Katharine Freeland
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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.
FeatureRisky business
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine thrust sanctions compliance up the agenda of law firms of all sizes. Katharine Freeland reports.
FeaturePointing the finger
As the Royal United Services Institute says, ‘If economic crime is to be accepted as a national security issue the government needs to police it like one’. Katharine Freeland reports.
FeatureLeave it to me
It has been a while since private client departments were any law firm’s tranquil backwater. Katharine Freeland reports.
FeatureWhen the mask slips
Pandemic lockdowns turbocharged open conversations about mental health in the legal profession. But how much has really changed? Katharine Freeland reports.
FeatureProblem solvers
A new generation of lawyers is gaining a foothold in private client, attracted by its focus on the individual. We examine the growing stature of the sector in full-service law firms.
FeaturePlaying by the rules
Mega sponsorship deals and money-spinning transfers are the bread and butter of sports law. But when governing bodies and clubs make headlines for the wrong reasons, lawyers have to pick up the pieces.
FeatureCandidates for change
The lasting effect of the pandemic on law firm hiring policies – and a candidate’s options – looks set to be profound, writes Katharine Freeland
FeatureHorizon scans
Could ‘lockdown 3’ really be the time to consider changing job – or even specialism? There are plenty of opportunities out there, discovers Katharine Freeland.
FeatureAlternative legal services provider
Excited by the business of law rather than black letter law? Then go and work for an ASLP. Katharine Freeland reports.