One game readers might have played over Christmas was noticing what law firms with a high street shopfront decided to put in their window. Some opted for an uninterrupted view of careworn staff sitting in front of computers – a bit of tinsel on the coat stand the only nod to the season.

Also seen were inflatable snowmen, posters drawn by local primary school children, and – our favourite – the firm in Forest Hill, south-east London, that set up a model train set, with engines travelling through a miniature snowscape.

We reflect on the metaphorical window the legal profession shows to the world – but it is worth remembering the physical window many solicitors use to gain a little attention is reliant on a case brought by a fellow practitioner.

Kasturi Kalra, who died recently, practised on Leyton High Street, east London. Kalra brought the case that established the principle that solicitors could operate their services on public-facing groundfloor premises in a retail environment.

As law firms look to stand out, demonstrate their community credentials and establish a direct relationship with target clients, their shopfronts could be put to better use. Many solicitors would like to do something to benefit their peers in their lifetime – credit to Kalra for achieving it.

Topics