Knowledge banking
In areas as diverse as real estate, dispute resolution and fraud, law firms have shown immense ingenuity in finding new solutions
FT Innovative Lawyers 2008
Resources
When the Innovative Lawyers report was launched three years ago, it raised a few eyebrows. The idea that such a traditionally conservative profession could pursue change was seen by some as implausible. But as our annual reports have shown, the sceptics were wide of the mark.
RANKING TABLES
VIDEO
Thought leaders
Globalisation and technology continue to bring change to the legal sector but in areas such as diversity the industry could do more, write Reena SenGupta and Paul Solman
Leading by example
Ten outstanding individuals demonstrate how it is possible to venture beyond traditional roles and extend the remit of the lawyer
Setting the Bar higher
A tougher economic climate presents challenges – and opportunities – for the UK’s top barristers’ sets
Making strides
As climate change takes centre stage, law firms are acting to reduce their carbon footprints
Criminal intent
The European Court of Justice is moving to extend its powers to encompass criminal matters
Related content and features
Legal Expertise
Client Services
Pleasing results
From cutting charges to offering freelance lawyers and life coaching, law firms are going that extra mile to please clients
Billing & Fees
Taking charge
With inventive methods for charging clients being introduced at top firms, hourly billing may soon be a thing of the past
Technology & Know-how
Use IT or lose it
Law firms are increasingly using computer systems to capture the knowledge of senior staff and relay it to juniors online
Human Resources
Balancing acts
Pressure is mounting on firms to offer recruits challenging and rewarding work at all stages of their careers
Diversity in the City
A more inclusive recruitment is now on the agenda, yet there are only few initiatives that really tackle the subject
Management
Structural engineering
Managers are seeking to modernise firms by breaking down internal barriers and strengthening internal alliances
Marketing & PR
Sweetening the deal
As high-street names move into legal services and recession looms, law firms are becoming savvy about self-promotion
Responsible Business
The giving of the law
Some law firms are moving beyond pro bono activities and have launched their own social responsibility initiatives
PPP
No bridge too far
The past year has seen groundbreaking work for the UK defence sector and a clutch of firsts elsewhere in Europe
In-house Lawyers
The home advantage
As companies look to cut legal costs, in-house lawyers are enjoying a broad-based rise across big business
European firms
Small firms, big ideas
While European firms may not be able to rival their UK counterparts for size, they have shown they can excel at innovation
US firms in Europe
A law unto themselves
US firms differ from European ones in their management structure and the way they encourage innovation
VIDEO
Highlights from the 2008 ceremony
Watch interviews with key figures from the 2008 FT Innovative Lawyers Report and a selection of the winners
