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Counting the days: Designing a flexible holiday policy

Four years after the introduction of a flexible-holiday policy in his firm, Ashtons Legal managing partner Edward O'Rourke reflects on how it has benefited both staff and the business.

Trauma room: dealing with the personal impact of abuse cases

Lawyers dealing with traumatic cases can be vulnerable to secondary stress, a psychological disorder that any responsible law firm should take seriously, says Jonathan Wheeler

Price of success: the hidden costs of financial dispute resolution hearings

FDRs were going to make divorce proceedings fairer and faster but instead they have led to mechanical lawyering; divorce lawyers must now offer better solutions for clients, says James Pirrie

Charitable gifts in wills: should solicitors be 'making the ask'?

There are many reasons why private client solicitors should not be afraid of asking clients whether they would like to leave a legacy in their wills, says Gary Rycroft

Seeing through price transparency

Canny conveyancers have long understood the benefits of price transparency, argues Paul Hajek; it's just a shame the regulators still don't see how informed consent is nothing without context

Thoroughly modern disclosure

A new pilot scheme intends to bring about a change in attitude to disclosure but its success will require commitment from all concerned, says Francesca Kaye

Training up: getting a head start on the new regulatory rulebook

Firms looking to demonstrate early compliance with the forthcoming SRA Standards and Regulations could do worse than review their training and supervision programmes, says Susanna Heley

King no more: dealing with unethical client requests

Agreeing to drafting a contract clause that you believe might be unethical could put you in breach of your regulatory obligations, warns Mena Ruparel