Legal News

As we all know, Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown has affected our lives in many ways and forced many law firms into hardship.

Some practices are in a catch 22, wondering whether or not to invest in remote working facilities when their financial situation is so vulnerable. I’m aware of one commercial business owner that has 300 employees and a massive weekly payroll. She has to make just that decision: should she financially invest in supplying internet, computers and phones for them to work at home when there is little/no income coming in? Furthermore, there is the knowledge that this situation will not last indefinitely.

When the lockdown is fully lifted, and it will lift eventually, law firms will be looking to get back into business and onto an even keel as swiftly as possible. However, they will also probably be looking to cut costs to do so.

By Amanda Hamilton, NALP

My parents were both lawyers. So many changes have affected the legal services sector over the last 30 years, that if they were alive, they wouldn’t recognise any of it!

The discussions may have been going on for decades regarding the possibility of merging the two major legal professionals, Barristers and Solicitors, into one, but as we all know by now, this will never happen.

The report by the Commission on Justice in Wales, published in October, has drawn a cautious welcome from the Law Society – officially the Law Society of England and Wales.

“The Commission has made an important contribution with their vision for the future of the Welsh justice system,” said the head of the Law Society’s Wales office Jonathan Davies.

“As the body of Wales-specific law grows, it is important to consider the distinct needs of the Welsh public and the legal profession as they seek to ensure their businesses remain vibrant and sustainable.”

Lawyers must adopt a pro-active approach in their on-going support of seriously injured clients, taking ownership of assessing the impact of rehabilitation.

Andy Shaw (pictured), of Higgs & Sons, says: “By taking this action approach, the lawyer will ensure that everyone engaged in the client’s rehabilitation can show that the support and treatment provided has best met the client’s needs to maximise the rehabilitation outcomes.”

Patient reported outcome measures, or PROMS, are an essential requirement in all areas of healthcare in determining the impact of treatment. These measures are routinely used in treating those with long-term neurological conditions, such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.