Supporting the business of law

'The Law Society is very clearly committed to supporting solicitors to take action on climate change and leading the profession to sustainable, low carbon practices.'
Stephen Howard, chief executive, Business in the Community

 

Helping with anti-money laundering (AML) obligations

The Law Society is working hard to help solicitors meet AML obligations.

  • We published a practice note on the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Terrorism Act 2000 and Money Laundering Regulations 2007 for which we are currently seeking Treasury approval.
  • Over 1,500 solicitors attended our training courses on the new regulations and more sessions are scheduled for autumn 2008.
  • Our Practice Advice Service answers on average 400 money laundering compliance enquiries each month.
  • We maintain an online directory of law firms with expertise on AML compliance.

We are currently conducting a detailed project on the challenges solicitors face in implementing AML obligations. The outcomes will enable us to tailor further the services we offer and to lobby government for change where it is needed.

 

Helping solicitors to be greener

The solicitors' profession is a significant energy and resource user. In 2007, with DLA Piper and the charity Business in the Community, we launched the Legal Sector Alliance, a partnership of leading law firms which aims to drive environmental sustainability in the legal sector, promoting positive steps that all solicitors and firms can take to conserve natural resources, and save money.

We have audited our own carbon footprint and signed up to targets culminating in the achievement of the ISO14001 standard.

 

Measuring law firm success

We are taking forward an initiative to explore ways of measuring the success of law firms. It will look beyond the blunt instrument of profit per equity partner to the longer-term sustainability of firms, including business strategy, client care, employee engagement, innovation, social capital and efficiency.

 

Innovative commercial programme for City solicitors

This year sees the launch of a new commercial awareness programme for inhouse solicitors and those who work with corporate clients. Developed by the Law Society with the Cass Business School at City University, the programme will be delivered by world-class academic experts to give delegates a valuable insight into today's business environment.

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