CM Murray LLP - Employment, Partnership and Regulatory Law

In the next episode of our regulatory podcast ReguLaw, Partner and Regulatory specialist, Andrew Pavlovic, and Associate, Liz Pearson are joined by Michael Evans of Byfield. Byfield are market leaders in providing reputation counsel to law firms and individuals facing regulatory investigations and proceedings and Michael has significant experience in this area. Andrew, Liz and Michael discuss how firms and individuals can attempt to manage the consequences of an SRA investigation and potential SDT prosecution at various stages of the process, including: - The investigative stage – the potential for publication at this early stage and the preparatory steps that firms and individuals can take; - The referral stage – how to manage concerns about the impact of publicity on mental/physical health and how individuals/firms can handle the unpredictability of the timing of publication on the SRA’s website; - The hearing - the SDT’s new Automatic Disclosure Policy, and the impact this is likely to have on the press coverage of proceedings going forwards. We hope you enjoyed this episode of ReguLaw. If you have any questions or would like to feature as a special guest in a future episode, please get in touch with Partner Andrew Pavlovic.

In this panel discussion, subject specialists share their expert insights into the interesting and challenging features of LLPs that they have seen over the last 25 years and what they see approaching on the horizon for LLPs. Jeremy Callman (Ten Old Square), Dr Robert Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group) and Corinne Staves (CM Murray LLP) join chair Sarah Chilton (CM Murray LLP) to explore the key benefits of using LLPs in professional services, the trends they have seen – including in LLP disputes – key tax changes and issues, strategic considerations as well as what the coming years may hold for LLPs. Their discussion addresses key questions and topics including: - How has the structure of LLPs developed since birth; what are some of the key elements of different LLP structures and their implications? - Financial services LLPs vs professional services LLPs: the difference in attitudes on mutual trust between partners and duties of good faith at law and in LLP agreements; - The use of English LLPs across the world, their evolution in different jurisdictions and how the increase in larger LLPs has affected strategic decisions; - Risk considerations: tax, regulation, liability and litigation; - Which partner remuneration trends have LLPs imported from other sectors and have they led to more or fewer disputes? - What are the differences, if any, in downward incentivisation between LLPs and more corporate structures? - What does the next 25 years hold for the future of LLPs? If you would like to discuss any aspect of LLPs or if you have any questions arising from this recording, please contact Partners Corinne Staves or Sarah Chilton, both of whom specialise in partnership law.

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar International Investigations: Protecting Your Interests Across Borders, where our panel discussed the complex and often challenging practical issues that arise during international investigations. In this webinar recording, chair Emma Bartlett (Partner at CM Murray LLP), Adam Tolley KC (Barrister at Fountain Court Chambers), Harry D Jones (International Employment & Labor Law Chair at Polsinelli) and Sarah Chilton (Senior Partner at CM Murray LLP) discuss the key differences between US and UK investigations cultures and their impact on outcomes, in particular: - The process for sharing data both internally and across borders, including with third parties such as investigators. - What specific information is shared, including with whom and the timing, within the business and among the executive board and senior leadership? - What protections are in place for both those being investigated and complainants, in particular relating to health-related impacts and discrimination risks? - Effective reputation and crisis management techniques as part of an investigation. - The complexities of legal privilege in cross-border investigations.

We are delighted to share with you a recording of the discussion Is The Glue That Holds Partnerships Together Coming Unstuck? which took place at an event we held recently in London. The discussion explored the evolving dynamics of professional partnerships and the challenges they face in today's complex legal and business environment. Taking place in a Samoan Circle format, it enabled any attendees who wished to contribute to the debate to step into the circle during the course of the discussion. Co-facilitated by Sarah Chilton (Senior Partner, CM Murray LLP) and Zulon Begum (Partner, CM Murray LLP), the recording captures the first 20 minutes of the discussion with the opening speakers, in particular: - A critical examination of what constitutes a partnership, the key challenges faced by law firms and professional services in the current economic climate. - What is the 'glue' that holds a partnership together? In particular, loyalty, shared values and the cultural significance of a partnership. - Is trust, a fundamental element of partnerships, being eroded in larger LLPs where loyalties may be more aligned with the organisation than its individual partners? - The impact of scale: While scale can lead to centralisation and loss of entrepreneurialism and individual autonomy, it can also provide resources for innovation and growth. - Cultural dynamics: A focus on how shared goals and collaboration can foster a sense of belonging and purpose among partners. - The challenges faced by founder-led firms in transitioning leadership to a new generation. Can successors maintain the entrepreneurial spirit of the original founders? - The value of diverse viewpoints within a partnership, with a mix of personalities and approaches helping to enhance a firm's adaptability and attractiveness to clients. - What does it mean to be a partnership in today's professional landscape? How traditional values can and should co-exist with modern business practices to create resilient and effective partnerships. Opening speakers: - Andrew Cromby, Regional Office Head, Weightmans LLP, London; Partnership Litigator and Mediator - Peter Duff, Principal Consultant at PSFI and former Chairman of Shoosmiths - Greg Jackson, Law Firm Strategist & Consultant, PWC - John Machell KC, Serle Court, Partnership & LLP Silk - Moray Mclaren, Board Advisor to Law Firms and Co-Founder of Lexington Consultants - Corinne Staves, Partner, CM Murray LLP, Partnership & LLP Specialist Co-facilitators: - Zulon Begum, Partner & Co-Head of Partnership Team (Non-Contentious), CM Murray LLP - Sarah Chilton, Senior Partner & Co-Head of Partnership Practice (Partnership Disputes), CM Murray LLP Thank you to everyone who attended the event and participated in the discussion.

In this podcast focusing on global legal expansion, Partners Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum are joined by special guest Robert C. Bata, Founder and Principal of Warwick Place Legal, for a detailed discussion on trends from 2024, insights from the Warwick Place Global Expansion Index and predictions for the year ahead. Listen to the full episode here and see below for more information. In this podcast, Corinne, Zulon and Robert discuss: Geographical trends in international expansion: - Increased interest in the US market, driven by recent mergers - UK firms strengthening their positions in Europe with more office openings compared to US firms - The focus of US firms on the Asia market, in particular Singapore - Growth in Latin America, highlighted by the Perez Llorca merger in Mexico - Continued interest in the Middle East, despite geopolitical challenges The drivers for expansion: - Global economy and weaknesses in European economies, leading to increased M&A opportunities - A strong interest in sectors such as leveraged finance, healthcare, life sciences and litigation - The role of AI in shaping legal practices and their competitive advantage Challenges facing firms considering international expansion: - Being clear on the reasons for expansion and the specific jurisdictions to target - Navigating the tax implications and regulatory compliance, in particular regarding profit-sharing and liability - Cultural alignment when merging different firm cultures and the associated impact on remuneration models and operational practices Predictions for 2025: - Continued emphasis on UK firms seeking US market entry, with potential for significant mergers - Growth in disputes-focused practices and the impact of KPMG entering the legal services market - Potential developments in India regarding legal services liberalisation If you have any questions arising from this recording, or would like to discuss international expansion in more detail, please contact Partners Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum of CM Murray LLP or Robert C. Bata of Warwick Place Legal.