Katharine Freeland
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FeatureWinning combinations
From tribunal hearings to Supreme Court test cases and headline-grabbing strikes, lawyers who advise trade unions are a major force shaping the world of work. Katharine Freeland reports.
FeatureAt the double
The saying ‘it’s lonely at the top’ doesn’t apply at many law firms, where senior and managing partners share leadership responsibilities. It helps if they get along, writes Katharine Freeland.
FeaturePlea bargaining
Deferred prosecution agreements in the UK are barely into double figures, whereas the US is a repeat user. Will new anti-fraud legislation increase their appeal? Katharine Freeland reports.
FeatureOff the hamster wheel
The not-for-profit law firm is not a euphemism for losing money. Katharine Freeland talks to lawyers who are billing clients for whole new reasons.
FeatureSuccession planners
Which area of law should an ambitious and intellectually curious lawyer aim for upon qualification? A growing number are deciding that the dust has come off the private client world, reports Katharine Freeland.
FeatureRecovery positioning
Law firms have introduced a plethora of mental health initiatives, but LawCare’s helplines are busier than ever. Katharine Freeland looks at what employers should be doing to promote wellbeing.
FeatureOn good authority
Despite councils’ financial woes, local government lawyers tell Katharine Freeland they are committed to this ‘rare legal ecosystem’.
OpinionGive local government lawyers the powers they need
The role of monitoring officer comes with significant responsibilities, but its responsibilities are not well backed up by the law.
FeatureFacing the truth
The growth of ESG reporting is subjecting law firms to unprecedented ethical scrutiny, but does it drive change? Katharine Freeland finds lawyers need to do more than reduce their air miles
FeatureTrial and error
The scope and scale of fraud are daunting for cash-strapped enforcers. With its ‘tiny’ budget and chequered history of prosecutions, Katharine Freeland asks, can the Serious Fraud Office turn the tide?
FeatureSweating the small stuff
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the economy. Katharine Freeland looks at the snowballing challenges facing legal advisers who are helping these businesses to scale up or sell up.
FeatureSeeing and believing
Regulations around the ethical and environmental credentials of businesses are tightening, leading companies of all sizes to rely more heavily on their lawyers. In the first of two features on ESG reporting, Katharine Freeland looks at the position of clients.
FeatureLet all talent rise
In the second of two articles on disability in the legal profession, Katharine Freeland looks at the experiences of – and what must be done for – solicitors seeking to climb the career ladder.
FeatureOpening up on disability
Lawyers take pride in protecting the rights of disabled clients, but the profession’s own record on access is mixed. Are attempts to change that paying off? In the first of two features investigating disability and legal careers, Katharine Freeland reports on the position of trainees and junior lawyers.
FeaturePenny wise
The legal profession benefits from a relatively well-defined career structure, but lawyers need to pay close attention to their personal finances as their careers progress.
FeatureA step too far?
On race, gender and socio-economic background, City firms have acted to improve the balance of their intake. But efforts to change the partnership have fallen short. Katharine Freeland reports.
FeatureBuying to sell
Private equity is an opaque, $7tn sector which few of its leading lights – or advisers – want to talk about. But the pressure is growing for greater transparency as regulators play catch-up, reports Katharine Freeland.
FeatureChasing money
The controversial tool of private prosecutions is central to government efforts to combat fraud, compensating for the chronic underfunding of public agencies. Katharine Freeland reports.