Claire Ruckin

January 17, 2011 | International Edition

Wragge & Co and Stephenson Harwood have announced the retention rates for their 2011 newly-qualified (NQ) intakes. Wragges has become one of the first national firms to announce its March rates, with five out of seven (72%) qualifying trainees offered a permanent position with the firm. Of the five trainees to be offered an NQ role, all accepted the firm's offer. One of the seven qualifying trainees decided not to apply for a permanent position, opting instead to pursue a career outside of the law.

By Claire Ruckin

2 minute read

January 17, 2011 | International Edition

Wragge & Co and Bird and Bird have won places on communications company Airwave's first legal panel. The two firms were appointed following a competitive tender process at the end of last year involving 12 other firms, with the decision coming after an extensive review of the company's legal services. Airwave, a communications provider for public service organisations, appointed Wragges to its panel despite the firm having no prior relationship with the company's legal team, although the national firm had advised Airwave when it was a subsidiary of O2.

By Claire Ruckin

2 minute read

January 14, 2011 | International Edition

The number of practising solicitors grew 7% last year despite severe economic headwinds, pushing the number of solicitors on the roll in England and Wales to over 150,000. The number of solicitors with a practising certificate stood at 120,847 on 31 December 2010 compared with 112,589 at the same date in 2009, according to figures released this week by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

By Claire Ruckin

2 minute read

January 13, 2011 | International Edition

Leading UK family lawyers have called for greater clarity as the Law Commission carries out a review likely to usher in legally binding pre-nuptial agreements. Partners are broadly in favour of the review, which could lead to the introduction of legally binding pre-nuptial agreements that would be enforceable in English courts. However, many want to ensure safeguards exist to protect vulnerable spouses and children, with some arguing the courts should be given the final say.

By Claire Ruckin

7 minute read

January 12, 2011 | International Edition

A host of leading UK law firms are set to overhaul their retirement policies for partners and employees. Top 30 law firms including Allen & Overy (A&O), Norton Rose, Wragge & Co, Holman Fenwick Willan, Beachcroft, Stephenson Harwood and Field Fisher Waterhouse are currently considering changing their retirement provisions for partners to bring them in line with incoming legislation.

By Claire Ruckin

3 minute read

January 12, 2011 | International Edition

St Johns Buildings, Paradise Chambers and India Buildings Chambers are set to merge to create one of the UK's largest sets. The trio have agreed to join forces, with a tie-up likely to take place by the spring. The combined set will be known as St Johns Buildings and will consist of 250 barristers, including 12 QCs, as well as 70 support staff.

By Claire Ruckin

2 minute read

January 11, 2011 | International Edition

Berwin Leighton Paisner's (BLP) highest-paid member received £1.6m in 2009-10 - a 31% increase on the previous year's top figure, according to the firm's latest limited liability partnership (LLP) filings. During 2009-10 the UK top 20 firm saw its best-paid member take home £380,000 more than 2008-09's top earner, according to the filings with Companies House.

By Claire Ruckin

2 minute read

January 11, 2011 | International Edition

Addleshaw Goddard's professional practice group head Richard Linsell is set to retire from the firm, with colleague William Wastie taking over the reigns. Partnership specialist Linsell is due to retire from Addleshaws' partnership at the end of the 2010-11 financial year after more than 40 years practising law. He has advised professional practices since 1990, with limited liability partnerships being a key focus since 2001.

By Claire Ruckin

2 minute read

January 11, 2011 | International Edition

Eversheds has recruited a new partner with the hire of legacy Hammonds' Birmingham employment head Teresa Dolan - the first UK partner-level departure since the national law firm merged with US practice Squire Sanders & Dempsey. Dolan is set to join Eversheds in the spring as a partner in the firm's human resources (HR) practice.

By Claire Ruckin

2 minute read

January 11, 2011 | International Edition

Bristol firm TLT is set to take over mortgage litigation boutique Glenisters. Two of Glenisters' partners, Gavin Dowell and Paul Heeley, joined the national firm this week (10 January), with all of Glenisters' Eastcote-based clients moving over to TLT and Glenisters - which has a turnover of approximately £1.5m - ceasing to trade.

By Claire Ruckin

2 minute read