Boutique law firms broadening their offering beyond the mere provision of legal services could emerge as the unexpected success story of the alternative business structure era, according to the man who advised Slater & Gordon on their acquisition of Russell Jones & Walker.
Sue Ashtiany reviews the changes to unfair dismissal claims, the employment tribunal review, the modern workplaces consultation, contract claims and dismissal, and a discrimination case
Debbie King considers transferring shares, oral contracts and termination provisions, opportunities for SMEs introduced by the chancellor's autumn statement, boardroom diversity and the first sentence under the Bribery Act
The government's proposals to speed up and reduce the costs of county court litigation involve an overhaul of claims limits and a renewed push towards mediation. The small claims limit would rise from £5,000 to £10,000, and, with the exception of personal injury, the limit for county court claims would rise from £25,000 to £100,000. Lawyers – both claimant and defendant – are unconvinced, albeit for different reasons. We ask both sides for their reactions
