Uk Employment Law Information And Advice

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar, Professional Services in the Age of AI: Regulation, Strategy, and Real-World Impact. In this discussion, Anthony Davis (FisherBroyles), Devika Kewalramani, (FisherBroyles), Dr Robert Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group), David Shufflebotham (PepUp Consulting) and Nick Leale (CM Murray LLP) join chair Corinne Staves (CM Murray LLP) to explore the impact of technology on professional services firms, with a particular focus on regulation. Topics covered include: - How is technology reshaping professional services firms? From AI-powered research and disclosure tools to virtual client engagement, technology is now embedded in every aspect of firm strategy and operations. - What are the implications for structure, pricing, and regulation? AI is driving a shift away from traditional leverage models, elevating the role of technologists and challenging the billable hour. Value-based pricing is gaining ground and firms must rethink how they ass

Following the 6th IFSEA International Conference on Executive & Founder Issues in June 2025, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the session, ‘Shielding Your Team: Enhancing Safety and Security in the Modern Workplace’. Watch the video, listen to the recording or read the transcript. In this engaging discussion, the panellists revisit key themes from their session at this year’s IFSEA conference - identifying risks to employee wellbeing, exploring preventative strategies, and considering how organisations can respond effectively when harm occurs. - Suzanne McKie KC, Farore Law (UK) - Andre Royer, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (Canada) - Anne Davies, Richardson Lissack (UK) - David Fisher, CM Murray LLP (UK) (Chair) In particular, the panel discuss: - Understanding the organisational impact of personality-affecting disabilities and how adverse behaviour can affect team dynamics and wellbeing - Approaches in the private sector in Canada that are shifting perceptions of mental health -

Following the 6th IFSEA International Conference on Executive & Founder Issues in June 2025, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the session, ‘Breaking the Silence: “Everyone knew but no one did anything” – Tackling Workplace Harassment and Bullying, and Ineffective Regulation’. Watch the video, listen to the recording or read the transcript. In this excellent discussion, the IFSEA annual conference panellists examine employer obligations regarding workplace harassment and bullying, as well as the key issues around addressing – and failing to address – misconduct. - Chair: Beth Hale,CM Murray LLP (UK) - Andrew Pavlovic, CM Murray LLP (UK) - Nick Vamos, Peters & Peters (UK) - Mathilde Houet-Weil, Weil et Associes (France) - Lori L. Deem, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd (Chicago, USA) In particular, the panel discuss: - What responsibilities are placed on the employer in the UK, France and the US? - When does inaction bear regulatory and/or criminal consequences? - The ethical and

Following the 6th IFSEA International Conference on Executive & Founder Issues in June 2025, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast for the session ‘Leading Through Strikes: Executive Strategies for Union Engagement’. Watch the video or listen to the recording here. In this brilliant discussion, the IFSEA annual conference panellists explore important multijurisdictional issues for executives to understand in a strike situation or labour conflict. - Jonathan Tuck, Baker McKenzie (UK) - Carlos Pareja Frade, Augusta (Spain) - Jennifer Platzkere Snyder, Dilworth Paxson (Philadelphia/NY, USA) - Chair: Danny Kaufer, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (Montréal, Canada) In particular, the panel discuss: - The differences in frameworks for union formation and industrial action. - How are trade unions changing and what are the implications for executive strategies during labour conflicts? - The boundaries of lawful executive conduct during strikes and the consequences of non-compliance.

In this fifth video in our series focusing on Private Equity investment in professional services firms, Partner Zulon Begum is joined by special guest Claire Watkins, Partner and Head of the Professional Practices Group at Buzzacott LLP, to discuss the key financial and operational considerations that firms should be thinking about when contemplating PE investment for their firm. As part of this series, we will be recording a special episode dedicated to answering FAQs about PE investment. If you have any specific questions you would like us to cover, please email them to us via zulon.begum@cm-murray.com. In this video, Zulon and Claire discuss: - Which sectors are attracting the most PE interest currently? While accountancy practices are leading, law firms are showing early-stage activity, in particular, smaller firms and boutique practices   - What makes accountancy firms so appealing to PE investors? Recurring revenue and regulation-driven services, plus scalable models and predictable income streams ar

In this fourth recording in our series focusing on Private Equity investment in professional services firms, Partners Zulon Begum, Corinne Staves and Nick Leale discuss the key regulatory considerations that firms should be thinking about when contemplating PE investment for their firm. In this video, Zulon, Corinne and Nick discuss: - How does PE investment reshape law firm ownership? ABS structures are essential, enabling non-lawyer ownership—but they come with increased regulatory scrutiny and risk - What are the key regulatory risks in PE transactions? Post-Axiom, the SRA is laser-focused on client consent, money handling and due diligence to avoid intervention - The impact on a firm's growth strategy: Regulatory complexities may lead to cost and delay, but should not halt the ambitions of a firm or its PE investors. With evolving SRA expectations around acquisitions and client money, firms must plan ahead - How does PE impact firm culture and ethics? Value-driven strategies may put pressure on pa

In this Ten-Minute Talk, Senior Partner Sarah Chilton and Senior Associate Wonu Sanda discuss mandatory retirement ages (MRAs) in partnerships and takeaways from the Scott v Walker Morris LLP case that has reignited interest in this topic. If you are a partner facing a mandatory retirement policy or a firm leader wanting a quick overview of this area, this is a must listen. Key discussion points from this Ten-Minute Talk include: - What are the MRA trends we are seeing in firms? - Can firms really force partners to retire and can a partner challenge an MRA? - How to determine if an MRA crosses the line into discrimination - What evidence is needed to justify an MRA and lessons from the Walker Morris LLP case. - Are there better alternatives to MRAs and do they carry the same discrimination risks? - Practical strategies for partners and partnerships navigating this complex issue. If you would like to discuss any aspect of mandatory retirement, or if you have any questions arising from this recordi

In this second in our series focusing on the key issues surrounding partner performance in law firms, Partners Zulon Begum and David Fisher are joined by special guests Nick Jarrett-Kerr and Jonathan Middleburgh from leading law firm consultancy, Edge International, and authors of the book Managing Partner Performance: Strategies for Transforming Underperforming Partners. In this recording, The One With the Squabbling Partners, Zulon, David, Nick and Jonathan discuss: - Why do partner conflicts really happen? Often disputes stem from more than just a clash of personalities; leadership transitions, strategic shifts and remuneration changes can all play a role - The early, and sometimes subtle, warning signs of tension to look out for - The impact on firm culture - leading to associate dissatisfaction, reduced engagement and sometimes partner exits - Financial performance isn't the only metric to measure - low morale and ineffective governance can have undermine long-term success - The importance of o

In the next episode of our regulatory podcast ReguLaw, Partner and Regulatory specialist, Andrew Pavlovic, and Associate, Liz Pearson are joined by Adam Sher of Fountain Court Chambers. Adam has a broad commercial practice, but has a particular interest in all aspects of legal professional privilege. Adam has been involved in a number of important decisions in this area and frequently speaks and writes on the topic. In this episode Andrew, Liz and Adam discuss: - The concept of legal privilege and how it arises in SRA investigations, including by reference to the SDT case of Joel Woolf. - The SRA’s contention that it can compel the production of privileged correspondence between a solicitor under investigation and his/her client. - The bases for the SRA’s contentions and whether they stand up to scrutiny, including by reference to the case of the Financial Reporting Council v Sports Direct International plc. - How firms/individuals are currently dealing with this issue in practice. - A call to arms

In this third discussion in our series focusing on Private Equity investment in professional services firms, Managing Partner Clare Murray and Partners Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum discuss the key considerations in relation to governance that firms should be thinking about when contemplating PE investment for their firm. In this discussion, Clare, Corinne and Zulon cover: - Current law firm governance structures: What are typical governance models? Smaller firms tend to rely on partner consensus, while larger firms typically delegate authority to management or executive board. Fundamental decisions - such as mergers, capital events and partner admissions/exits - usually remain subject to partner approval. - The governance changes introduced by PE investment: What specific governance changes might PE investors expect? - Cultural impact and partner dynamics: Is your firm culturally ready to shift from an owner-manger model to accept investor involvement? What challenges can arise from unanimity clause

In the next episode of our regulatory podcast ReguLaw, Partner and Regulatory specialist, Andrew Pavlovic, and Associate, Liz Pearson are joined by Michael Evans of Byfield. Byfield are market leaders in providing reputation counsel to law firms and individuals facing regulatory investigations and proceedings and Michael has significant experience in this area. Andrew, Liz and Michael discuss how firms and individuals can attempt to manage the consequences of an SRA investigation and potential SDT prosecution at various stages of the process, including: - The investigative stage – the potential for publication at this early stage and the preparatory steps that firms and individuals can take; - The referral stage – how to manage concerns about the impact of publicity on mental/physical health and how individuals/firms can handle the unpredictability of the timing of publication on the SRA’s website; - The hearing - the SDT’s new Automatic Disclosure Policy, and the impact this is likely to have on the p

In this panel discussion, subject specialists share their expert insights into the interesting and challenging features of LLPs that they have seen over the last 25 years and what they see approaching on the horizon for LLPs. Jeremy Callman (Ten Old Square), Dr Robert Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group) and Corinne Staves (CM Murray LLP) join chair Sarah Chilton (CM Murray LLP) to explore the key benefits of using LLPs in professional services, the trends they have seen – including in LLP disputes – key tax changes and issues, strategic considerations as well as what the coming years may hold for LLPs. Their discussion addresses key questions and topics including: - How has the structure of LLPs developed since birth; what are some of the key elements of different LLP structures and their implications? - Financial services LLPs vs professional services LLPs: the difference in attitudes on mutual trust between partners and duties of good faith at law and in LLP agreements; - The use of English LLPs across

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar International Investigations: Protecting Your Interests Across Borders, where our panel discussed the complex and often challenging practical issues that arise during international investigations. In this webinar recording, chair Emma Bartlett (Partner at CM Murray LLP), Adam Tolley KC (Barrister at Fountain Court Chambers), Harry D Jones (International Employment & Labor Law Chair at Polsinelli) and Sarah Chilton (Senior Partner at CM Murray LLP) discuss the key differences between US and UK investigations cultures and their impact on outcomes, in particular: - The process for sharing data both internally and across borders, including with third parties such as investigators. - What specific information is shared, including with whom and the timing, within the business and among the executive board and senior leadership? - What protections are in place for both those being investigated and complainants, in particular relating to hea

We are delighted to share with you a recording of the discussion Is The Glue That Holds Partnerships Together Coming Unstuck? which took place at an event we held recently in London. The discussion explored the evolving dynamics of professional partnerships and the challenges they face in today's complex legal and business environment. Taking place in a Samoan Circle format, it enabled any attendees who wished to contribute to the debate to step into the circle during the course of the discussion. Co-facilitated by Sarah Chilton (Senior Partner, CM Murray LLP) and Zulon Begum (Partner, CM Murray LLP), the recording captures the first 20 minutes of the discussion with the opening speakers, in particular: - A critical examination of what constitutes a partnership, the key challenges faced by law firms and professional services in the current economic climate. - What is the 'glue' that holds a partnership together? In particular, loyalty, shared values and the cultural significance of a partnership. - Is

In this podcast focusing on global legal expansion, Partners Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum are joined by special guest Robert C. Bata, Founder and Principal of Warwick Place Legal, for a detailed discussion on trends from 2024, insights from the Warwick Place Global Expansion Index and predictions for the year ahead. Listen to the full episode here and see below for more information. In this podcast, Corinne, Zulon and Robert discuss: Geographical trends in international expansion: - Increased interest in the US market, driven by recent mergers - UK firms strengthening their positions in Europe with more office openings compared to US firms - The focus of US firms on the Asia market, in particular Singapore - Growth in Latin America, highlighted by the Perez Llorca merger in Mexico - Continued interest in the Middle East, despite geopolitical challenges The drivers for expansion: - Global economy and weaknesses in European economies, leading to increased M&A opportunities - A strong interest in sectors s

We are delighted to share the next episode of Practice Across the Pond, where we discuss the regulatory and ethical approaches taken to various matters from both a UK (England and Wales) and US (New York) perspective.   In this episode, CM Murray LLP Partners Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum and Devika Kewalramani, Partner and General Counsel at FisherBroyles, are joined by Steve Lueker, Partner at Moses & Singer, to discuss the key challenges and issues for professional services firms in relation to transatlantic structures.  In particular, Corinne, Zulon, Devika and Steve discuss: - An overview of common structures in professional services and key considerations to take into account, including regulation, tax, and liability   - The complexities of achieving full integration and strategic insights on alternative approaches that can be taken   - Regulatory considerations in the US, focusing on the extent to which non-lawyers can have a stake or influence a law firm   - Key factors from a US perspective, addre

We are pleased to introduce a three-part podcast series focusing on investigations, where Emma Bartlett, Partner, and Gabrielle Lintott, Associate, at CM Murray LLP, are joined by special guest, Emily Kaufer, Senior Director of Human Rights and Harassment at Air Canada. In this first recording, Emma, Gabrielle and Emily discuss domestic violence and sexual harassment related investigations, with a particular focus on the following: - The law on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace in Canada and the United Kingdom, including a discussion surrounding the extension of the primary workplace and alleged harassment or other inappropriate conduct which occurs outside of the workplace, and how employers should approach and investigate allegations of sexual harassment. - Domestic violence or family violence in the workplace, specifically, the varying obligations on employers in Canada and the United Kingdom to prevent, investigate and manage allegations of domestic violence, and how employers might be ale

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar, ‘How Do You Attract and Retain ‘High Flyer’ Partners?’, in which partnership specialists discuss navigating the recruitment process for high flyers and important issues facing such decision making within professional practice firms. n this recording, Chair Corinne Staves (Partner, CM Murray LLP), Dr Robert Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group), David Shufflebotham (PepUp Consulting), and Zulon Begum (Partner, CM Murray LLP), are joined by guest speaker Siobhán Lewington, Partner at transatlantic legal recruiting firm, Macrae. The panel explore the key challenges involved in attracting and retaining ‘high flyer’ partners, who are often at the very heart of the engine room of many firms. Their discussion addresses key questions and topics, including: - What do we mean by high flyers; what might firms be looking for? - The extent to which firm culture, partner performance and succession planning are key strategic considerations - How can

We are delighted to share the next episode of Practice Across the Pond, where we discuss the regulatory and ethical approaches taken to various matters from both a UK (England and Wales) and US (New York) perspective.   In this episode, CM Murray LLP Partners Corinne Staves and Andrew Pavlovic and Devika Kewalramani, Partner and General Counsel at FisherBroyles, focus on how partner conduct is regulated in both jurisdictions.  In particular, Corinne, Andrew and Devika discuss: - A broad overview of the regulation of partner conduct, both in the UK and US   - Areas of particular focus in both jurisdictions, including the UK’s emphasis on workplace culture and AML, and in the US, misconduct and rules relating to lawyers and their ‘fitness’ to practise   - To what extent do the rules and duties set by the regulators support and drive the behaviour and culture of firms? If you would like to discuss regulation and conflict management in more detail, or if you have any questions arising from this recording, plea

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar, ‘Managing Partner Performance in Professional Services Firms, Evaluating Contribution and Using Partner Processes to Drive Your Firm’s Strategy’, in which partnership and regulatory law specialists discuss how to manage successfully partner promotion and remuneration processes within professional services firms. Jeremy Callman, Barrister at Ten Old Square, David Shufflebotham of Pep Up Consulting and Sarah Chilton and Andrew Pavlovic, Partners at CM Murray LLP, explore the important and practical considerations professional service firms ought to consider when making decisions about partner promotions and remuneration. Their discussion addresses key questions and topics including: What do the regulators, such as the SRA, expect regarding workplace culture and partner performance? How does this impact firm strategy and decision-making? What factors should an organisation consider when developing its partner promotion and remuneration s