The end of life (EOL) for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 is fast approaching, with the official EOL date set for October 10, 2023. As many law firms still rely on these servers to access key applications and data, it's crucial to understand the implications of this EOL event and the necessary steps to take.
In this article, we'll explore the importance of addressing Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 EOL and how law firms can use this as a trigger to review their wider IT strategy.
- Topic:
- Managed IT Services
Outcomes based commissioning in social care is a change from older unit based commissioning. As you are probably aware unlike older approaches to commissioning care, outcomes based commissioning focuses on results instead of actions. But you may be wondering why is it important and how can it benefit your local community? Or you might be questioning how outcome based commissioning works compared to older approaches? Or perhaps how other local authorities are implementing outcomes based commissioning?
At The Access Group, we know how important it is to deliver care that is person-centred. We understand that through care commissioners and care providers working together towards the same outcomes, better results are possible, to improve the quality of life for people in your local community.
We have worked with a variety of local authorities to help deliver the best outcomes based commissioning across the care continuum to bring together care services across the community including health, primary care, secondary care, monitoring, support, and commissioning.
This article will review the importance of outcomes based commissioning and how following a population health approach can help local authorities commission care that is catered to every individual need to increase independence and delay future care needs, which in turn improves the quality of life and enables local authorities to better optimise their resources to consistently reach the increasing demand.
Compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations has remained a top priority for the government and regulators, with HM Revenue & Customs taking action against many estate agents for basic compliance breaches, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) taking action against a number of law firms and solicitors for AML related breaches, for example:
- Topic:
- Legal
As part of the SRA’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion all firms, regardless of size, are required to report and publish diversity data regarding the make-up of their workforce every two years. The SRA provide a template question set that all employees should have the opportunity to answer. In this article, we’ll provide all the details you need to know and how you can quickly and easily complete the survey with no need for printed surveys, collection boxes, or invasive technology.
- Topic:
- Legal
Section five is the largest chapter within the Standards, and quite rightly so when you consider it covers risk management, which in effect impacts on all other parts of the Standards through the requirement for firms to have a compliance plan and risk register.
- Topic:
- Legal
Business continuity and resilience are essential considerations for all businesses, but particularly for UK conveyancers, who must ensure that they are able to continue operating in the face of potential risks and disruptions. In order to meet the requirements of the CQS Core Practice Management Standards, as well as follow the Law Society's guidance on key areas of risk, conveyancers must have a robust business continuity plan in place.
In this sector of the paper, we will explore the importance of business continuity planning and resilience for UK conveyancers, and provide practical guidance on how to develop and implement a plan that meets the requirements of the CQS and the Law Society.
- Topic:
- Legal
When working in such a high pressured and fast paced area as conveyancing, it can be easy to relegate learning and development to the bottom of the priority list. Whilst this may allow more time to focus on the job at hand, in the longer term it may prove to be a short sighted tactic with shortfalls in staff knowledge and competence leaving the firm open to a whole host of unwelcome outcomes, such as complaints, claims, increased PII premiums, regulatory focus, a failure to meet the requirements of the CQS Scheme and loss of membership on lender panels. It is also likely to impact staff retention rates as a failure to invest in an individual’s development often leads to dissatisfaction and disillusionment within their job role.
- Topic:
- Legal
There have been many goings-on in the world of menopause at work since our last blog on this topic.
We recently had the pleasure of attending the Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace roadshow, ‘Developing a Menopause Friendly Strategy.’ The event was brimming with engaging and empowering sessions and plenty of practical tips on how employers can become more menopause friendly. It struck us that much of the advice given can be applied in law firms.
With this in mind, below we share an overview of the sessions and our key takeaways…
- Topic:
- Legal
The Access Legal team has many man-years of experience working with law firms. Some of our people have been in the sector for 3+ decades. Over the years, we have worked with all kinds of firms offering a wide range of legal services to private clients as well as commercial.
We have learned enough to know that no two firms’ needs are ever exactly the same, and that the complexities of different areas of law apply whether the firm is large or small. There is no carte blanche rule that says large firms handle high-volume caseloads that are all complex, and small firms handle fewer cases that are less complex. It simply doesn’t work like that. The importance of a robust and efficient case management is key for firms of all sizes. However, there are a few considerations for the larger firm should be looking for when searching for new legal case management software.
- Topic:
- Legal
A Book Review – ‘Tomorrow’s Lawyer’ by Professor Richard Susskind OBE
Third Edition, Published on 7-2-23
Reflecting on the new edition of Richard Susskind’s book “Tomorrow’s Lawyer” many of my colleagues at Access Legal and our law firm customers are debating and asking what the law firm of the future will look like, and particularly what role technology will play.
- Topic:
- Legal
