Today was my turn to give the “10 minute” presentation at the B4-9 breakfast networking group in Welwyn Garden City.  I try and get along most weeks because it’s a very active group, the company is good and, most importantly,  the breakfasts are excellent!

The Group’s website is here

The purpose of the “10 minute slot” is for members to profile themselves and their businesses.  I talked about how most people don’t know what solicitors do, what my firm does and how we try to help our clients, as well as some very basic background on employment law.  For those who couldn’t make it or couldn’t take notes, click here for my Powerpoint presentation, courtesy of Slideshare.  If anyone needs further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

I will be giving further presentations, this time on the theme of the use of social media in the workplace on the 14th May and 25th June at the City Business Library. The talks are aimed at businesses keen to explore the legal issues of social media in the workplace environment and they’re free!  Please contact me if you want more details.

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B4-9 Business Breakfast Meeting originally appeared on Jobsworth by Michael Scutt on 27/04/2010.

I recently read a post on The Client Revolution, a US blog,  called “What lawyers can learn from an Office Depot Commercial”.  It’s  about how small law firms can compete with larger businesses, not by trying to compete on price, but in other ways, namely quality of work. The post is well worth a read, and the You Tube video beneath is the one that Jay Shepherd, the author, refers to.  Next Tuesday I am speaking at Gateway Media’s workshop on “Combating Tesco Law” and this advert strikes me as containing a very useful example of how firms can strike back at bigger competitors. 

These issues are getting more relevant for practitioners by the day.  John Flood, Professor of Law and Sociology at the University of Westminster reports on his blog, RATS (take a look to see what the acronym stands for) that the Legal Services Board has announced Alternative Business Structures will come into operation from October 2011 – see the press release here. Applications for ABS status will be allowed from next summer.  John asks “will it be a matter of who gets there first or will the fast second ultimately win?”.  I would opt for the latter: being a guinea pig is rarely a route to success. 

Now that the prospect of market consolidation is getting very close, what steps should law firms be taking?  Being creative, open to change and offering the legal equivalent of fixing a cheapo haircut.  You just need to get your message out there.  

No related posts.

It’s quality, not quantity that counts originally appeared on Jobsworth by Michael Scutt on 26/02/2010.

In my day job I am a Partner in the above firm. We have recently relaunched our website and have started a Dale Langley blog.  Initial comments have been favourable.  I have just posted an article on a case concerning compromise agreements and why you should not delay in negotiating the terms or signing off.  Please click here to go to the article.

I have also written on compromise agreements and what they are before – click here  to read more.

As ever, if you would like me to help please contact me at michaelscutt@dalelangley.co.uk

Related posts:

1. Compromise Agreements: what are they?
2. Redundancy – know your rights!
3. The Equality Act 2010: Law Society Seeks Urgent Consultation

Dale Langley & Co originally appeared on Jobsworth by Michael Scutt on 29/07/2009.