May 1996 seems a very long time ago. Tony Blair, for whom ‘things could only get better’, was still a year away from capturing Downing Street. England was preparing to host the last European football championships but three.

That month was also significant for another reason. The issue of 9 May was the last time that the print edition of the Gazette unveiled a major redesign, though the overhaul was less far-reaching than the one landing on desks today.

Good design is no mere frippery - it cannot be an optional extra. Solicitors are busy people. Even the best-read publications are at most partially read, which is why we have to look the part as well as speak the part. Our old format was undoubtedly showing its age.

It is vital that this flagship publication is seen as contemporary, in touch and appealing to a wide audience in the rapidly evolving legal services market. This is doubly important online, where so many of our current and future readers will find the information they need.

In print, the new Gazette's slightly wider format incorporates creative and open layouts, with greater emphasis on the incisive use of typography, pull-outs and box copy, together with increased use of imagery. All are designed to engage and stimulate the reader. And we are now printed on 100% recycled paper.

Online the Gazette is as radically changed, with all sections of the magazine represented. Most importantly, each area of Gazette coverage is now easily accessible - we have flattened the site's structure to make things easier to find, and the home page has everything we do right at the top of the page.

Changes to content you will notice in coming weeks include enhanced coverage of the City and a new In Business section, created to help practitioners run their firms better. And there will be many more.

We value your feedback – tell us what you think at: gazette-editorial@lawsociety.org.uk