How a large law firm manages its risks
In an interview with Hazel Ryan, risk director of Eversheds, we learn some lessons on risk management from one of the major law firms in the UK.
Legal Compliance Bulletin – Law Society Publishing - Sep 2009
How to stop Partnership from losing its glitter
Does and invitation to become an equity partner really reflect your worth to the firm or are you being asked to fill a financial 'black hole' or allow older partners to retire?
Law Business Review - Aug 2009
Four management rules for tough economic times
With economic turmoil affecting all businesses, law firms should implement a four-point strategy to get the most out of their resources.
The Law Gazette - Oct 2008
Risky Business
The ‘R’ word is being spoken about again and the credit crunch is having an impact which many firms have not experienced since the early 1990s. This will require those running law firms to be on their mettle as never before.
FDLegal - Aug 2008
Is your firm building for the future by investing now in the next generation?
Peter Scott and Phil Gott explore the ways that law firms should be building for the future by investing now in the next generation.
Legal Hub - Nov 2007
Financial Performance
Are Your Partners Prepared To Be Managed?
Legal Hub - Oct 2007
Financial performance
Are your partners measuring up?
FD Legal - Oct 2007
Farming Talent
People development is an effective tool in increasing a firm’s productivity. But it is not about spending more money on developing staff, but channelling funds thoughtfully.
Law Gazette - Aug 2007
A land of opportunities
The Legal Services Bill will create a land of opportunities for firms brave enough to take advantage.
FD Legal - Jan 2007
Cash management: put the squeeze on your business
Cash management, to accelerate cash flow and reduce debt and partner investment, is fundamental to developing a law firm.
FD Legal - Nov 2006
Shaping up for growth
Some firms are more than eager to welcome non-lawyer investment, but may be lacking the business structures that would make them an ideal candidate. Peter Scott reveals what investors are looking for.
Law Gazette - Oct 2006
Cold winds of change
Are your firm’s organisational structures in shape to meet the challenges ahead, asks Peter Scott and Brigid Sutcliffe
Managing For Success - Oct 2006
Taking control of the finances
Managing the financial well-being of a law firm tends to be not so much about figures, but more about managing people to get the best out of them.
Managing Partner - Jun 2006
Facing up to partner problems
Performance issues can cause instability, financial loss and stress and may often result in other good staff leaving.
Law Gazette - Jun 2006
The government’s White Paper on the future of legal services
The government’s White Paper on the future of legal services has just been published and Managing Risk asked several alumni in the legal sector to offer some thoughts on how this affects the future of law firms.
Managing Risk - Dec 2005
How firms can change gears to make the most of ABSs
Peter Scott argues that consolidation is the key if solicitors are to offer serious competition to non-lawyers.
Law Gazette - Nov 2005
Choose your king wisely
Managing partner elections are now the usual way of selecting the head of a firm, but are they the best?
Legal Week - Sep 2004
Managing for succession
Succession is high on the agenda for many firms facing the retirement of partners who have been driving forces in the business. Proper planning well in advance is key to developing strategies for managing the process, so that those approaching retirement are prepared for the change and can bow out leaving their firms in a healthy state, capable of facing the future with confidence.
Managing For Success - Jul 2004
The power of two
Partnerships are not just about individuals. The bigger picture is partnerships between law firms. Peter Scott assesses why so many of these alliances fail.
The Lawyer - May 2004
Double Trouble At The Top
If Senior Partners and Managing Partners can work together effectively then they can do a great deal to drive a firm forwards. However, the absence of clearly defined roles and a spirit of co-operation can cause serious problems. How should this issue
be approached? Peter Scott suggests an effective model to make the most of the pairing.
Managing For Success (The Law Society) - Jan 2004
Altered images
The national model has served many law firms well over the last few decades, but can non London-based firms realistically make the leap in perception necessary to establish themselves in the City?
Legal Week - Oct 2003
Hitting the target
Pushing through any merger between two law firms is hard enough, but when transatlantic mergers are undertaken the problems are increased tenfold, due mostly to a lack of foresight by management.
Legal Week - Aug 2003
For the good of the company
As the collapse of Andersen demonstrated, LLP status can be a vital safety net for even the most stable professional services firm. But limiting professional liability is not the only reason why law firm managers should find taking LLP an attractive prospect.
Legal Week - Jun 2003
Dealing with complacency
Some firms have done better than others in the downturn.
The Law Society Gazette - Feb 2003
What price is a good leader?
Law firms everywhere are experiencing change, which for the most part is being forced upon them by the market. Clients expect value-added services and better value for money, and, as a result, the competition just gets tougher.
ManagingPartner - Jan 2003
Follow The Leader
An effective leadership is indispensable in any firm, but what qualities does this require? For consultant Peter Scott, a clarity of thought and vision is essential, and so is the capacity to earn the respect of the partners. An inspiring and inclusive approach is the key to making things happen.
Managing For Success (The Law Society) - Jan 2003
Bank on partners
In straitened times, cash collection by law firms becomes critical for long term future growth. Partners need to be trained to pursue fees more actively.
Legal Week - Dec 2002
Adapt to survive
Partners who do not perform to the required standard can be coached to employ new working practices, but if they still show no signs of improving their productivity, it may well be time to show them the exit.
Legal Week - Oct 2002
Reputation is all
Law firms are in big trouble if their reputations become tarnished. So how can you keep your good name? Two experts offer some pointers.
Legal Business - Oct 2002
Sacrifice your sacred cows
Many firms can't or won't face up to underperforming partners, unprofitable business or out-of-date processes. But avoiding such issues will be damgaing in the long run, says Peter Scott
Estates Gazette - Oct 2002
Breaking up is hard to do
Under-contributing partners can prove to be a burden on a firm if they are not dealt with at the right time and in the right way. There are procedures that should be followed, but it will never be an easy process.
Legal Week - Aug 2002
Opinion
Is your management in control of the knowledge relating to the risk areas in your firm? And is it taking effective steps to manage those risks? Given recent events in the professional world, the answer for many firms is likely to be no.
The Lawyer - Jul 2002
Managing the Risks when Sacking Your Law Firm
In today's difficult economic climate, with corporate margins under pressure, clients (and in-house counsel in particular) muast be more and more performance and value-driven.
Of Counsel - Jun 2002
Law firms at the crossroads
With difficult decisions to be made, Peter Scott advises smaller practices to face up to problems now and set realistic goals for future success The solicitors' profession is segregated into many different types and sizes of firms.
The Law Society Gazette - May 2002
Act now or pay later
With at least one firm announcing an additional burden of £2.5m following the Budget, the race is on to find ways to make savings should the economy not pick up. Louis Baker and Peter Scott look at the options for those faced with the need to maintain margins
Legal Week - May 2002
Making heavenly matches
With mounting economic uncertainty management are once more turning their attention to mergers as the best way to secure their firms’ future. But, argues Peter Scott, a veteran of three successful mergers, it is not a decision to be taken lightly.
Legal Week - Mar 2002
Opinion
If law firms really do need to develop their businesses internationally in order to meet their clients' needs, then the starting point should be to examine those needs to find ways to better service them. That way they will be adding value and building competitive advantage for themselves.
The Lawyer - Jan 2002
Older partners can still manage
Older partners can still manage Firms that throw partners on the scrapheap once they reach the age of 50 are missing out on a wealth of experience.
The Law Society Gazette - Dec 2001
No room for dead wood
With the economic downturn showing no signs of lifting, Peter Scott says that some tough decisions will need to be made about partners who do not pull their weight.
Legal Week - Oct 2001
Survival of the fittest
Under-performing partners can spell danger for law firms, especially in times of economic downturn. Peter Scott looks at what’s involved and suggests ways to resolve the problems before it’s too late.
Managing For Success (The Law Society) - Sep 2001
No place like home
Firms should concentrate on developing their domestic practices instead of indulging in European empire building.
Legal Week - Aug 2001
Do you have a lazy partner?
Almost every firm in the country has a partner who is not performing - but their colleagues are failing to take them to task.
The Law Society Gazette - Jul 2001
What are you worth?
‘So why do we need you?’ is a question to send a shiver down the spines of many in-house lawyers.
Legal Director - Jun 2001
Take the risk?
Risk is an inherent part of a solicitor's everyday business, but there are procedures that can be put in place to keep your liability safely out of harm's reach.
The Lawyer - Jun 2001
Strategies for success
The love affair between US law firms and London shows no sign of abating. The issue for US law firms that are newcomers to the UK market is how they position themselves. It is critical to whether they succeed.
Legal Week - Jun 2001
Leaders must have slimline tonic
With firms ensnared in the salary war, Peter Scott calls for decisive leadership to keep quality staff and to tackle underperforming partners.
The Law Society Gazette - Apr 2001
Opinion
A revolution was set in motion on 6 April 2001 when the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act 2000 came into force, but it had very little to do with the limited liability issues in which the legislation has its origins.
The Lawyer - Apr 2001
Time to face up to the web
Managing partners need to develop more effective e-business strategies, Peter Scott argues, otherwise their clients may go elsewhere.
Legal Week - Mar 2001
Killing the golden goose
Firms should think about removing unproductive partners and tightening up financial controls now, while times are good, argues Peter Scott As law firms are reporting all-time record profits, more ominous clouds are gathering.
The Law Society Gazette - Jan 2001
Preventing another riot
Peter Scott reviews the findings of Eversheds’ poll into views about the City riot and discovers that most people would want the police to have a firmer response if a repeat were to occur.
Legal Week - Aug 1999
Client Relationships: Carving out a clean break
Peter Scott, management consultant at Howarth Consulting, offers tips on how to terminate the relationship effectively with your law firm. Serious damage can be done to the business if it is not handled properly.
Legal Week -
In-House Practice Exposed!
Tips on Getting to the Top of the In-house Heap.
Of Counsel -
Recruitment: How to get to the top as an in-house lawyer
Peter Scott charts the course for success as an in-house corporate lawyer.
Legal Week -