Another law firm announced it was closing this week – as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) prepares for a judicial review into legacy Manches’ administration.
The news that West End firm Jeffrey Green Russell had filed notice to appoint an administrator was the most popular story of the week as we revealed that the firm is in advanced merger talks with a “well-established” London firm.
Meanwhile an earlier adminstration is set to be examined by the courts, as the creditors of liquidated firm Manches are seeking legal advice to bring a judicial review of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) handling of the liquidation after being left with a £4.2m shortfall in tax receipts. That makes HMRC the firm’s largest creditor. The story attracted a large number of comments, many criticising the regulators.
Tax was also the issue which led last week to former 39 Essex silk Rohan Pershad being struck off after his criminal conviction for “deliberately” not paying £600,000 of VAT.
Our online analysis and blogs continue to draw in readers. This week the latest instalment in our profiles of unusual career moves saw former Slaughter and May partner Laura Carstensen talk about why she quit the firm and the law to move to the Welsh countryside. Over in the world of personal injury, multi-millionaire lawyer Jeff Winn told us about the impact of the Jackson Reforms on the sector and what changes his firm has made to survive.
One firm which is thriving in today’s world is Baker & McKenzie, which has topped the Acritas law firm brand rankings as the magic circle drop down. The firm’s success shows the importance of business development professionals in today’s world, and last week Eversheds picked up DWF client development head Clifton Harrison, with the ensuing vacancy at DWF filled by Dentons’ UK, Middle East and Africa client development head Andrew Irvine.
Brand is also key to Charles Russell Speechlys. This week managing partner James Carter revealed he is on a five-year mission to build the firm’s brand, a year after the merger which formed the outfit.
Over at Osborne Clarke, change is in the air as the firm becomes one of the last major players to convert to an LLP.
Finally, the top 10 list is completed this week with the news that lawyer Alan Blacker, who styles himself ‘Lord Harley’ and was criticised by a judge for looking like “something out of Harry Potter” is to face the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
The top 10 stories in full:
1. Jeffrey Green Russell files notice to appoint administrator as pre-pack sale beckons
2. Exclusive: HMRC prepares for judicial review into Manches administration
3. Former 39 Essex silk struck off over £600,000 tax dodge
4. My career story: “I combined Slaughters partnership with being a mother of six”
5. Multi-millionaire PI lawyer Winn reveals how to build a business
6. Bakers comes out top in law firm brand ranking as magic circle pushed down
7. DWF client development head exits for Eversheds as firms fight for star BD hires
8. Charles Russell Speechlys unveils “phase two” strategy post-merger
9. ‘Harry Potter’ lawyer Lord Harley to face Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
