header-logo header-logo

19 May 2017 / Warren Wooldridge
Issue: 7746 / Categories: Features , Profession
printer mail-detail

No half measures

nlj_7746_woolridge

Agile working requires a real culture change, says Warren Wooldridge

The concept of agile working is fast defining the next generation of law firms that threaten to bloody the nose of the traditional status quo. Being able to work where, when and how you want is of course only one element that differentiates the new from the old but interestingly it is the one that traditional law firms have deemed the easiest to defend. By somehow portraying themselves as supporters of agile working it is hoped they will blunt one of the key advantages enjoyed by newer law firm models.

Paying lip service

Paying lip service to existing staff and allowing them to work the occasional day from home or by knocking down the partitioning walls to create an open plan office is missing the point. True agile working is a real cultural change. Allowing lawyers to work in this way from day one has some serious benefits. There is no stigma attached to working from home. There is no feeling of somehow missing out on the office dynamic.

It is not just about a better

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
back-to-top-scroll