UK employment law information and advice

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a global initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences, with the aim to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported. In this podcast, Partner Emma Bartlett speaks to Maisie Lockyer, Associate at leading Family law firm Burgess Mee, about how important adjustments are to ensuring neurodiverse clients can participate in legal proceedings, instruct their lawyers and receive advice in the way that suits them best for their particular needs. In particular, Emma and Maisie discuss: Adjustments throughout the legal process: How adjustments may be required from the outset of an instruction from a neurodivergent client, through to preparation for trial or any hearings/meetings Recognising vulnerabilities: Neurodiverse conditions can result in vulnerabilities for clients that can unfairly count against them when during a trial or meeting Raising awareness in the legal profession: The importance for legal professionals to be aware of the potential need to make adjustments for neurodiverse clients and being proactive in this regard, promoting inclusivity and diversity If you have any questions in relation to neurodiversity or if you wish to discuss any of the topics raised in this podcast, please contact Partner Emma Bartlett.

We are delighted to share with you a podcast focusing on 'Navigating the UK and US Regulatory Terrain of Off-Channel Communications'. Listen to the podcast and see below for further details. Historically, it has been easier for employers to monitor record keeping and the contents of off-channel communications. This has become increasingly important as technology evolves and new platforms become available. In this interesting discussion, Wendi Lazar, C-Suite Strategies LLC (New York, USA), Sebastian Sayer, Fox Williams (London, UK) and Natalie A. Napierala, Carlton Fields (New York, USA), speak with Stuart Smith of CM Murray LLP about the actions taken by both US and UK regulators and the practical steps that firms can take to avoid fines. In particular, the panel discuss: - An overview of the rules and sanctions applied by US regulators (SEC, CFTC and FINRA) and UK regulators (FCA and FSA) relating to violations for engaging in off-channel communications and the purpose of record keeping regulations. - What response from these regulators are we likely to see going forward for breaches of record keeping regulations? - Recommended strategies, procedures, training, and internal policies that can be put in place by employers to comply with the regulations. - What is the best practice for employees and supervisors to comply with regulations and limit their own personal risk?

We are delighted to introduce the sixth episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Trainee Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, Dee Bright, who is the Chair of SpursAbility, the Tottenham Hotspur Disabled Supports Association, to discuss the following: 1. Dee's background in the world of sport, including how she first became introduced to football by watching Wimbledon F.C., and her personal experience of inequality in the sport of horse racing. 2. What inspired Dee to get involved in with the Tottenham Hotspur Disabled Supporters Association, SpursAbility. 3. The groundbreaking accessibility and inclusivity services at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the user lead strategy as the driving force behind them. 4. The viral press conference moment between Tottenham Hotspur manager, Ange Postecoglou, and Dee's son. 5. The positive affect that the promotion of disability inclusion has on diversity and inclusion more generally in an organisation.

In this podcast recording, Partner Zulon Begum and leading international law firm management consultant, Moray McLaren discuss new research by the IBA's Law Firm Management Committee (LFMC) which explores recent trends in partner profit sharing, remuneration and reward. The research has been published by Harvard Law School and is available here: https://clp.law.harvard.edu/knowledge-hub/magazine/issues/the-perfect-partner/defining-the-perfect-partner/ Key discussion points from this podcast recording: - Is there such a thing as a ‘perfect partner’ and how do you define them? - Gaining a better definition of partner contribution with an increasing adoption of non-financial performance indicators Introducing clearer guard rails and ensuring there is a fair process - Diffusing tensions around partner remuneration discussions and avoiding barriers to change - Providing leadership with “teeth” by revisiting and reinforcing governance - Moving from partner evaluation to partner development - A look to the future – how AI will move the goals posts on partner contribution and remuneration If you have any questions arising from this podcast recording please contact Partner Zulon Begum.

We are delighted to introduce the fifth episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Trainee Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, Sunday Times Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year 2020 and rugby player for Richmond Rugby, Zainab Alema to discuss the following: 1. Zainab's ambition of becoming the first Black Muslim woman to play for England Rugby and her progress so far in overcoming stereotypes. 2. The origin and meaning of her nickname 'The Bulldozer'. 3. The importance of representation in sport and Zainab's experience in meeting one of her sporting heroes, former England and Saracens W.R.F.C player, Maggie Alphonsi. 4. The new ground-breaking maternity, pregnant parent, and adoption policy unveiled by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) which seeks to promote the health and safety of rugby players and normalise motherhood in sport. 5. The future of women's rugby and Zainab's involvement in growing the women's game at a grass roots level, including her incredible project Studs in the Mud with the Atlas Charity.

Following the 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders in June 2023, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the interesting topic of ‘Engaging constructively with the activist workforce’. In this discussion, the IFSEA annual conference panellists explore the prevalence of individual and collective activism amongst employees from a transcontinental perspective. Although this informative discussion focuses on the activism experiences in the United States, United Kingdom, Norway and Spain, the trends discussed are relevant to every jurisdiction: Georgina Calvert-Lee, Bellevue Law, UK Pål Kvernaas, Haavind AS, Norway Carlos Pareja Frade, Augusta Abogados, Spain Chair: Danny J. Kaufer, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Montréal, Canada In particular, the panel discuss: • The difference between collective and individual activism. • What is the line to be drawn between personal and professional activism – should employers be responsible for their employee’s social media free speech? • The impact of trade unions on collective and individual activism. • The future of collective and individual activism – should individual activism be regulated internally by employers or more broadly by statute?

Following the 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders in June 2023, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the session, 'Board Pay: Heightened scrutiny of CEO and executive compensation.' In this podcast between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, this amazing panel discuss whether compensation increases are matched to meeting ESG and other targets. Emma Bartlett, CM Murray LLP (UK) Teresa L. Johnson, Arnold & Porter (San Francisco, USA) Dr Johannes Traut, Seitz (Germany) In particular, the panel discuss: • The pay gap between a CEO/Executive and workers and how this differs between jurisdictions • What factors are taken into account when drafting executive compensation packages? • How important is ESG for firms and is there an incentive for firms to have ESG targets? • Shareholders and customers are driving an increase in ESG and CSR targets within executive compensation packages, but to what extent are executive incentives weighed against these targets? • How firms are balancing ESG targets and financial business targets?

In this discussion between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, this brilliant panel examine the damage that narcissistic leaders can inflict on corporations and explore the potential solutions: Wonu Sanda, CM Murray LLP, UK Lori L. Deem, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick DYM, Chicago, USA Trisha Daho, Empowered Leadership Cultivation, Chicago, USA Kevin Hogarth, Assentar Ltd, UK We also thank Matt Myer of Mishcon de Reya (UK), who was unable to join the podcast, but attended as a panellist on the day of the conference and provided excellent insights. In particular, the panel discuss: The behaviours and qualities that are exhibited by a narcissistic leader - what are the hallmarks and are there any positives? The impact that working for a narcissistic leader can have on the culture of a workforce - is it really an issue or do we have an oversensitive new generation of workers? What are the financial, institutional, and human costs associated with having narcissistic senior leaders and why do some boards continue to tolerate them? Practical strategies for businesses and their advisers to mitigate the risk of hiring and harbouring narcissistic leaders and driving inclusive leadership.

We are delighted to share with you the recording of the recent webinar "How are the UK's Regulators Addressing Sexual Misconduct in their Professions?", in which our expert panel discuss the rules, guidance and approach to sexual misconduct taken by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and General Medical Council (GMC). In this webinar, Carol Davis KC (Littleton Chambers), chair Sarah Chilton (Senior Partner, CM Murray LLP), and speakers Emma Bartlett (Partner, CM Murray LLP) and Andrew Pavlovic (Partner, CM Murray LLP) discuss the following: 1. The steps the SRA has taken to address sexual misconduct and toxic working environments since 2018. 2. The recent FCA consultation and proposed rule changes to address sexual and other forms of non-financial misconduct. 3. The GMC updated Good Medical Practice guidance which specifically mentions sexual misconduct for the first time. 4. Recent cases from each profession, demonstrating the varying approach taken to sanctions where sexual misconduct is established. 5. The SRA’s new rules requiring partners to challenge behaviour, and how this contrasts with the requirement to challenge set out in the GMC guidance. 6. The SRA workplace environment guidance and the potential for action to be taken against firms (both SRA and FCA) where there has been a failure to address toxic working environments. 7. How regulated firms can reinforce good behaviours through training and policies. If you would like to discuss any of the above issues in further detail, please contact Partner, Andrew Pavlovic, who specialises in regulatory law for firms and partners.

We are delighted to share with you a podcast from two of the leading international senior executive and founder advisers, Wendi Lazar of Outten & Golden & Doug Mandell of Withersworldwide, who discuss 'Anatomy of a Transaction: Key Issues for Executives and Founders Selling Their Business and What Protections are Worth Fighting For?'. In this hugely interesting and lively discussion, with real life stories direct from the front line of advising senior executives and founders in major transactions, IFSEA members and annual conference panellists Doug Mandell of Withers (California, USA) and Wendi S. Lazar at Outten & Golden LLP (New York, USA) speak with Stuart Smith, Marketing and Business Development Manager at CM Murray LLP (UK), about the critical issues inherent in the sale of a business from the employment perspective, including financing, engaging with corporate counsel and retaining and protecting other employees in preparation for a transaction. In particular, the panel discuss the following elements of an M&A transaction: - The importance of an Executive having their own counsel representing them during a transaction - What key attributes should an Executive look for when hiring counsel in the sale of their business? - How is conflict managed throughout the process? - Timing of representation: When should an Executive retain counsel? What makes for a successful transaction and what are the key issues that Executives need to be aware of?

Following the recent 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the session, 'How Executives get the best out of their teams.' In this thought-provoking discussion between the IFSEA conference panellists, they examine how executives can manage their teams in a way which is mutually beneficially for both employer and employee: Louise O'Connor, CM Murray LLP, UK Joydeep Hor, People + Culture Strategies, Australia In particular, the panel discuss: - The impact of treating the employment relationship as a transactional relationship - The disconnect in terms of employee expectations, including amongst different generations - Managing employee expectations, while remaining true to the employer’s culture - Balancing the competing needs of different employees For more information on any of the issues discussed in this podcast, please contact our Senior Associate Louise O’Connor, who specialises in employments and partnership law issues.

Following the recent 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the breakout session, 'Executive Relationships at work – ban, boundaries or blind eye?' In this insightful discussion between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, our excellent panel explore whether relationships in the workplace can ever be appropriate or safe and how employers might seek to manage the workplace risks: Pooja Dasgupta, CM Murray LLP, UK Linky Trott, Edwin Coe LLP, UK Terese M. Connolly, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Chicago, USA In particular, the panel discuss: the key factors for employers to take into account if considering implementing an outright ban on relationships at work, including discussion relating to the potential differences in approach in respect of relationships involving C-Suite executives the range of potential legal claims arising from a breakdown of the relationship (or, indeed, the impact of the relationship on other staff members) and the significance of the risks posed to the individuals concerned and the employer, both from a UK and US perspective practical takeaways for employers looking to introduce an effective relationships at work policy to mitigate against potential legal, regulatory and reputational risks, including careful drafting of the extent and timing of disclosure/reporting obligations and the importance of regular training

We are delighted to share with you the recording of the recent Professional Practices Alliance webinar, Moving The ESG Needle For Law Firms – Deciding What Matters And What Can Be Achieved, in which our expert panel discuss how professional practices priorities are shifting regarding ESG. In this webinar, our chair Andrew Pavlovic, (CM Murray LLP), Rob Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group), Zulon Begum (CM Murray LLP) and Sarah Chilton (CM Murray LLP) discuss the following: Materiality – how firms should determine their priorities when it comes to ESG, as firms move away from focussing on their own emissions and are now increasingly considering the environmental impact of their client work Stakeholders – the importance of identifying key stakeholders and carefully considering and incorporating their interests into your ESG strategy Client Selection – taking a nuanced approach when considering whether or not to act for clients whose ESG-related aims and values may not wholly align with that of your firm, balancing business needs, the concept of access to justice, and whether firms can use their expertise and experience to mitigate any potential negative impacts of their advice Remuneration – the increasing shift towards incorporating elements of non-financial performance (i.e. alignment with and adherence to firms’ ESG-related policies) into partner assessment and remuneration policies Risk Management – the risk of discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010 where, for example, a member of staff is treated less favourably and/or harassed because of their beliefs on climate change If you would like to discuss any of the above issues in further detail, please contact Partner, Andrew Pavlovic, who specialises in regulatory law and professional discipline matters for firms and partners.

We are delighted to share the fourth episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Trainee Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by two special guests, Juan José Hita Fernández, Partner at Augusta Abogados and Starky Mondragón Malca, Lawyer at Augusta Abogados and former professional footballer in Spain. In this podcast we discuss the legal developments in the ongoing situation involving Spanish football official Luis Rubiales and Spanish World Cup winning footballer, Jenni Hermoso. In particular: The employment and labour status of those involved and the obligations that bind the behaviours of Luis Rubiales toward the Spanish football team. The investigations into Luis Rubiales conduct which are being pursued from various angles, including the public prosecutors investigation. The public reaction from both female and male professional footballers in Spain. Whether this could be a catalyst for cultural change in the treatment and respect for women playing professional sport?

Following the recent 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the opening plenary session, 'Ethical Handling of Executive Investigations.' In this lively and insightful discussion between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, this brilliant panel explore different approaches to ensure the ethical handling of executive investigations: - Beth Hale, CM Murray LLP, UK - Lindsey Wagner, Moxie Mediation & Workplace Investigations, California, USA - Carol Davis KC, Littleton Chambers, UK - Meriel Schindler, Withers, UK - Kristen Prinz, The Prinz Law Firm, Chicago, USA In particular, the panel discuss: • Common challenges seen in executive investigations, including: 1. The personal nature of the allegation. 2. Delays with informing the accused about the investigation. 3. Misunderstanding of confidentiality parameters. 4. Effects on the mental health of those involved. 5. Managing the risk of retaliation. • External v internal investigators: What are the pros and cons of using an external investigator as opposed to investigating allegations internally. • When is it appropriate to suspend during an investigation procedure and what are the alternatives to suspension? • How much, if any, evidence is disclosed to the accused ahead of the interview process? We also thank Claire Cross of Corker Binning, UK who was unable to join the podcast, but attended as a panellist on the day of the conference and provided excellent insights.

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent IFSEA webinar, 'What are the Best Mediation Strategies for Resolving Executive & Founder Disputes?' where our internationally renowned panellists explored how different jurisdictions approach the mediation of disputes between key corporate players and executives. In this webinar, chair Peter Rukin (Partner, Rukin Hyland & Riggin LLP & Mediator, Sequitur Resolutions - San Francisco), Jane Mulcahy KC & Ian Mill KC (Blackstone Chambers - UK), Lynne Hermle (Partner, Orrick - Silicon Valley), Ana Cid (Partner, Seyfarth - New York/London) and Yulia Fedorenko (Associate, CM Murray LLP - UK) discuss the following in respect of their jurisdictions: • How has the perception of mediation changed in the last 20 years? • Faster resolutions: Mediation as a more rapid alternative to lengthy court proceedings, particularly in cases involving senior executives and founders. • Innovative problem solving: Bringing key stakeholders together to foster unconventional solutions that parties may not have otherwise considered - particularly effective when parties are open to mediate but not to negotiate. • Balancing styles of mediation: The most successful mediators tend to vary between evaluative (common in the US) and facilitative (more UK-centric) in their style, assessing issues while guiding resolutions. • What are the key traits that make a successful mediator? • Tailored solutions: Unlocking unique remedies normally unattainable through the courts, such as apologies, policy shifts, and relationship mending. • The importance of preparation and exploring sensitivities, insurance implications, and address confidentiality worries with a mediator prior to instruction.

Following the recent 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the breakout session, 'Business Protection: The Top 5 Things you Need to Know Right Now on Restrictive Covenants and Confidential Information'. In this lively and insightful discussion between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, this brilliant panel explore developments and practical issues on restrictive covenants in their jurisdictions: Mark Risk, Mark Risk P.C, USA, New York Jennifer Millins, Mishcon de Reya, UK Jeffrey E. Goodman, Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP, Canada Inge Derde, Van Eeckhoutte, Taquet & Clesse, Belgium In particular, the panel discuss: • The origins of post-termination restrictions in different jurisdictions: are they developed through common law or statute and where does the burden of proof lie to enforce them? • To what extent will the courts enforce post-termination restrictions, how far do the restrictions go to offer protection for businesses and what are the tests for enforceability across the relevant jurisdictions? • The suitability and application of garden leave as an alternative to restrictive covenants. • What does the future hold in this area, from proposed legislation to the imposition of new regulations and are we seeing a decline in post-termination restrictions?

We are delighted to share with you the recording of the recent webinar "New SRA Rules on Unfair Treatment and Challenging Behaviour - What Firms and Partners Need to Know", in which our expert panel discuss the new SRA rules on unfair treatment and challenging behaviour. In this webinar, you can hear from guest speaker, Adam Tolley KC (Fountain Court Chambers), chair Beth Hale (CM Murray LLP), and speakers Sarah Chilton (CM Murray LLP) and Andrew Pavlovic (CM Murray LLP) as they discuss the following: The background to the new rules and how they form part of the SRA's on-going campaign to address toxic working environments in law firms. How to distinguish between unfair treatment in a regulatory context and unfair treatment in an employment context. What constitutes "challenging behaviours" in practice and what factors need to be considered when determining whether behaviour needs to be challenged at all, and if so, whether it should be challenged in the moment or after the event. The interaction between the requirement to challenge unfair treatment/behaviour and the existing self reporting obligations. How firms record challenges to behaviour and the risks that arise from record keeping - Should there be a process for a subject of a challenge to be able to 'challenge the challenge'? How can a firm demonstrate compliance with the new rules in practice, through policies, training, and the proper and fair investigations of complaints.

In the next episode of our regulatory podcast ReguLaw, Partner and Regulatory specialist, Andrew Pavlovic, and Associate, Naomi Latham are joined by David Hopkins of 39 Essex Chambers. David has a substantial professional discipline practice and regularly appears in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, acting for both the SRA and respondents. Andrew, Naomi and David discuss the SRA’s changing approach to sanctions and financial penalties, including the following: 1. The recent increase in the SRA’s internal fining powers, with a discussion as to how those powers have been exercised to date 2. The rare circumstances where the SRA will hold a hearing before an adjudication panel, what type of cases might be appropriate for such hearings and how often we would expect this to occur in practice 3. The SRA’s extension of turnover based fines for firms and the introduction of means based fines for individuals 4. Notable cases involving the fining of individuals for sexual misconduct and instances where the SRA have sought permission to address the Tribunal on sanctions 5. The recent case of Barnes, its application to sanctions in Hutchings, and whether this case will have an impact on financial sanctions/costs orders in the Tribunal 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 or Associate Naomi Latham.

We are delighted to share the third episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Paralegal Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, Tess Howard, who plays hockey for both Team GB and England and was described by England Hockey as 'one of the most exciting young talents in world hockey.' Having recognised that women are put or can be put at a disadvantage from a young age through to professional life by sportswear, Tess has actively done something about it. In this podcast we discuss the following: 1. Tess's journey in hockey from winning Bronze at the 2018 European Junior Championship to returning from a serious injury to play in the 2022 World Cup and then go on to score in the 2022 Commonwealth Games Final to lead England to gold. 2. Tess's work as the Founder and Director of Inclusive Sportswear, a non-profit community-interest company who are dedicated to making more inclusive physical activity and sports clothing policies for schools, clubs, sports organisations, national governing bodies and brands. 3. The way in which sportswear disadvantages and can act as a barrier to women in sports compared to men and what can be done to accelerate the development of women in sports.

In celebrating Windrush 75, we have reflected on the significant contribution that people of the Caribbean have made to the UK who came on the Windrush to work, study and be apprenticed. Their story warrants telling. The Windrush generation and their descendants have invariably experienced discrimination in the UK and Prince William acknowledged this in his speech when he unvieled the Windrush statue at Waterloo recently. He said "It is diversity that makes us". As part of our racial equality awareness, we asked two of our recent work experienced students to record a short podcast to help us understand more about Windrush. This podcast was recorded by Tasfiah Jerin and Anne Rony and edited by Stuart Smith.

Is Your Firm prepared for the Financial Year Ahead? Key Trends and Challenges for Professional Services Firms in 2023/24 We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar, 'Is Your Firm prepared for the Financial Year Ahead? Key Trends and Challenges for Professional Services Firms in 2023/24', in which our expert panel discuss the financial year ahead for professional services firms. Listen to the recording here and see below for further details.  In this webinar, you can hear from Chair, Corinne Staves (CM Murray LLP), and speakers Robert Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group), David Shufflebotham (Pep Up Consulting) and Andrew Pavlovic (CM Murray LLP) as they discuss the following issues to include in professional service firms 'to do' list for the next financial year:  - How to remain profitable and effectively manage the firm's cash flow at a time of stalled economic growth, inflation, cost of living crisis and basis period reform. - Implementing a strategy and the importance of having a Plan B strategy, especially during a time where firms are adapting to deliver client services in a new technological era. - How to maintain and enhance a firm's culture and productivity in a hybrid working environment, including the impact that long-term hybrid working may have had on a firms culture. - Key regulatory developments and the practicalities surrounding how to approach them, specifically the new SRA regulations to address toxic work environments by actively challenging behaviours in the workplace. - Whether ChatGPT could spell the end of lawyers or whether it can be harnessed to improve service delivery and profitability of firms. - The potential regulatory issues that arise from using new technology (such as Chat GPT) to assist with delivering client services. - The increasing need for professional service firms to address environmental issues. If you would like to discuss any of the above issues in further detail, please contact Partner, Corinne Staves, who specialises in partnership issues for firms and partners.

We are delighted to share the second episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Paralegal Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, Stacey Copeland, who has represented England at an international level in both boxing and football, to discuss the following: 1. Stacey's upbringing playing football for her school and club, her introduction to boxing as a teen through to the amateur boxing ranks and becoming a professional boxer. 2. Stacey's experience as the first ever British woman to win the Commonwealth female super-welterweight title in 2018 and her subsequent endeavours to drive change and promote equality for women in the sport. 3. The current status of women's sport how the advancement and development of women's sport can be accelerated on a micro and macro level through: • Investment in training facilities, coaches, resources, research and advice. • Exposure to women's competition and role models. • Use of language and comparisons. • Charities such as UNLOCKED by the Women's Sport Trust

We are delighted to present this podcast focusing on trends in international law firm expansion, with Partners Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum and special guest, Robert Bata, Founder and Principal of WarwickPlace Legal. In this detailed Q&A led by Corinne, with leading experts Robert and Zulon, the fascinating and wide-ranging discussion covers (among other things): • Recent trends in law firm international expansion • Liberalisation and opportunities in the Indian market • The continuing rise of Singapore and the continued relevance of Hong Kong • Post-Brexit significance of London and Dublin • Cultural alignment and the integration of new jurisdictions into an existing legal and cultural framework Listen to the podcast here Robert Bata is the Founder and a Principal at WarwickPlace Legal, a consultancy focused exclusively on formulating and implementing cross border expansion strategies for leading law firms. Robert practised M&A law with prominent US and European law firms, as well serving in law firm management capacities and lecturing regularly on these topics. Zulon Begum is a specialist professional practices lawyer with extensive expertise in international law firm structures, governance and transactions. She serves on the Law Firm Management Committee of the International Bar Association. Corinne Staves also advises law firms and professional services firms on a range of issues, including launches, partner moves, governance, profit sharing and mergers. She is a former Chair of the Association of Partnership Practitioners. If you are a partnership or LLP and would like to find out how we can assist you in relation to expansion, or if you have any other questions arising from this podcast, please contact Zulon Begum or Corinne Staves.

In the next episode of our regulatory podcast ReguLaw, Partner and Regulatory specialist, Andrew Pavlovic, and Associate, Naomi Latham discuss the increased scrutiny on lawyers in the last 12 months, both in relation to the type of work that they undertake and the clients they act for. In this episode, Andrew and Naomi discuss: 1. SLAPPS – An overview of the SRA’s guidance on the conduct of disputes, warning notice and thematic review; 2. “Sharp practice” – The recent findings of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in Woolf and the message this sends to solicitors engaging in sharp practice; 3. NDAs – The SRA’s current thematic review following the SRA’s warning notice on the use of NDAs, what our experience is with NDAs and confidentiality clauses; 4. GCs and in-house lawyers – A summary of the SRA’s in house solicitors thematic review and how the in house community have responded to the review so far; 5. Economic uncertainty - Whether we expect to see further ethical challenges arise for solicitors and firms given the UK’s current financial markets and its stability. 6. Client selection - how firms are under increasing pressure to reject instructions from potential or existing clients for political and societal reasons. 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 or Associate Naomi Latham.

We are delighted to introduce the first episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Paralegal Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, Harlequins and England rugby player, Rosie Galligan to discuss the following: 1. Rosie's inspiring journey to overcome adversity to play for England at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, her experience of the tournament and the subsequent reception for the women's game following the incredible World Cup campaign. 2. The future of women's rugby and initiatives for capturing the inspiration of the next generation ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup, which will be held in England. 3. The new ground-breaking maternity, pregnant parent, and adoption policy unveiled by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) which seeks to promote the health and safety of rugby players and normalise motherhood in sport.

We are delighted to introduce our brand new regulatory podcast, ReguLaw, featuring our Partner and Regulatory specialist, Andrew Pavlovic, and our Associate, Naomi Latham. This episode will be the first in a series of podcasts where Andrew and Naomi will discuss key regulatory trends and hot topics which professional service firms and solicitors need to be aware of. In our first episode, Andrew and Naomi discuss the SRA’s continued focus on law firm culture, including the following: 1. The SRA's guidance and thematic review on workplace environments and what that means for firms. The thematic review focuses on three main areas (mental health, creating a speak up culture and supervision) which are discussed in detail, with practical insight as to how firms should respond and react to the guidance. 2. The incoming rule change requiring firms and individuals to treat colleagues fairly and not unfairly discriminate them, together with the obligation on managers to challenge unfair/discriminatory behaviour, reviewing the draft guidance that the SRA has published and considering the types of behaviour the SRA will expect managers to challenge and how they should do this in practice. 3. The joint statement published by the SRA and the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal following the increase in the SRA's internal fining powers and how this demonstrates a significant shift in the SRA's approach to tackling toxic workplace cultures. 4. Supervision of junior solicitors and how unhealthy workplace environments can contribute to misconduct and/or mistakes being made.

In this webinar, chaired by Mark Risk of Mark Risk PC, Dean M. Harvey (Partner at Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein LLP), James Hockin (Senior Associate at Withers), Danny Kaufer (Senior Counsel & Co-Chair, Sports Law & Gaming Group at BLG), Dr. Johannes Traut (Partner at Seitz) and Cody Yorke (Partner at Outten & Golden) discuss the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed ban on non-competition covenants in employment agreements. In particular, the panel discuss: - The details of the FTC proposal, exploring its broad scope, exemptions, and potential legal ramifications of misclassifications under the exemptions. - Whether the FTC proposal can be challenged and, if so, on what grounds. - How other jurisdictions which have already banned non-competition clauses have fared in balancing the protections for businesses (including their confidential information) and their departing senior executives and founders. - The initial perception of the proposal by the FTC from the perspective of senior executives and whether other jurisdictions will follow suite after the FTC ruling. If you would like to discuss non-competition clauses further or have any questions arising from this recording, please contact Clare Murray, David Fisher or Merrill April.

Hybrid Working and Discrimination: What are the Challenges for Employers and How Can They be Overcome? Almost three years since the UK first plunged into lockdown as a result of the global pandemic, the seismic consequences of that lockdown continue to be seen today, not least through the new model of working which has become prevalent in this country and, indeed, throughout the world. With almost unanimous agreement that hybrid working, in one form or another, is here to stay, what are the potential employment law consequences arising from this? In this podcast, Partner Merrill April and Senior Associate Louise O’Connor consider whether employers are sufficiently prepared to meet the potential discrimination risks associated with hybrid working. In particular, Merrill and Louise discuss: - Can employers afford to reject the hybrid working model? - How can employers meet their legal obligations towards employees who may be protected from disability discrimination, whilst they are engaged in hybrid working? - Is there any clarity for employers on whether long Covid should be treated as a disability, and does the EHRC code provide any guidance? - As discrimination protections continue to develop in the hybrid working area, what should employers remain mindful of regarding the risk of other forms of discrimination, including considering the socio-economic backgrounds of their employees? - In light of our experiences working from home and hybrid working over the past three years, what should employers be carefully considering given the recent announcements regarding the proposed revisions to the flexible working framework in the UK? - In the hybrid work era, how can employers take practical steps to attract and retain talent, ensure business efficacy and protect themselves from allegations of discrimination? For more information on any of the issues discussed in this podcast, please contact our Partner Merrill April and Senior Associate Louise O’Connor, both of whom specialise in employment and partnership law issues.

We are delighted to share with you the recording of the recent IFSEA webinar, 'Confidential Information: The Use and Misuse by Executives and Founders.' Please see below for full details and listen to the recording here.  In this webinar, chaired by David Fisher, (Partner at CM Murray LLP), Peter De Maria, (Senior Partner at Doyle Clayton), Amit Bindra (Partner at The Prinz Law Firm, P.C.) and Klaudia Aliaj (Director at Alvarez & Marsal Disputes and Investigations LLP) discuss confidential information in the United Kingdom and United States and some of the key legal and practical issues facing senior executives and founders. In particular, the panel explores:  - The core principles and definitions of confidential information, unpacking the following concepts:   1. The factors to be considered when determining what constitutes a 'trade secret' and what constitutes other 'confidential information' 2. Whether protection can be applied to an employee’s experience and know-how 3. Which categories of confidential information can be protected during and after employment, including practical tips to prevent confidential information from being taken from a business.   - Practical steps for employers when there is evidence of misuse of confidential information.   - How a computer forensic investigation is undertaken and what it might uncover. If you would like to discuss confidential information further or have any questions arising from this recording, please contact Partner David Fisher.

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar 'Legal Professional Privilege 101: What are the Principles and How is it Applied in an Employment Law Context?' n this webinar, chaired by Beth Hale (Partner and General Counsel at CM Murray LLP), Wonu Sanda (Senior Associate at CM Murray LLP), and Michael White (Barrister at 11KBW) aimed at HR professionals, in-house counsel, private practice lawyers, and other professional advisers, the panel discuss legal and litigation privilege, in particular: Exploring the core principles of legal and litigation privilege and specific case law examples to explore what is meant by the following: Confidential communication Client Lawyer Dominant purpose of legal advice Dominant purpose of obtaining information for adversarial proceedings. Key practical protocols, guidance and tips to ensure privilege is maintained in practice Frequently encountered employment-based scenarios, demonstrating how legal and litigation privilege applies in practice and establishing which type of privilege applies to factual situations Listen to the recording here Please click here to download our handy summary of Legal Professional Privilege. If you would like to discuss legal or litigation privilege in more detail or have any questions arising from this webinar, please contact Beth Hale (Partner and General Counsel at CM Murray LLP) or Wonu Sanda (Senior Associate at CM Murray LLP).

What are the different approaches taken internationally towards driving greater diversity at board level? In this recording, Emma Bartlett, Partner at CM Murray LLP (UK), Pål Kvernaas, Partner at Haavind Law Firm (NO), Teresa L Johnson, Partner at Arnold & Porter (US), Wendi Lazar, Partner at Outten & Golden (US), and Carl-Frederik Hedenstrom, Partner at CFH (SE) explore the different approaches taken internationally toward greater diversity on boards as a follow-up to the panel discussion at the 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders in June 2022. In particular, the panel discuss: - The effectiveness, challenges, and implementation of Norway's mandatory quotas for women on boards and whether this approach has seen an increase in productivity and profitability over the past 16 years; - The US approach, including the recently introduced, controversial legislation in California, which saw quotas implemented in order to improve board diversity and the impact that this legislation has had; - The effectiveness of the non-legislative road to board diversity in Sweden and the recent decision to vote against the new EU directive for board equality; and - The UK approach to board diversity and the introduction of new listing rules by the Financial Conduct Authority, with the objective to encourage transparency and accountability in relation to diversity. This recording follows the Diversity and Inclusivity session during the 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, which took place in London on 14 June 2022. We have thoroughly enjoyed exploring this topic and thank our expert panel for their insightful contributions both during the live session and on this podcast. If you have any questions regarding the issues raised in this podcast recording, please contact Emma Bartlett.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” - Barack Obama In celebration of this year’s Black History Month (“BHM”), Senior Associates Pooja Dasgupta and Wonu Sanda reflect on the BHM 2022 theme of “Time for Change: Action Not Words”. In this podcast, Pooja and Wonu are joined by Jesse Bakare, a previous participant in CM Murray’s Virtual Internship Programme and future trainee solicitor at Slaughter & May, who shares his authentic experiences as an aspiring, black solicitor embarking on a legal career, and reflects on the importance of mentorship and role models who, in his case, have encouraged him and have helped to shape his decisions thus far in pursuing his route into law. Pooja, Wonu and Jesse also discuss the measures employers should be taking to facilitate a truly diverse and inclusive workplace, with a view to recruiting, promoting and retaining black talent and addressing underrepresentation in the legal sector and beyond; and the importance of active allyship against racism. For more information on the topics covered in this recording, please contact our Senior Associates Pooja Dasgupta or Wonu Sanda, who both specialise in employment and partnership issues for multinational employers, senior executives, partnerships and partners.

What are the latest immigration challenges and opportunities facing senior executives and employers, both in the US and UK? In this recording, Jonathan A. Grode, Practice Director and Managing Partner at Green and Spiegel LLC (US), and Natasha Chell, Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance at Laura Devine Immigration (UK), explore developments in US and UK immigration that have occurred since the 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders in June 2022. In particular, Jonathan and Natasha discuss: - The reduction in processing times for US and UK visas and the positive impact on firms and senior executives. - What procedures will employers and employees need to follow to ensure immigration due diligence is maintained during a merger and/acquisition? - The introduction of the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa in the UK and the reasons that we have not seen the expected uptake in visas of this kind. This recording follows the Immigration lunchtime pop-up session during the 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, which took place in London on 14 June 2022: https://www.cm-murray.com/knowledge/international-conference-on-risk-reward-and-reputation-management-issues-for-senior-executives-and-founders-2022/ We have thoroughly enjoyed exploring this topic and thank our expert panel for their insightful contributions both during the live session and on this podcast. If you have any questions regarding the issues raised in this podcast recording, please contact one of the team at CM Murray LLP.: https://www.cm-murray.com/

In this recording, our expert panel explore some of the wide-ranging business and societal impact drivers for putting neurodiversity firmly at the top of companies’ agendas and the benefits that neurodiverse leaders can bring to corporate boards. - Dr Nancy Doyle, Chartered Psychologist and Founder of Genius Within CIC (UK) - Lori Deem, Partner at Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym (Illinois, USA) - Chair: Pooja Dasgupta, Senior Associate at CM Murray LLP (UK) In particular, the panel discuss: - The meaning of neurodiversity, including a summary of the various different types of neurodiverse conditions; - The key benefits of having neurodiverse, specialist thinkers occupying the senior-most positions within an organisation, and expanding the definition of the leadership qualities that companies typically value; - What more leaders can do to speak out and “change the conversation” when it comes to talking about neurodiversity, and how they might overcome some of the barriers to achieving neurodiverse leadership and the associated stigma; and - Practical takeaways to allow specialist thinkers to rise through the ranks of an organisation, including in respect of recruitment, retention and promotion of neurodiverse talent. This recording follows the 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, which took place in London on 14 June 2022. We have thoroughly enjoyed exploring this topic and thank our expert panel for their insightful contributions both during the live session and on this podcast. If you have any questions regarding the issues raised in this podcast recording, please contact Senior Associate Pooja Dasgupta, who specialises in partnership and employment law.

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar ‘SRA Sexual Misconduct Guidance – What Lawyers and Firms Need to Know’ . The panel discussion includes a detailed analysis of the key areas in the SRA guidance: When does the threshold for self-reporting apply? The SRA’s view on the influence of alcohol on offending and the significance of the motive of offending; The complexities surrounding the issue of consent; Guidance from the SRA on sanctions; and What is meant by ‘proximity to practice’ and how does it play out in reality? In this webinar, Beth Hale (Partner and General Counsel at CM Murray LLP), Corinne Staves (Partner at CM Murray LLP and partnership law specialist), Andrew Pavlovic (Partner at CM Murray LLP and regulatory/professional discipline specialist) and Ellen Peart (Partner at BCL Solicitors LLP and criminal law specialist) discuss the SRA guidance on sexual misconduct, published on 1st September 2022. In particular: A discussion surrounding the need for this guidance and the shift in cultural attitudes towards sexual misconduct, since #MeToo. A detailed analysis of the key areas covered in the SRA guidance: When does the threshold for self-reporting apply? The SRA’s view on the influence of alcohol on offending and the significance of the motive of offending; The complexities surrounding the issue of consent; and Guidance from the SRA on sanctions. What is meant by ‘proximity to practice’ and how does it play out in reality? The similarities and differences between SRA regulatory investigations and criminal investigations into sexual misconduct allegations, with reference to the Crown Prosecution Service Guidelines. The practical steps that firms can take in order to mitigate the risk of their individuals committing regulatory breaches. f you would like to discuss the SRA sexual misconduct guidance in more detail or have any questions arising from this webinar, please contact Beth Hale (Partner and General Counsel at CM Murray LLP), Corinne Staves (Partner at CM Murray LLP and partnership law specialist) or Andrew Pavlovic (Partner at CM Murray LLP and regulatory/professional discipline specialist).

We are delighted to bring you the next episode of our podcast series 'Talking Board Diversity', hosted by Emma Bartlett, Partner at CM Murray LLP in London, and Teresa Johnson, a San Francisco-based Partner at Arnold & Porter, exploring the key developments and current progress in bringing more diversity into the boardroom, both in the UK and in California. In this episode, Emma and Teresa discuss how board diversity will be achieved in light of the prolific challenges to the board diversity rules across the US, and challenges in the UK to positive action measures taken by organisations who are trying to hit diversity targets. In particular, focusing on: Why there have been such significant challenges to the Nasdaq board diversity rules and mandatory California quotas – and why such challenges are succeeding The California rules introducing mandatory diversity board quotas were controversial from the start, but nevertheless had a significant impact on improving board diversity - not just with regards to gender, but also BAME. The rules appear to have brought about change quicker than any other jurisdiction The UK is still catching up when compared to California. Notwithstanding the legal challenge knocking the rules down, is the improved board diversity here to stay, or will boards eventually revert to pre-2018 composition? How and whether, in this new environment, boards will continue to be diverse What is it about the investment community in particular that will continue to drive change? What is new in the UK with regards to board diversity measures, including the FTSE Women Leaders review 2022 How board diversity is otherwise being progressed in the UK, including the use of positive action measures, which are being criticised as overstepping the mark in the form of unlawful positive discrimination There has been overt pushback in the UK to setting diversity targets generally if steps taken to achieve ambitious diversity targets may be viewed as positive discrimination

How has #MeToo changed the landscape for Senior Executives in relation to sexual harassment and NDAs? In this recording, our expert panel discuss how far (if at all) we have come in dealing with sexual harassment cases since the #MeToo movement, what changes there have been from a legal, regulatory and cultural perspective in the various jurisdictions and how those changes may have driven - and continue to drive - increased transparency, accountability and prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace. Chair: Beth Hale (CM Murray LLP) Lindsey Wagner (Moxie Mediation) Annemarie Wieringa (Van Hall Advocaten) Claire Dawson (BDBF) Inge Derde (Bellaw) In particular, the panel discuss: - Whether workplace culture has changed post #MeToo in various jurisdictions through increase in allegations, amendments to internal policies and practices, or an increase in behaviours being challenged. - The crossover between workplace and criminal investigations and points to consider for senior executives commencing or managing an investigation. - The current position and impact of NDAs in various jurisdictions. - Whether there is a positive obligation on companies/firms or their senior management to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, including a discussion around regulatory and reporting obligations on individual senior executives. This recording follows the 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, which took place in London on 14 June 2022. We have thoroughly enjoyed exploring this topic and thank our expert panel for their insightful contributions both during the live session and on this podcast. If you have any questions regarding the issues raised in this podcast recording, please contact Partner and General Counsel, Beth Hale, who specialises in partnership and employment law.

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar on ‘The Greater Good; How Professional Firms Are Embracing B Corp Status, ESG & Other Non-Profit Making Objectives’, in which partnership law specialists and sustainability management experts discuss the importance of promoting accountability and transparency to a wider group of stakeholders along with environmental, social and corporate governance and how this can be achieved within professional firms. There is increased pressure on professional firms to enhance their social engagement and sustainability. Thus, it is important to consider what measures professional firms should undertake to assess their impact performance on stakeholders and subsequently improve it. In this webinar, you can hear Chair Rob Millard, (Cambridge Strategy Group), and speakers Emma Bartlett, (CM Murray LLP), Dr John Henry Looney, (Sustainable Direction Ltd), Corinne Staves, (CM Murray LLP) discuss the following: • What is B Corp and how can professional firms achieve certification? The strategic thinking behind the implementation of ESG and other non-profit making objectives. • The importance of driving diversity and inclusion from the top and its impact on staff retention rates. • Box ticking exercise vs the true meaning of sustainability: The need for professional firms to consider adopting a proactive approach toward accountability and to implement high business standards for the benefit of their stakeholders and wider community. • The impact of client base on professional firms’ commitment towards sustainability has dramatically increased, with some clients refusing to engage with the firms that have inadequate measures in place. • The difference between accountability obligations in companies and LLPs and how to ensure that professional firms achieve full visibility on their commitment towards the greater good.

Following the recent 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up video and podcast on the breakout session, 'Cross-Border Executive Investigations – risks, strategies and reputation management for executives involved in high profile, cross-border matters involving fraud, bribery and other alleged wrongdoing.' In this recording, our expert panel highlight some of the key issues discussed at the conference on how senior executives can handle risks, develop effective strategies and manage their reputations in cross-border workplace investigations, at both the internal stage and following the involvement of external regulatory, criminal and other agencies. In particular, the panel discuss: - Vital first response steps to a notice of investigation and information gathering; - Obtaining specialist employment and white-collar crime legal representation; - The approach to co-operation and assistance, including the relevance of the senior executive’s status and the stage of the investigation; - Harnessing privacy rights to protect a senior executive’s reputation throughout the lifecycle of a high-profile investigation; and - Legal and tactical considerations following the involvement of UK or US external regulatory or criminal bodies. We have thoroughly enjoyed exploring this topic and thank our expert panel for their insightful contributions both during the live session and on this podcast: Persephone Bridgman Baker, Carter-Ruck Emma Brooks, PCB Byrne Brian J. MacDonough, Sherin and Lodgen LLP Jasvinder Nakhwal, Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP Jason Masimore, Kobre & Kim Chair: Wonu Sanda, CM Murray LLP If you have any questions regarding the issues raised in this podcast recording, please contact Senior Associate Wonu Sanda, who specialises in partnership and employment law.

A number of recent scandals have put the role of GCs and in-house Counsel in the spotlight, raising the difficult question as to how GCs can manage the tension between their obligations to act in the best interests of their employer and their regulatory duties. The follow up video and podcast explore further some of the themes discussed by our expert panel, as well as some new perspectives: • An overview of the regulatory regime that applies to GCs and in-house counsel and how this interacts with the contractual duty to employers; • The need to think about support structures/reporting lines for in-house lawyers to protect them from commercial pressures to act in certain way; • Whistleblowing issues for GCs and in-house lawyers – how can a GC/in house lawyer blow the whistle without breaching regulatory obligations of confidentiality/privilege? • Remuneration for GCs and in-house lawyers; does incentivising commercial success put the in-house adviser into conflict? • What are the advantages of having GCs on boards?

Following the recent 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up video and podcast on the opening plenary session, 'You’re cancelled! – Are Senior Executives and Founders Properly equipped to respond to generational changes in expectations and cultural norms in the evolving workplace, and how can they best drive inter-generational understanding and collaboration?' This session discussed some of the big cultural changes facing Senior Executives and how they can best equip themselves to embrace these changes going forward. The follow up video and podcast explore the following themes discussed by our international panel: • What is “cancel culture”? Is it more than an expression of opinion or online abuse, and a concerted effort to destroy a person's reputation because of their opinions? • Who matters in a “cancelling” crisis? Who are the affected stakeholders? • Our LinkedIn poll showed that cultural issues are the biggest point of intergenerational conflict; what can be done to handle these conflicting views? • We are living in an age where people are being expected to bring their “whole self” to work; what does this mean and how do the expectations of current generations differ? • The benefits of including younger generations in decision-making and business communication; how the way in which something is said is just as important as what is said.

We are delighted to share the webinar recording of part 2 in the Professional Practices Alliance webinar series, '"Should we merge?", a discussion on whether, when and how to merge with another firm, in which an expert panel explores how firms should plan and prepare for a merger. Please see below for full details. In this webinar, you can hear Chair, Corinne Staves (Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP), Robert Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group), David Fisher (CM Murray LLP), Zulon Begum (CM Murray LLP), David Shufflebotham (Pep Up Consulting) and Andrew Pavlovic (CM Murray LLP) discussing issues such as: How does the SRA view mergers and whether there are any concerns around confidentiality and conflicts of interest.   Whether a merger is really about two firms merging, or whether it is about creating a new, more successful firm.   How do you persuade and reassure the workplace on the major upheaval causes by a merger?   Understanding why it is important to have your finger on the pulse in understanding your partners and what decisions they will make upon a proposed merger.   What should firms be focused on post-merger?   The importance of emphasising the positives of the merger and why it is a good decision for the firm.   Key factors to be considered in assisting fee earners with a dip in revenue during a merger.

In this webinar, you can hear Chair, Corinne Staves (Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP), Partner Zulon Begum (CM Murray LLP), Simon Slater (Guest Speaker, Cripps Pemberton Greenish and Byfield Consultancy), Giles Murphy (Guest Speaker, Smith & Williamson) and Rob Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group) discussing issues such as: • Mergers are usually the riskiest growth strategy –– are there other (less disruptive) routes (e.g., organic growth, lateral hiring) to realising the firm’s strategic goals? • Identifying the right merger partner can take time and diligence and requires compromise as there is never a “perfect” merger partner. • How to win “hearts and minds” to align partners with any merger strategy early in the process and ensure that the requisite partner approvals for any merger can be achieved. • Advance preparation for a merger can make or break a deal; identify any “red lines” in advance and keep these to a minimum and undertake “reverse due diligence” to identify any potential issues in your own firm and attempt to resolve these before they become a stumbling block to a merger (e.g., onerous annuities, adverse claims history/high PII costs, underperforming partners, expensive borrowing/leases). • Consider what protections may need to be built into the merger agreement and/or the merged firm’s partnership agreement to ensure stability for the initial period after the merger when firms are often at their most vulnerable - for example, a partner “lock-in” period, enforceable restrictive covenants and good/bad leaver provisions.

In this webinar, you can hear Chair Emma Bartlett, CM Murray LLP, and speakers Pooja Dasgupta, CM Murray LLP, Tom Spence, Donoma Advisors and Victoria Widdows, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, discuss the following: 1. The ‘tie-break’ provision pursuant to section 159 of the Equality Act 2010, which allows employers to take positive action to promote D&I in a stalemate recruitment and promotion situation. 2. The fine line between positive action and positive discrimination, and how the Cheshire police force got it all wrong in the case of Furlong v Chief Constable of Cheshire Police ET2405577/18. 3. Examples of how to drive positive action within professional services firms, including having designated D&I partners, focus groups, a coaching environment, and the use of quotas as aspirational targets. 4. Social and cultural differences pertaining to recruitment in Germany, the UAE and the USA, and the increased pressure to hire individuals from protected groups. 5. The importance of professional services firms having a strategic approach to recruitment and deeper analysis when identifying suitable candidates, rather than hiring in their own image. If you would like to discuss any of the above issues in further detail or would like any guidance regarding positive action, and avoiding the potential pitfalls, please contact D&I partner Emma Bartlett (emma.bartlett@cm-murray.com)or Senior Associate Pooja Dasgupta (pooja.dasgupta@cm-murray.com), both of whom specialise in partnership and employment law issues for firms, partners, multinational employers and senior executives, and who is also the D&I partner at CM Murray LLP.

Over the last two years, we’ve seen household names criticised for their use or omission to use the collective consultation obligations under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, most recently TM Lewin and P&O. This podcast contains a useful summary of what these obligations are and a discussion on why employers may have avoided using them and the impact this has had on employee relations.

In this episode of our Law Firm Founder Conversations podcast series, our Managing Partner Clare Murray discusses all things law firm founder with Alex McPherson, Founder and Partner of Ignition Law, including: What attributes are required for a successful law firm founder? Maintaining energy and enthusiasm as a founder during start up and beyond The importance of technology and the role it can play in a founder-led firm Tips for software and apps to help drive efficiency, particularly when ‘making do’ in year one What does success look like beyond the financial metrics? Being a founder vs partner in a larger law firm: the highs and lows Building resilience to weather the inevitable storms along the way Embracing your mistakes as a founder and learning from failure The benefits that a joint venture or strategic alliance can bring, and Guidance for those thinking of founding their own firm, or in the early stages of doing so. Alex McPherson set up Ignition Law in 2015. Advisers for growth, Ignition Law provide expert legal and commercial advice to start-ups and scale-ups, helping clients to navigate through their entrepreneurial journey. Their mission from the very start was to serve entrepreneurial clients, while creating a flexible and hugely fulfilling and caring place to work. Since its launch, both the firm and Alex have won a multitude of awards, including ‘Managing Partner of the Year’ at the Modern Law Awards, ‘Law Firm Culture and Diversity & Inclusion Awards’ at SME News 2022 and ‘High Growth Business of the Year’ at the Federation of Small Businesses Awards 2022, as well as being selected as finalists for many more.

Partner Performance Management and Remuneration Systems: Under-Rewarded High-Flyers & Over-Rewarded Under-Performers – Professional Practices Alliance Webinar In the latest webinar of PPA Growth Strategy Webinar series, Partner Zulon Begum (CM Murray LLP) and expert panel, Beth Hale (CM Murray LLP), David Shufflebotham (Pep Up Consulting) and Corinne Staves (Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP), share their experiences and top tips for dealing with under-rewarded high flyers and over-rewarded under performers. The webinar discusses: • Partner performance management and renumeration systems • The practical steps to dealing with these issues in the short to medium term • Structural issues that may need to be addressed in the medium to long term • The culture of a firm and how this may affect partner performance Listen to the webinar here Three key factors firms need to consider when dealing with partner performance management are: • Putting in place structures to identify performance issues • How adapting partnership documentation and profit allocation systems might help • The culture of the firm and other factors that may influence partner performance Identifying issues: It is important for partner performance to be evidenced and well documented. Firms should also ensure that decisions are data driven. Partnership documentation: Firms should consider adapting their constitutional documentation to ensure there is a clear framework in relation to renumeration provisions to help firms achieve their objectives, while also retaining flexibility. Culture: It is important for firms to have a remuneration and reward framework in place which is aligned with the culture of the firm. If you have any questions arising from this recording or would like to discuss Partner Performance Management and Remuneration Systems; Under-Rewarded High-Flyers and Over-Rewarded Under-Performers or for any other partnership law issues, please contact Partner Zulon Begum or Managing Partner Clare Murray.

In this podcast special, the UK and Ireland members of leading international employment law alliance Innangard, together with guest attorney Jessica Riggin of California’s Rukin Hyland & Riggin LLP, explore and offer insight into the legal position for employees and employers with regard to the menopause. Chaired by Merrill April, CM Murray LLP (UK), and featuring contributions from Regan O’Driscoll, CC Solicitors (Ireland) and Jessica Riggin, Rukin Hyland & Riggin LLP (USA), this podcast discusses the recent coming to prominence of a topic long-ignored and/or taboo, concentrating on the following issues: - the current legal position in UK, Ireland and California and whether it is clear on the rights and obligations of employees and employers; - whether a specific type of “menopause discrimination” is needed and/or likely to come into being; and - what advice we would give senior executives currently experiencing challenging/debilitating symptoms.

In celebration of LGBT+ History Month, Partner Emma Bartlett had the privilege of interviewing Keith Winestein, who has been recognised for his fantastic work as a positive role model for LGBT+ by the prestigious National Diversity Awards. In this podcast, Keith Winestein and Emma Bartlett discuss why LGBT+ History Month is so important in providing a voice and visibility to issues surrounding LGBT+ equality and diversity. Over the past four decades, this has been at the forefront of much of Keith’s work, starting with those affected by HIV and AIDs, and with the promotion of wellbeing and mental health initiatives, where his invaluable contribution is still going strong. Encouraging a sense of belonging for employees should be a core part of any employer's Equality and Diversity strategy, and one way in which this may be achieved is through celebrating role models who are brave enough to talk about their own experiences. In this podcast, we aim to raise awareness of LGBT+ History Month and to help educate on issues that can affect us all but that are not always spoken about. Allowing others to talk about how they might be impacted, or how they have supported colleagues and friends, can help break down barriers which otherwise prevent employees bringing their whole selves to work. Keith Winestein is one such role model.

In the next of our Law Firm Founder Conversations podcast series, Our Managing Partner Clare Murray discusses all things law firm founder with Dr Peter Allinson, CEO of specialist national Real Estate law firm Davitt Jones Bould. Launched in 2000, the firm was an early disrupter of the traditional approach to law firm operations; from the start, adopting remote working, based around regional hubs, to drive the growth of the firm and to attract the best specialist Real Estate talent; lifting the burden of administration, billing and even marketing and sales from lawyers who wanted to focus on their technical specialism rather than law firm operations and BD; and building an institutional specialist brand and client relationships, moving away from over-reliance on individual partner brands and practices. In this podcast, Dr Peter Allinson and Clare Murray discuss a wide range of law firm founder issues, challenges and opportunities including: What can industry teach us to reshape the traditional law firm model for the better? What does it take for founder firms to compete with Big Law? The benefits of freeing lawyers to do what they do best – and creating a twin track that equally values and rewards technical and operational expertise How to build a technical sales team to sell legal services The 3 key requirements for a founder firm (or any firm) considering an IPO*: Develop visibility & predictability Make sure the Market is there Eliminate any single point of failure Building and financing growth to a level that aligns with personal values, risk threshold and ability to sleep at night! * First Round Review: Shooting for an IPO? Take These Steps Now Before It’s Too Late Dr Peter Allinson can be contacted on peter.allinson@djblaw.co.uk or +44(0)20 3026 8290.

In the next of our Law Firm Founder Conversations podcast series, our Managing Partner Clare Murray discusses all things law firm founder with Michael Kim, co-founder of leading global disputes and investigations firm, Kobre & Kim. The firm is described by Chambers and Partners as "one of the best litigation boutique firms in the US" and that "when you are up against Kobre & Kim, you understand that you are dealing with a highly skilled adversary." In this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation, Michael discusses the journey and strategy of building Kobre & Kim from a firm of two New York City-based co-founders - both then US Department of Justice white-collar fraud prosecutors, to a phenomenally successful internationally law firm - a global leader in international disputes and investigations, with over 500 staff across four continents. In this podcast, Michael Kim and Clare Murray chat about issues relevant to those considering founding, growing and transitioning their law firm to the next generation of owners, including: - Is it enough just to be a great lawyer in order to build a successful law firm? What more is needed? - How important is it for law firm founders to have a razor-sharp strategy and vision from the outset? - Understanding whether you are building an institutional brand and pipeline, or a collective of partner personal practices, and setting your strategy and goals accordingly. - It’s all about the clients, not you – driving your firm’s value proposition to address your clients’ problems with innovative products and services. - How do you create a law firm that can exist independently, and beyond the founders? - Founder ego as the single biggest obstacle to law firm growth and success, and the importance of making yourself irrelevant. - “Escape velocity” - the significance of founder drive and commitment to achieve stratospheric success for their firm, and recognising the need to understand your own personal and professional goals within that process. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode. Please do like, subscribe and share. You can listen to the previous episodes in the series below: Episode 1 - Laura Devine, Founder and Managing Partner of Laura Devine Solicitors (London, UK and New York, USA): https://www.cm-murray.com/knowledge/law-firm-founder-conversations-podcast-episode-1-laura-devine-founder-and-managing-partner-of-laura-devine-solicitors/ Episode 2 - Joydeep Hor, Founder of People + Culture Strategies (Sydney, Australia): https://www.cm-murray.com/knowledge/law-firm-founder-conversations-podcast-episode-2-joydeep-hor-founder-of-people-culture-strategies-sydney-australia/ Or listen on the following channels: SoundCloud Apple Podcasts Podbean Google Podcasts Coming soon: Episode 4 with Peter Allinson, Chief Executive of national real estate law firm Davitt Jones Bould (London, Manchester and Birmingham, UK) If you are thinking of setting up a new law firm, or are expanding to take your firm’s growth to the next level, and would like to discuss any related partnership or employment law infrastructure issues with us, please do get in touch with Clare Murray or Zulon Begum.

Today marks the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Observed since 1992, it is a day aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society. To celebrate and promote awareness of this important day, Partner Emma Bartlett and Senior Associate Wonu Sanda are joined on this podcast by Husnara Begum, a former City corporate lawyer turned career management specialist and skills trainer, who has severe rheumatoid arthritis and is an incredible advocate for all forms of diversity and inclusion, to discuss how this year’s theme, 'building back better', can be applied in the workplace context and, in particular, in the legal profession. Drawing on Husnara Begum’s personal insights on the impact of her own disability and her experiences in the legal profession, this podcast explores how employers, business leaders, and senior managers can better recruit, support, and promote people with disabilities in the workplace. You can listen to previous episodes of our CM Murray podcast, where we discuss a wide range of topical issues in relation to partnership and employment law, here:  www.cm-murray.com/cmmurraypodcast  For more information on the topics covered in this recording, please contact our Partner Emma Bartlett or Senior Associate Wonu Sanda, both of whom specialise in employment and partnership issues for multinational employers, senior executives, partnerships and partners. CM Murray is Ranked Band 1/Tier 1 for Employment (Senior Executives) by Chambers and Partners UK 2022 and  Legal 500 UK 2022. ‘Brilliant employment law team...Incredibly talented knowledgeable and commercial in their very professional approach. Very able in international employment matters.' (Legal 500 UK)

We are delighted to share the second in our Law Firm Founder Conversations podcast series, in which our Managing Partner Clare Murray discusses all things Law Firm Founder with Joydeep Hor, Founder and Managing Principal of leading Australian employment law firm and management consulting business, People + Culture Strategies (PCS). PCS is a trusted adviser to Australian and international employers of all sizes and across all industries, advising on employment law as well as HR strategy and training on workplace issues. As a graduate of the Harvard Owner President Management Program, Joydeep Hor of PCS is a deep thinker on business issues affecting law firm founders. In this podcast, Clare and Joydeep explore a wide range of strategic issues, practical experiences and personal challenges and highlights in setting up and building a thriving law firm from the ground up, including: What are the qualities and skills that make for a successful law firm founder? (@1:13 mins) Leadership as a founder: Balancing the challenges and opportunities of being the founder as well as a leader (@5:05 mins) How to fail: Learning to embrace your mistakes and recover from them (11:58 mins) The quest for maturity as a founder and business owner over the years (15:20 mins) What to consider when contemplating office expansion, both domestically and internationally, and the importance of founder brand when establishing a new office (17:00 mins) Do business management programmes make a difference when setting up and growing your law firm? (20:30 mins) The challenges for law firm founders of balancing working ‘in the business’ vs ‘on the business’ (23:55 mins) How to encourage lawyers from under-represented backgrounds to set up their own law firms (29:30 mins) Financial prudence and the misperceptions around funding a start-up firm (32:40 mins) It’s good to talk: The vital importance of sharing experiences, issues and strategy with other founders (34:50 mins) Creating a legacy: An unnecessary added burden for founders? (37:30 mins) If you are thinking of setting up a new law firm, or are expanding to take your firm’s growth to the next level, and would like to discuss any related partnership or employment law infrastructure issues with us, please do get in touch with Clare Murray.

Rapid technological developments have made, and will continue to make, a significant impact on professional service firms by changing the way in which they devise new business models, replace distribution channels, and modify and adapt the way people and businesses interact with each other. Everybody has an opinion about how professional services are evolving, and how “firms of the future” might be different to those of today. In the legal sector, which is arguably less ‘transformed’ than some of the other professions so far, many firms view this topic with some trepidation. In this webinar recording, we look at whether artificial intelligence (AI) will actually replace lawyers and, if so, are there ethical or moral dilemmas that should be considered regarding AI and the legal industry? In this webinar, you can hear Chair, Rob Millard, Director of the Cambridge Strategy Group and speakers, Tara Chittenden and Dr Kion Ahadi, of the Law Society of England & Wales (LSE&W), discuss issues including the following: • How potential future change will have an impact on diversity and inclusion, particularly in more senior positions; • How Generation Z have begun to reshape global politics as we see a generational shift in allegiance and identity; • Whether the rise of machines will free up time vs threaten jobs; and • How, according to research carried out by LSE&W, it is expected that, by 2030, the workforce in the legal sector, including lawyers and legal support staff, will reduce by half.

We are delighted to share the first in our Law Firm Founder Conversations podcast series, in which our Managing Partner Clare Murray discusses all things Law Firm Founder with Laura Devine, Founder and Managing Partner of leading international immigrational law specialists, Laura Devine Solicitors (LDS), with offices in London and New York. LDS has top tier rankings in the legal directories and Laura herself is the recipient of international awards both as an immigration specialist and as a very successful entrepreneur. In their conversation, Clare and Laura cover a lot of ground discussing, from their first-hand experience, some of the opportunities and challenges of setting up, growing and managing a law firm, including: - Why set up your own law firm and why, as a founder, it is important to have a clear strategic vision and focus (@1:28 mins) - Reconciling the tension between protecting the culture of your firm and building its growth (@5:24 mins) - Self-funding vs external borrowing: What resources and funding are needed to set up and grow a law firm? (@6:54 mins) - The importance for law firm founders to build robust infrastructure and take external advice (@9:20 mins) - Issues in international growth and opening a US office (@11 mins) - How to encourage female and ethnic minority lawyers as future law firm founders (@14.38 mins) - With the benefit of hindsight as a law firm founder, what would you do differently? (@19:18 mins) - Managing the regulatory burden of setting up and running a law firm (@20:22 mins) - Handling the stress of being a founder and maintaining personal mental and physical well-being (21:30 mins) - Tips and helpful attributes for those considering starting up their own firm (@26:26 mins) - Cash is queen! (@29:30 mins) We hope you enjoy listening to this first Law Firm Founder Conversations podcast, and if you do please do like, subscribe and share. If you are thinking of setting up a new law firm, or are expanding to take your firm’s growth to the next level, and would like to discuss any related partnership or employment law infrastructure issues with us, please do get in touch with Clare Murray.

As we approach the end of Black History Month (“BHM”), an event that has been celebrated in the UK every October for more than 30 years, Partner, Emma Bartlett, and Associate, Pooja Dasgupta, reflect on what BHM means to them, and why it is so important to celebrate it. In this discussion, building on this year’s BHM theme of “Proud To Be”, Emma and Pooja are joined by Ida Mwangi, a participant in our most recent CM Murray Virtual Internship, who shares her fascinating personal insights and family history with us in this podcast, representing the importance of listening and learning from our colleagues and friends’ experiences, not only during Black History Month, but throughout the year. Emma, Pooja and Ida discuss the importance of education in shaping the views of young people from as early an age as possible to encourage awareness of the challenges and achievements of those who have paved the way for equality and diversity and have fought for lasting and meaningful change. We have set out below links to the resources mentioned on the podcast, as examples of the many resources available online discussing issues of race and inequality, and reflecting on the importance of events like BHM: • About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge (aboutracepodcast.com) • https://www.waterstones.com/book/why-im-no-longer-talking-to-white-people-about-race/reni-eddo-lodge/9781408870587 (also available on other sites) • https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cyzmrmyxn4wt/black-history-month • https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/ • Ashley Banjo: Britain in Black and White – ITV Hub (itv.com) For more information on the topics covered in this recording, please contact our Partner Emma Bartlett or Associate Pooja Dasgupta, who both specialise in employment and partnership issues for multinational employers, senior executives, partnerships and partners.

We are delighted to bring you the fourth episode of our podcast series on Board diversity and how it has progressed over recent years. In this episode, Emma Bartlett, Partner at CM Murray LLP and Teresa L. Johnson, Partner at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP in San Francisco, interview guest speaker Olivia Morgan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the California Partners Project (CPP), a renowned figure in the US in creating, developing and leading innovative programs to recognise unmet social needs and marginalised voices in US public policy and society. In this next episode in our joint podcast series on Board Diversity, our partner Emma Bartlett and Teresa L. Johnson, Partner at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP in San Francisco, talk with Olivia Morgan of the California Partners Project about: - How the California board diversity law has played out to date, in particular: - The significant increase in the number of women on Californian boards since its introduction; - If all companies were to fully comply with the California board diversity law, there would be over 2,000 women on boards across California in 2022; - Previously around 30% of boards in California were all male, this has decreased to approximately 1%; - Approximately 50% of Californian companies have already met the 2021 gender requirements on boards. - Incredibly valuable commentary from Olivia on findings from CPP focus groups looking at barriers preventing increased board diversity; - Why California focused on mandates rather than disclosure requirements in respect of diversity targets; - The role of institutional investors and investment banks in encouraging diversity on boards; - How to move away from insular networks, focus on titles in recruitment, and miscalculations of risk of a more diverse board. For more information on the topics covered in this recording, please contact our Partner Emma Bartlett, who specialises in employment and partnership issues for multinational employers, senior executives, partnerships and partners.

Earlier this summer, the Treasury launched a consultation to reform taxation for self-employed businesses where the accounting year for the business differs from the tax year. Under the proposals, the transition for the change was due to take place in 2022/23, however last week the Treasury announced a delay by at least 12 months with the transition not coming into effect before 2023/24. In addition, the Government recently announced a new health and social care levy by increasing National Insurance Contributions by 1.25% to take effect from 6 April 2022, before the Budget announcement on 27 October. In this webinar, you can hear Chair Claire Watkins, Buzzacott LLP, and speakers Zulon Begum, CM Murray LLP, Corinne Staves, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP, James Currie, Buzzacott LLP, and Rob Millard, Cambridge Strategy Group discuss the following: 1. How important it is for firms and partners to understand that taking advantage of the transitional period for the Base Period reform could result in their paying substantially more income tax than expected - it could mean spreading profits of the transitional year across the following five years (with the prospect of paying unknown higher tax rates in those years on those profits), rather than spreading the crystallised tax over those five years; 2. The need for partners to have a clear understanding of the extent to which they and their firm are (or in many cases are not) presently fully reserved against the partner’s individual tax liability – and to ensure that the firm has not just reserved and set monies aside against the partner’s upcoming payment due in January and July 2022, but also against the tax payments that will be due subsequently;  3. The Basis Period reform could consequently bring a lot of under-reserved partner tax balances home to roost, and is important for firms and partners to start cash flow scenario planning now, and to consider the range of funding options available to finance the additional tax and national insurance burden if needed in due course; and 4. The impact of the changes on for senior employees in LLPs, and the ways in which firms can make potential FSP and future EP status (and capital contribution) as attractive and engaging as possible to individuals who may only see risk and loss of employment security. The key changes that firms should consider making to their constitutions now, which will equip them to act very quickly if they need to raise money or conserve cash in future at short notice.

We are delighted to bring you the third episode of our mini podcast series on board diversity and how it has progressed over recent years. Teresa L. Johnson, Partner at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP in San Francisco, joins Partner Emma Bartlett to discuss the drivers for change to diversity on boards that are currently taking place and the impact these will have. In this episode, Teresa and Emma discuss the following: The impact on board diversity following NASDAQ’s approval of new board diversity regulations and, in the UK, the FCA’s progressive proposals for board diversity for certain financial sector organisations. Both the US and UK follow the ‘comply or explain’ method of implementing the changes. How the FCA changes will lead the way for other industries and regulators in the UK. The proposed changes include: A voluntary target of 40% of the board to be made up of women, including those identifying as women; At least one senior board position should be held by a woman; At least one member of the board should be from a non-white ethnic minority background; Boards will be required to comply or explain in their annual financial reporting how they are performing against these voluntary targets. It can be more difficult for smaller boards to promote diversity with their board members and therefore more challenging to meet set targets The US has seen a big groundswell of support for compliance pushed by investors and effort to comply. For more information on the topics covered in this recording, please contact our Partner Emma Bartlett, who specialises in employment and partnership issues for multinational employers, senior executives, partnerships and partners.

Domestic abuse hit the headlines in 2020 as reported incidence spiked to 2.4 million, with the United Nations declaring it an emergency. In January 2021, Business Minister Paul Scully made a 'call to action' to all UK employers to do more to help their colleagues who may be the victims of domestic abuse.  In this podcast, our Partner Emma Bartlett is joined by expert on economic abuse as it occurs within the context of coercive control, Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs OBE (Founder and CEO of charity Surviving Economic Abuse), safety and technology specialist Mikkel Dissing (CEO of Pan!cGuard Ltd) and our Senior Consultant, Pia Sanchez, to discuss employers’ obligations to help colleagues who are victims of domestic abuse as part of existing health and safety legislation. If you have any questions arising from this alert, or for specific legal advice on particular circumstances, please contact our Partner Emma Bartlett (emma.bartlett@cm-murray.com), who specialises in employment and partnership issues for multinational employers, senior executives, partnerships and partners.

We are pleased to share with you the recording from our recent Professional Practices Alliance (PPA) expert discussion, ‘Personal Risk Management for Partners’. Partners of professional practices spend their entire careers focused on the protecting interests of their clients. This can sometimes be at the expense of their own planning. In this podcast recording, you can hear Chair, Corinne Staves (Partner and Head of Professional Practices, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP) and panel speakers, Rachel O’Donoghue (Partner and Head of Financial Planning, Buzzacott LLP), James Currie (Senior Tax Manager, Buzzacott LLP), David Shufflebotham (Founder, PEPUP.consulting), Fiona Poole (Partner, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP) and Beth Hale (Partner, CM Murray LLP) explore the actions that all partners should be considering and the extent to which firms should be involved in personal risk management. In particular, this panel address the following: • the key personal risks for professional partners; • financial planning and legal protections that partners should put in place; • the extent to which firms should implement measures to protect partners, for example, death in service and/or life insurance benefits; • whether insurances could benefit of the firm (i.e., to manage cashflow) or the partners/their families, for example, life insurance and income protection; • how a firm can manage the risks of partner death/incapacity; and • how a firm’s agreement and policies can support this process including the protections which should be included in LLP deeds as well as powers to remove and suspend.

We are delighted to bring you the second episode of our mini podcast series on board diversity and how it has progressed over recent years. In this episode, Teresa L. Johnson, Partner at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP in San Francisco, joins Partner Emma Bartlett look at best practice examples showing how board diversity is being achieved. Key takeaways include: In the UK, it is entirely voluntary and business-led. This has resulted in a strong supply of experienced women leaders and has opened up new career path and opportunities for senior women. We now have valuable insight into workplace barriers and how to fix them – from experience, while you can guess what those barriers are, unless there is some sort of audit some of these assumptions might be wrong; Increasing the representation of women in key functional roles such as GC, GC and Co Sec, Finance Director, HR Director and Chief Information Officer, will drive progress; Certain FTSE 100 companies have led the way, demonstrating commitment to diversity in a modern company. For example, the Chief Executive for Diageo plc expressed first hand experience of benefits of diversity at board leave in terms of “quality of decision making”, the “varied perspective to debates” and “the performance it drives”. Diageo set goals for 50% of leadership roles to be held by women, as well as increasing representation of leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds to 45% by 2030. As a result, Diageo now has 60% women on the board; Wider stakeholder groups have provided vital support. Certain executive search firms doing the very most to support gender equality on boards have been recognised within the accreditation process under the Enhanced Code of Conduct. California started with gentle encouragement for board diversity, but it didn’t move the needle. Setting a quota seems to be making real change – most of the public companies subject to the California board diversity laws have added women and members of underrepresented communities to their boards; In most of the US, there are no laws requiring diversity on boards, and the push for diversity comes from the market – particularly institutional investors and investment banks, of late. A recent study from the Alliance for Board Diversity shows that there was a 4X increase in the number of Fortune 500 companies with over 40% diversity on their boards. The pace is different for women and minorities. Not until 2074 will 40% of board seats on Fortune 500 companies be held by minorities. The biggest jump has been in white women joining boards, who have gained 209 board seats between 2018 and 2020. California’s quotas are working, but the effect of the quotas isn’t the only reason – public opinion and importantly the investment community has gotten on board. In an ideal world, the quotas will get more diversity on boards, and that will help perpetuate itself. It will become the norm, but part of the reason this has taken so long is that boards change slowly – board members tend to serve for long periods of time and boards tend to rely on a closed circle of networks to find new candidates Looking at larger vs smaller companies, the Fortune 100 has made more progress than the Fortune 500. In Fortune 100 companies, the representation of women and minorities on boards exceeds 42%. The pace has been slower in the Fortune 500 – diversity has been growing at a 2% pace, and alarmingly the number of board seats held by African American men actually went down. For more information on the topics covered in this recording, please contact our Partner Emma Bartlett, who specialises in employment and partnership issues for multinational employers, senior executives, partnerships and partners.

We are delighted to bring you this recording of an expert discussion between members of leading international employment law alliance Innangard, exploring and offering insight into key issues concerning workers and employers in the current climate in the UK, Spain and Sweden. The platform economy continues to raise new employment law queries, which legislation and case law are now catching up with. This discussion takes a close look at some of the more common issues being faced by platform companies and their workers and examines the protections and remedies potentially available to both. The discussion is hosted by Merrill April (CM Murray LLP, UK), with contributions from María José Sánchez (Augusta Abogados, Spain) and Carl-Fredrik Hedenström (Morris Law, Sweden).   The key questions addressed by the panel include: 1. How has the status of platform workers developed in the UK, Spain and Sweden? Has the development been linked to the different employment statuses recognised by each jurisdiction?  2. How did the courts reach their decision in the Uber case in the UK and what have been the impacts of the decision?  3. What has been the reaction from riders, platform companies and unions to new legislation covering digital platform workers in Spain?  4. What has been most influential in developing the rights of platform workers – case law, legislation or collective agreements?  5. Has the widespread use of collective agreements in Sweden resulted in differing treatment for platform workers? Listen out for Part 2 of the recording where the speakers continue their discussion on the topics of AI and algorithmic management, taxation and social security as they relate to platform workers. Innangard is a non-exclusive alliance whose members are leading independent law firms located across Europe and Asia-Pacific, with specialist employment law experience and reputation in advising Employers. Each firm is individually recognised in their own country and jurisdiction for their expertise in labour and employment law issues. For more information about Innangard Executives and to contact any member firm, go to: Innangard.Global. Follow Innangard on Twitter: @Innangardglobal

We are pleased to share with you the recording from our recent Professional Practices Alliance (PPA) expert discussion, ‘Neurodiversity in Professional Services Firm Leadership’. Individuals who may be described as “neurodivergent” bring a plethora of skills and different perspectives to an organisation, offering firms a sustainable, competitive advantage that will be particularly beneficial in the current economic climate. Harnessing and embracing the cognitive divergence of a workforce will enable professional services firms to home in on an untapped pool of innovators and high performers to inform its decision making and wider strategies, and promote an inclusive workplace culture. It is important for firms to raise awareness about neurodiversity related issues, whether through the day-to-day advocacy of senior management or the delivery of firmwide training, to help managers and colleagues to better understand neurocognitive differences and the needs of their neurodivergent colleagues. In this webinar, you can hear session Chair, Emma Bartlett, CM Murray LLP, and speakers Daniel Aherne, Adjust Services, Caroline Ramsay, TLT LLP and Rob Millard, Cambridge Strategy Group, discuss a range of issues relating to neurodiversity for professional services firms to carefully consider, including the following: • the importance of harnessing cognitive diversity in leadership and the various ways in which firms can boost decision-making, creativity and innovation through neurodiversity; • how professional services firms can encourage a culture that is more understanding of neurodiversity, including implementing policies and procedures promoting and generating awareness about neurodiversity; encouraging senior individuals to lead from the top; and offering training to managers and colleagues to help them to better understand these issues; and • potential statutory protection under the Equality Act 2010 for those who may be described as “neurodivergent”; in particular, focusing on an employer’s duty to make reasonable adjustments, and offering some practical suggestions as to what might constitute a reasonable adjustment in this context. For more information on any of the topics covered in this recording, please email Emma Bartlett: emma.bartlett@cm-murray.com. The Professional Practices Alliance is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between leading UK independent legal, accounting and law firm management specialist advisers, CM Murray LLP, Buzzacott LLP, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP, Pep Up Consulting and Cambridge Strategy Group.

We are delighted to introduce our mini podcast series discussing the topic of board diversity and how it has changed in recent years, , including a comparison of the regulation of board diversity between California and the UK. While it has come a long way, there is plenty more to be done. Listen to the first episode here.

Transitioning from Founder-Led to Perpetual Governance Models: The Most Difficult Challenge that Many Professional Service Firms ever face The transition that any firm must undergo if it is to survive and thrive after its founders retire affects every aspect of the organisation. It is at the same time both strategic and intensely personal. For founding partners, it involves giving up control of an organisation that in many cases defines who they are and trusting the next generation to lead and manage it into a successful future. For that next generation, it means stepping up to a whole new level of responsibilities. It almost always involves difficult discussions, including about money, power and influence. For the firm’s employees, the outcome determines no less than their future livelihoods. For clients, such transitions can significantly impact the quality of service that they receive in both the long term and while the transition is underway. This issue is deeply relevant in 2021; the (then) young entrepreneurs who founded a disproportionately large number of professional service firms in the early 1990s are fast approaching retirement. Many have been immensely successful, building firms that stand proudly pre-eminent in their markets. The role that those founders will play in their twilight professional years, and indeed whether or not these firms will even survive without their founders, depends on how well the transition is planned and executed. In this panel discussion recording, you can hear Session Chair, Rob Millard (Founder, Cambridge Strategy Group – Law Firm Management Consultant) and esteemed panellists, Fernando Peláez-Pier (Founding Partner, Hoet Peláez Castillo & Duque- a former president of the International Bar Association and the Lex Mundi network), David Shufflebotham (Founder, PEP Up Consulting – Partner Remuneration Specialist), Claire Watkins (Partner, Buzzacott LLP – Head of Professional Practices Group) and Zulon Begum (Partner, CM Murray LLP – Partnership and M&A Law specialist), discuss and provide expert insights on the major challenges and considerations for such transitioning firms, including: The relative merits of potential exit models to balance founders’ and next generation partners’ interests, including a straight return of capital and profit share (or “naked in, naked out”); post-retirement annuities; consultancy arrangements; sale on exit based on agreed value (and typical valuation approaches and expectations); and returns based on a future capital event. Developing a governance transition strategy and adequate succession planning, including understanding the firm’s current position and future requirements as well as managing timing and communications. Issues involved in transitioning family-owned firms, including challenges caused by not having clear, institutionalised governance, processes and opportunities for all partners, the need to have open early conversations about the exiting partners’ interests and to build consensus on the firm’s future. The legal and operational issues and how to approach key provisions in the firm’s constitutional documents, including weighting of founder and next generation voter rights, profit sharing arrangements, anti-embarrassment clauses, annuity provisions, post termination restrictive covenants, admission of new partners, partner “lock-in” provisions, mandatory retirement age and change to firm name clauses (amongst others).

If England’s COVID roadmap progresses as planned, stringent COVID restrictions should be lifting or lifted during summer 2021. The office and future working arrangements are dominating discussions at all levels within professional services firms. This peer-to-peer discussion aims to provide an understanding of market practices and trends, addressing topics affecting your people, your business and your clients. In this discussion, you can hear Session Chair Corinne Staves, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP, Beth Hale, CM Murray LLP, Robert Millard, Cambridge Strategy Group, and guest speaker Oliver Richards, Orms, discuss the following: • What the ease of adaption to such significant working changes has proven about the resilience of the professions • How the past year of home working has already altered everyone’s horizons and how Firms will need to reflect this in their long-term strategy • What the key components of a successful workplace will be, allowing people to balance companionship and communication, without compromising privacy needs • The challenges of effectively supporting the new hybrid of office-based and remote working, including through investment in office technology and considered office reconfiguration • The legal and non-legal considerations of firms imposing changes on team members and the potential impact of same on firm culture • What firms need to consider in managing their partner body, including where tensions may emerge if there has been a disparity in contribution during COVID.

We are pleased to share with you the recording of this Professional Practices Alliance expert interactive panel discussion on what the medium-term holds for law firms emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can prepare for changes to the economy, office life, and the tax landscape. The panel addressed issues including: - The impact of the pandemic on law firms and how to emerge stronger on the other side. - How office workspaces can be adapted to meet the requirements of a workforce that wants greater flexibility. - The key points of the UK’s first 2021 Budget and the measures that will most affect law firms and their clients. - The employment law challenges that arise out of new ways of working. The panel: James Campbell - International Partner, Cushman & Wakefield (Guest Speaker) Andrew Hosking - Managing Director, Restructuring & Insolvency, Quantuma (Guest Speaker) Beth Hale - Partnership and Employment Law Partner, CM Murray LLP Alastair McQuater - Tax Partner, Buzzacott LLP Claire Watkins - Partner & Head of Professional Practices Group, Buzzacott LLP (Chair) For more information on the issues covered in this recording, please contact Partner Beth Hale, who specialises in employment and partnership law and advises businesses and individuals on equality and discrimination issues. The Professional Practices Alliance is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between leading UK independent legal, accounting and law firm management specialist advisers, CM Murray LLP, Buzzacott LLP, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP, Pep Up Consulting and Cambridge Strategy Group. Join the Conversation We are delighted to launch the Professional Practices Alliance LinkedIn group, a collaborative networking and information sharing space for professional services firms. Join our LinkedIn group here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13930936/ Follow us on Twitter: @PartnershipAlln

We are are pleased to share with you the recording of our recent Professional Practices Alliance expert panel discussion on 'Measuring and Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Professional Services Firms'. Over the last year, the issue of workplace inequalities and under-representation of minority groups has been reignited, or come to the fore, on the agenda of many businesses, including professional services firms. Such firms may now be looking afresh at how to drive and measure diversity and inclusion within their partnerships and wider staff constituency. In this panel discussion, you can hear Chair Sarah Chilton (CM Murray LLP, Partner), Emma Bartlett (CM Murray LLP, Partner), David Shufflebotham (Founder of PEP Up Consulting), Corinne Staves (Partner & Head of Professional Practices, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP) and excellent Guest Speakers, Mouhssin Ismail (Principal of Newham Collegiate Sixth Form) and Ray Berg (UK Managing Partner of Osborne Clarke LLP) explore some of the vital diversity and inclusion issues with which firms will need to engage, including: - The moral, economic and regulatory importance of partnerships driving and embedding a sustainable culture of diversity and inclusion. - The impact on business innovation and people strategy and how to get partnership ‘buy in’, wider engagement and accountability. - Broadening the firm’s approach to diversity to include social mobility, cultural diversity and neurodiversity and addressing the intersection with legally protected characteristics like age, gender and race. - Measuring diversity and inclusion through quantitative and qualitative data tools as “what gets valued, gets measured and what gets measured gets done”. - The critical need for firms to assess inclusion distinct from diversity and the approaches firms can take to tackling homogeneous replica cultures at all levels. As one speaker put it “you can get asked to the party but if no one asks you to dance, what’s the point of going to the party”, so it is necessary for firms to not only have diversity in the staff and partners, but to also cultivate supportive environments for them to flourish at all levels. - Key challenges to creating a more diverse and inclusive environment in professional practices. - Recruiting a diverse equity partnership and senior leadership, nurturing the pipeline and addressing the challenges of diversity attrition, including through collaboration with educational establishments, effective communication, role models and coaches, implementing proper systems and process and equipping staff with diversity and equality skills and training. - The benefits, limitations and practical tips for using equality legislation and constitutional partnership documents to address under-representation and inclusion in professional services partnerships. For more information on the issues covered in this recording, please contact Partners Sarah Chilton and Emma Bartlett, who specialise in employment and partnership law and advise businesses and individuals on equality and discrimination issues. The Professional Practices Alliance is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between leading UK independent legal, accounting and law firm management specialist advisers, CM Murray LLP, Buzzacott LLP, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP, Pep Up Consulting and Cambridge Strategy Group. Join the Conversation We are delighted to launch the Professional Practices Alliance LinkedIn group, a collaborative networking and information sharing space for professional services firms. Join our LinkedIn group here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13930936/ Follow us on Twitter: @PartnershipAlln

The endurance of the partnership model as the structure of choice for professional practices is frequently credited to the idea that partnerships engender and promote a collegiate and collaborative culture, with all partners acting as owners who are responsible for driving the success of the firm. On the flip side, partnerships are often criticised for being slow to implement change (changes forced by a global pandemic notwithstanding!) as significant decisions regarding a firm’s strategy, structure, partner remuneration model, governance and constitution frequently require the support of a critical mass of partners; not only to satisfy constitutional approval requirements, but also because unless there is broad partner support for any proposed changes, attempts to push through such decisions (even if it is ultimately unsuccessful) can cause partner disaffection and have a destabilising effect on the firm. As a result, ‘difficult’ (but often necessary) proposals are sometimes diluted or kicked down the road by management. In this discussion, our panel of partnership law and strategy /management experts, Robert Millard (Founder, Cambridge Strategy Group Limited), Zulon Begum (Partner, CM Murray LLP) and Session Chair, Sarah Chilton (Partner, CM Murray LLP), are joined by Peter Duff, the Chairman of Shoosmiths LLP, a firm that has recently implemented significant changes to its partnership and constitution. The panel share their commercial, legal and practical advice and experience on managing and implementing changes in strategy, remuneration and governance in professional practices, addressing issues such as: • What motivates change in professional services partnerships? Does there always need to be a “burning platform”? • What are the practical challenges of leading a firm through transformational change and how can these be navigated? • What are the common issues and gaps in constitutional documents that may require change? • How to secure and sustain partner buy-in and approval, and avoid unlawful discrimination. • How to manage dissenting partners.

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), concluded in late December 2020, addresses a range of topics of interest to professional practices, but a glaring omission is a framework for trade in services between the EU and the UK. This has significant strategic implications for professional practices that are based in the UK but service the needs of clients in the EU (and vice versa), or who have offices in both the UK and EU. While much remains to be agreed, over time frames that might extend to several years or more, there is a lot that such practices need to do now. In this discussion, you can hear Session Chair, Robert Millard, Cambridge Strategy Group, Zulon Begum, CM Murray LLP, and guest speakers Mickaël Laurans, The Law Society of England and Wales, Ceris Gardener, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP and Markus Hartung, Kanzlei Chevalier discuss the following: • What steps professional practices need to take in the short term in order to align with the new realities • What impact the TCA will have on market access compared with EU single market access • What the potential regulatory impacts may be in the absence of mutual recognition • What services UK LLPs may provide in EU countries • How firms should prepare for further changes as they unfold, including with respect to mobility and immigration issues • How firms can seek out and take advantage of the opportunities that may result from Brexit.

Following the Prime Minister’s recent comment that the government hopes to soon be able to run the Coronavirus vaccination programme 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, many employers will be considering the implications of the roll-out for their staff, their business and a potential return to the physical workplace. A novel question that many employers may be battling with is whether they can legally require their staff to get the Covid-19 vaccine (particularly if the vaccine becomes available to the private sector in the future). In this CM Murray podcast, Elizabeth McEneny, Sarah Chilton and Wonu Sanda discuss this and more, including: - the historical legal background to mandatory vaccinations in the UK; - the impact of the employer’s Health and Safety obligations on mandating a compulsory vaccination policy; - whether an employer can require vaccination as a reasonable instruction or introduce it as a contractual requirement; - the discrimination risks that an employer may need to consider; - the human rights and data protection considerations; and - the possibility of potential personal injury claims. If you would like any further information about the issues discussed in this podcast, please contact Elizabeth McEnemy, Sarah Chilton or Wonu Sanda.

CM Murray LLP, in association with Littleton Chambers and Fisher Phillips LLP, invite you to listen to an hour long podcast recording on “Atypical Worker Restraints and Beyond: Protecting Confidential Information and other Business Interests in Atypical Worker, Independent Contractor, Shareholder and Franchise Relationships.” In this podcast, which was recorded on 2 December 2020, David Reade QC (Littleton Chambers, London, UK), David Fisher (Partner, CM Murray LLP, London, UK), Mike Avila (Partner, Fisher Phillips LLP, Philadelphia & Washington D.C. Metro, USA) and guest speaker Myriane Le François (Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Montréal, Canada) discuss, from their differing experiences and perspectives: • Confidentiality and post-termination restrictions for partners, LLP members, contractors and agents • Restrictive covenants in share sale and business transfer agreements, including a discussion on restraint of trade • Choice of law issues • Enforcement in a foreign jurisdiction

We are pleased to share with you the recording of our recent Professional Practices Alliance (PPA) live panel discussion on “Life and Partnerships without The Billable Hour: Business Model Transformation Post-COVID-19". The increasing use of technology to deliver professional services in new and more efficient ways means the billable hour is under pressure. Our expert panel consider the potential impact on business models in the professional services sector if it became impossible or irrelevant to measure billable hours. In this discussion, you can hear Session Chair Zulon Begum (CM Murray LLP), Corinne Staves (Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP), David Shufflebotham (PEP Up Consulting), Robert Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group) and guest speaker Philip Goodstone (UK&I Head of Law at EY) discuss the following: - Why do business models in law firms and other professional services firms need to evolve?   - How has the increased use of technology in the professional services sector driven changes in business models?   - Would the way that performance and profitability is measured by firms need to change?   - How would a firm’s governance systems need to develop?   - Would a change in business model impact the metrics and process that a firm uses for assessing partner contribution and compensation?

We are pleased to share with you the recording of our recent Professional Practices Alliance (PPA) live panel discussion on “We Need to Talk About the Office". The Government’s announcement on 22 September that office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter has resulted in many professional services firms halting their plans to bring staff back to the office and instead gearing up for a further phase of remote working. In this discussion, you can hear Session Chair, Corinne Staves, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP and speakers Beth Hale, CM Murray LLP, Claire Watkins, Buzzacott LLP and Robert Millard, Cambridge Strategy Group discuss the following: • What positive lessons can firms learn from the previous experience of long-term remote working. How can we build on these? • What will firms do differently this time? • What is the long-term future of the office? Is it too early/uncertain to be making long-term decisions? • To what extent can evolved working practices be used as a positive opportunity to enhance culture and support strategic aims? For more information on the topics covered in this recording, please contact Partner Beth Hale (beth.hale@cm-murray.com), who specialises in partnership and employment law.

CM Murray LLP, in association with Littleton Chambers and Fisher Phillips LLP, invite you to listen to a 50 minute podcast recording on “The Impact of Global Disruption on Restrictive Covenants, and Protection of Confidential Information and other Business Interests around the World”. Sarah Chilton (Partner, CM Murray LLP, London UK), Beth Hale (Partner, CM Murray LLP, London, UK), Chris Stief (Regional Managing Partner in Philadelphia & Pittsburgh, Fisher Phillips LLP, USA), Gavin Mansfield QC (Littleton Chambers, London, UK) and Joydeep Hor (Founder & Managing Principal, People + Culture Strategies, Sydney, Australia) discuss, from an international perspective, how the current climate and global affairs impact restrictive covenants. In particular, the panel address: - What protection do employers have if your business has diminished or your focus has changed; - The impact of increased global (virtual) mobility on restrictive covenants; - The impact on remote working on policing, enforcing and drafting restrictions; - How the current pandemic and the use of technology may impact the evidence trail; - Issues with enforcement across borders including the potential impact of Brexit; and - How the changing workplace culture may impact employee behaviour and competition.

We are pleased to share with you the recording of our recent Professional Practices Alliance (PPA) live panel discussion on “Partner Contribution - The Ramifications of External Investment on Traditional Partner Reward Structures". The partnership model is proven to be effective in generating cash and reward for partners of professional practices but is the partnership model attractive for external investors and how will partner reward structures be impacted by external investment? In this session, our PPA experts and guest speaker discuss: • The benefits of the partnership model • How partnerships can facilitate fair reward structures • The different types of business models we see now • Identifying the right time to go down the external investment route • The pros and cons of employee ownership • Other forms of external ownership and how investors measure their rate of return John Aldred (Barclays) joins the PPA panel to provide the bank’s view when it comes to attracting finance from external investors. PPA Speakers: Matthew Katz, Buzzacott LLP - Partner and Head of Corporate Finance David Shufflebotham, PEP Up Consulting - Partner Remuneration specialist Robert Millard, Cambridge Strategy - Law Firm Management Consultant Zulon Begum, CM Murray LLP - Partnership Law & M&A specialist Guest Speaker: John Aldred, Barclays - Industry Director of Business and Professional Services Chair: Claire Watkins, Buzzacott LLP - Head of Professional Practices Group

In this discussion, you can hear Session Chair, Zulon Begum, CM Murray LLP, and speakers Claire Watkins, Buzzacott LLP, David Shufflebotham, PEPUp.consulting, Robert Millard, Cambridge Strategy Group, Sarah Chilton, CM Murray LLP and Corinne Staves, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP, discuss a range of metrics and strategic issues that professional services firms should carefully consider when evaluating partner reward. Our PPA experts discuss the following: 1. What areas are firms currently weak at measuring in respect of evaluating partner reward? 2. What areas should firms focus on measuring and how can they do that from a practical perspective? What types of data should firms be looking for in respect of various metrics? 3. How can firms ensure that metrics and data are aligned with their overall strategy, particularly given that many firms will need to reassess their business plan over the next few months/years, given the current climate? 4. What are the key issues associated with sole reliance upon financial metrics to measure partners’ performance? 5. How can firms ensure that metrics they apply reflect their diversity and inclusion focuses and values? Might some metrics be inherently discriminatory? 6. How should firms evaluate partners against metrics and what are the main strategic issues when undertaking such evaluations? What are the potential pitfalls? For more information on the topics covered in this recording, please contact Partners Zulon Begum or Sarah Chilton, both of whom specialise in Partnership law.

We are delighted to release the first podcast in our two-part series on Managing and Responding to Partner Exits. In this podcast, Wendy Chung and Wonu Sanda highlight the important steps that Firms need to take to manage the common issues that Firms face when proposing or dealing with a partner exit. All Firms will need to deal with partner exits at one stage or another, be it as a result of the current pandemic, uncovered partner misconduct, strategic mergers, a partner moving to the competition or a standard retirement. Knowing what steps to take (and not to take) to manage the inevitable is vital. In the first of this two-part podcast we address the key issues and risks encountered by Firms when seeking to exit Partners, including: 1. What events commonly lead to partner exits and what impact has the current economic situation had on Firms considering partner exits? 2. What range of options are available to a Firm seeking to exit a partner? What are the advantages and limitations of these options? 3. Do Firms need to follow a process to exit a partner? What are the stages typically involved? 4. What are the key legal, operational and practical issues that routinely need to be addressed to secure an orderly partner exit? 5. What potential claims risks need to be managed during a partner exit? Stay tuned for Part Two on Managing and Responding to Partner Exits. If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this podcast recording further, or for guidance relating to a current or proposed partner exit, please contact enior Associate Wendy Chung or Associate and Solicitor-Advocate Wonu Sanda.

We are delighted to bring you the recording of this expert discussion on Mergers in the Time of Coronavirus and Beyond. The Chair and the Managing Partner of the recently merged law firm Moore Barlow LLP joined our panel of legal and management experts to share their commercial, legal and practical advice for professional services firms seeking a merger, including: 1. Preparatory steps to ensure a successful merger 2. The importance of culture and focussing on the joint vision for the merged firm 3. How to secure partner buy-in and engage staff 4. Measures to deal with and protect firms against dissenting partners 5. Overcoming and avoiding potential deal breakers Chair: Zulon Begum (CM Murray LLP) Speakers: Sarah Chilton (CM Murray LLP), Robert Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group Limited), Helen Goatley and Edward Whittington (Moore Barlow LLP) and Pia Sanchez (CM Murray LLP)

We are delighted to bring you this recording of a discussion between members of our Employment Law team on Managing Employee Risks and Supporting Colleagues’ Families in the Age of Covid. Many businesses will be thinking about how they may best protect and support the diverse health and wellbeing needs of their staff, including BAME workers, during the coronavirus pandemic. This will inevitably necessitate a tailored consideration of the various legal risks, individual risk profiles of staff, and financial and practical constraints within each employer. Against this background, in this short podcast we address some of the pressing considerations with which employers should be engaging, including: 1. How should employers properly assess the risks posed by Covid to their workforces, taking into account the individual risk factors of each employee, including the heightened risk for black and ethnic minority workers? 2. What risks do employers face in respect of claims brought by employees who contract Covid? 3. What can employers offer bereaved families where employees have died after contracting Covid, financially and otherwise? Speakers: Sarah Chilton – Partner (Employment Law specialist) Wonu Sanda – Associate and Solicitor Advocate (Employment Law specialist) George Pizzey – Trainee Solicitor If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this podcast recording further, or for guidance on your specific rights, responsibilities and potential liabilities, please contact our Partner Sarah Chilton or our Associate Wonu Sanda, both of whom specialise in employment law issues for multi-national employers, senior executives, firms and partners.

In this podcast Merrill April (Partner, CM Murray LLP) and Louise O’Connor (Associate, CM Murray LLP) are joined by Matt Nixon (Partner, Stork & May) for a discussion of the key areas which need to be considered by senior executives when their company is proposing or implementing a restructure: • Potential positive as well as negative impacts of company restructures. Is there any difference in those impacts as a result of the restructure being driven by or taking place during a pandemic?   • What can senior management do to ensure that staff communications continue to be productive and as efficient as possible for the business and employees when traditional modes of communication are curtailed during lockdown?   • What preparatory steps can senior executives take when they suspect a restructure may be on the horizon?   • What should senior executives bear in mind with the approach of the end of the furlough period? What can they do to get things in order ahead of any possible announcement regarding a company restructure?

CM Murray LLP, in association with Littleton Chambers and Fisher Phillips LLP, invite you to listen to a 50-minute podcast recording on “Trade Secret Protection in the “New Normal”: Is your Information Secure from WFH and RTW Mishaps and Misappropriation?” In this podcast recording, Merrill April (Partner, CM Murray LLP, London, UK),  Chris Stief, (Regional Managing Partner in Philadelphia & Pittsburgh, Fisher Phillips LLP, USA), Mike Avila (Partner, Fisher Phillips LLP, Philadelphia & Washington D.C. Metro, USA) and Jonathan Cohen QC (Littleton Chambers, London, UK), discuss the key issues from both a US and UK perspective relating to the enforcement of restrictive covenants and how such covenants are impacted by global working from home and furlough. In particular, the panel address:   1. How the new global work from home reality is a complicating factor in trade secrets agreements; 2. Key practical steps and considerations for employers on how to manage and protect their confidential information and trade secrets; 3. Best practices to monitor trade secrets; 4. The impact of furlough in both the US and UK on the duration of the restrictive covenants; and 5. How to prosecute a misappropriation case in this new environment.

We are delighted to share with you this podcast of highlights from the session Global Mobility Issues for Senior Executives and their Families from the IFSEA 2020 Conference. In this short podcast, moderator Allen Powley (GlaxoSmithKline plc, UK) and panellists Sophie Barrett-Brown (Laura Devine Immigration, UK), Juliet Carp (Keystone Law, UK), Atul Gupta (Trilegal, India) and Chris Horton (Deloitte LLP, UK) discuss a range of issues relating to executive global mobility, including: 1. the challenges that cultural differences bring and the importance of cultural familiarity; 2. the important of having a centralised adviser who takes ownership for the senior executive of all the different strands of an assignment including tax and immigration; and 3. the many different parts to a successful assignment (including making sure the family is happy!) Become a member of the International Forum of Senior Executive Advisers (IFSEA) by visiting: www.cm-murray.com/ifsea.

In this Live Expert Discussion, a panel of market-leading partnership and employment lawyers, a law firm management consultant and a private equity recruitment specialist discuss everything you need to know about the legal and commercial risks, protections and strategies, and commercial realities of partner team moves in the Professional Services and Private Equity sectors. In the recording of this discussion, chaired by Sarah Chilton (CM Murray LLP), you can hear expert panellists Jonathan Cohen QC (Littleton Chambers), Rob Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group), David Fisher (CM Murray LLP), Gail McManus (PER Recruitment) and Wonu Sanda (CM Murray LLP) discuss the key legal issues and wider commercial realities of partner team moves, including: • The key express and implied obligations that normally apply to partners/LLP members and are likely to pose a significant issue when contemplating a team move, including duties of good faith and to give a true and fair account, and post-termination restrictions; • What are the risks of breaching any express or implied obligations in the context of a team move? What remedies would be available to the exiting firm, in the event of breach? Would the situation be exacerbated if partners attempt to bring associates or other junior employees along with them in a team move? • What are the commercial and practical realities of embarking on a team move? What are the types of steps that should be taken by partners and the firms they are looking to join, and at what stage, in order to minimise their legal and financial risks? What considerations should be taken into account when thinking about a potential settlement strategy? Should all parties obtain separate legal representation? • What steps can be taken by firms to protect themselves against team moves, or at least to mitigate against the risk? What are the types of provisions that can and should be inserted into membership/LLP agreements in order to minimise any potential damage suffered by firms in the event of a team move attempt? • Assuming the move is a success, how can acquiring firms successfully integrate the new team into their business? What level of collaboration is needed between the new team and the existing workforce for the team move to be truly effective? If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this recording further, or for guidance in relation to the legal obligations, risks, remedies and other practical issues associated with a potential or threatened team move, please contact Partners Sarah Chilton and David Fisher or Associate Wonu Sanda, all of whom specialise in partnership and employment law issues for firms, partners, multi-national employers and senior executives.

We are delighted to bring you this recording of an expert discussion on Measuring Partner Contribution between leading specialists in Partnership & Employment Law, Partnership Compensation, and Law Firm Management. Chaired by Corinne Staves (Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP), with panellists Claire Watkins (Buzzacott LLP), David Shufflebotham (PEP-Up Consulting), Robert Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group), Sarah Chilton (CM Murray LLP), and Zulon Begum (CM Murray LLP). The question of how professional services firms should measure partner contribution is a complex one, and is made no less complex by the unprecedented times in which we live. However, these times also present an opportunity for firms to rethink and refocus the way they measure partner contribution for the better in the future. The key themes you can hear addressed by the panel: 1. The importance of defining and effectively measuring partner contribution. 2. Dealing with the age-old problem of how best to measure cross-referrals within firms. 3. How firms can align partner contribution with the business’s strategy and success? 4. Being aware of common discrimination risks in the way firms typically measure partner contribution and effective steps to avoid those risks as far as possible. 5. Using professional services constitutional frameworks to embed KPIs and encourage the right contributions from partners. 6. Is it one size fits all when it comes to partner contribution or is the situation different for smaller firms? If so, how should they adapt? 7. In what ways might the COVID-19 crisis change how partner contribution is measured? If you would like to discuss any partner contribution or other partnership and employment law issues for firms or partners, please contact our Partnership Group Co-Heads Sarah Chilton and Zulon Begum, or any of the panellists.

On Tuesday, 23rd June, we marked World Whistleblowers Day, a day intended to raise global public awareness about the vital role of whistleblowers who speak out against wrongdoing. As a firm we regularly advise clients, particularly multinational employers, senior executives and professional services firms and their members, in relation to whistleblowing claims and over recent years, we successfully represented the Intervener, Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work), in leading whistleblowing cases in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. To discuss the current protections available to whistleblowers, we have recorded a podcast addressing this important topic. In this podcast, Merrill April (Partner, CM Murray LLP), Nick Hawkins (Senior Associate, CM Murray LLP), Louise O'Connor (Associate, CM Murray LLP) and Sophie Rothwell (Associate, CM Murray LLP) are joined by Charlotte Davies (Barrister, Littleton Chambers) to discuss key areas of whistleblowing, including the strategic and tactical issues which need to be considered when contemplating a whistleblowing claim: • Navigating the legal landscape of whistleblowing legislation - practical advice on identifying core elements of a whistleblowing claim including the standing of a worker to bring a claim, the necessary requirements of a reasonable belief and what constitutes a public interest.  • Potential redress and remedies - a consideration of recent decisions and the potential damages available to a successful claimant.  • Recent trends in whistleblowing - examining recent judgments and the cultural shift in attitudes towards whistleblowing.  • Public policy considerations in whistleblowing cases - the role of the Intervener, and key principles which have been determined. If you would like to discuss any of these issues further, or for guidance on your specific rights, responsibilities and potential liabilities, please contact Partner Merrill April, Senior Associate Nick Hawkins or Associates Louise O'Connor and Sophie Rothwell, all of whom specialise in employment and partnership law issues for multi-national employers, senior executives, firms and partners. Please visit: www.cm-murray.com/people

We are delighted to bring you this recording of an expert discussion between members of leading international employment law alliance Innangard, of which CM Murray is a founder member, exploring and offering insight in to key concerns for employers in managing the workplace re-entry of their employees in Ireland, Germany and Spain. The discussion is hosted by CM Murray Partner Beth Hale, with contributions from Regan O'Driscoll (Ireland), Dr. Ulf Goeke (Germany), and Juan José Hita Fernández and Laia Carra (Spain). The key questions addressed by the panel include: 1. What is the current position in Ireland, Germany and Spain in relation to lockdown? 2. What is the key current advice for employers in those countries in relation to re-entry to the workplace and how they manage that? 3. What health and safety obligations do employers have in relation to providing a safe place of work in Ireland, Germany and Spain? 4. What steps should those employers be taking to prepare for re-entry? 5. What rights do employees in Ireland, Germany and Spain have if they believe the workplace is not safe to return to? If you would like to discuss any concerns or questions arising from this podcast, for a review of your policies and procedures, or for specific legal advice on particular circumstances, please contact our partners Sarah Chilton or Beth Hale.

We are delighted to bring you this recording of an expert discussion between members of leading international employment law alliance Innangard, of which CM Murray is a founder member, exploring and offering insight in to key concerns for employers in managing the workplace re-entry of their employees in the UK, Italy, Switzerland and Argentina. The discussion is hosted by CM Murray Partner Beth Hale, with contributions from Anna Cozzi, Daverio & Florio (Italy), Michèle Stutz, MME Legal (Switzerland), Mercedes Balado Bevilacqua, MBB Abogados (guest speaker, Argentina) and CM Murray Partner Sarah Chilton. The key questions addressed by the panel include: 1. What is the current position in the UK, Italy, Switzerland and Argentina in relation to lockdown? 2. What is the key current advice for employers in those countries in relation to re-entry to the workplace and how they manage that? 3. What health and safety obligations do employers have in relation to providing a safe place of work in the UK, Italy, Switzerland and Argentina? 4. What steps should those employers be taking to prepare for re-entry? 5. What rights do employees in the UK, Italy, Switzerland and Argentina have if they believe the workplace is not safe to return to? If you would like to discuss any concerns or questions arising from this podcast, for a review of your policies and procedures, or for specific legal advice on particular circumstances, please contact our partners Sarah Chilton or Beth Hale.

This short (10-minute) podcast brings you highlights from a panel of leading international legal, regulatory and wealth management experts from Switzerland and the UK, who discuss Personal De-risking for Senior Executives and Founders from a Legal, Regulatory, Wealth Management and Reputational Perspective, including in relation to their directorship roles and risks; planning of their personal and business interests in the event of serious ill-health; personal tax and succession planning; and managing personal investments to avoid reputational harm. It was recorded in February 2020 at the International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives and Founders in London, organised by the International Forum of Senior Executive Advisers (IFSEA). In this podcast, panel moderator Corinne Staves (Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP, UK) and panellists Dr. Lucy Gordon (MME Legal, Switzerland), Laurence Winston (Crowell & Moring LLP, UK) and Nick Blogg (LGT Vestra LLP, UK) discuss the high-level issues faced by senior executives and founders in relation to planning, insurances, lasting powers of attorney, wills and managing risk associated with secondary roles, such as charity trusteeships, including: • The importance of analysing, understanding and planning for the personal risks faced by international senior executives and founders in their business lives. • What steps can international senior executives and founders take to avoid these risks, put controls in place or mitigate their impact, including D&O insurance, its coverage and limitations? • What questions are these individuals and their loved ones failing to ask themselves and their advisers to manage risks in their personal lives? • On a cheery final note: We’re all going to die. What should senior executives and founders be doing about it? To find out further information about the International Forum of Senior Executive Advisers, upcoming events and how to become a member, please visit: www.cm-murry.com/ifsea.

We are delighted to bring you this recording of an expert discussion between leading Law Firm  Partnership & Employment Law, Regulatory and HR Specialists on Managing Bullying and Harassment Issues in Law Firms: Dealing with the Past, Realigning for the Future. Chair: Clare Murray, Managing Partner, CM Murray Panellists: Rob Hind, HR Consultant and Chair of People in Law Sarah Chilton Partner, CM Murray LLP Beth Hale, Partner & GC, CM Murray LLP Iain Miller, Partner, Kingsley Napley LLP (Ethics, Investigations and Regulatory specialist) The key themes addressed by the expert panel on the legal and practical handling of investigations, the SRA regulatory implications and obligations, and the steps to realign Partner conduct to Law Firm expectations and standards, include: 1. The likely impact of lockdown and social distancing on bullying and harassment in Law Firms.  2. Is the quiet word appropriate in handling Partner conduct issues, and what role does mediation have to play in dealing with harassment and bullying complaints against Partners?  3. How can Law Firms empower HR teams to escalate and address Partner conduct issues?   4. What is the effect of overpromising confidentiality to complainants?  5. What are the key elements of a sexual harassment and bullying investigation, and how should they be conducted to protect and support complainants, witnesses, and Partners alike in those investigation processes?  6. What tools, systems and processes can Law Firms use to realign Partner behaviours for the future?  7. How can Law Firms open up really close-knit teams, including lateral hire teams, to ensure proper senior management oversight?

Often, emergency decisions need to be made in Professional Services firms to ensure the long-term survival of the business. This has become a daily reality for some firms during this global health and financial crisis, where decisions like pruning the partner ranks and reducing or deferring partner drawings, distributions and promotions or even corporate restructuring may need to be taken. But the aftermath of a quick decision without appreciating the potential legal risks could cost just as much money and time as the firm may have been hoping to save by making the decision in the first place. It is therefore even more important in a crisis to understand the potential pitfalls in decision-making in relation to Partnerships and LLPs and mitigate the risks as far as possible from the outset. In this Zoominar, chaired by Zulon Begum, you can hear the leading partnership and LLP silk John Machell QC and expert partnership and LLP adviser to Professional Services firms, Sarah Chilton discuss some of the issues that arise for firms decision-making in a COVID-19 world, including: 1. Whether a firm is subject to any fetters when exercising a contractual discretion to exit a partner on a no-fault basis. Getting this right is vital as failure to do so may make the firm management’s decision void, potentially resulting in the partner continuing to accrue profit share rights. What if there are no relevant powers provided for in the Partnership or LLP Agreement? And is it really necessary to document the reasons for every decision made at the height of a crisis and if so, how?  2. Which risks should a firm consider before taking a decision in response to COVID-19 which may affect some partners more disproportionately than others? And how might a firm insure themselves against sex, age, disability or other discrimination and whistleblowing claims from disgruntled partners affected by their decision-making?  3. What if your Partnership or LLP Agreement requires you to hold physical meetings to pass a resolution?  4. How can firms ensure that they implement a compliant partner appraisal and decision-making process in the middle of a lockdown that has disrupted the normal way many partners were required to work? What information should be obtained, shared and recorded and do firms have less onerous obligations if there is no express contractual process?  5. Which procedural and substantive rights should a firm implement when exiting a partner to insulate it against common challenges?  6. Which issues should firms in distress bear in mind when making material changes and key strategic decisions around mergers, appointing insolvency practitioners or agreeing pre-pack, and what might be the consequences of getting it wrong? If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this podcast further, or for guidance on your specific rights, responsibilities and potential liabilities, please contact Partners Zulon Begum and Sarah Chilton.

This short (20-minute) podcast brings you highlights of the panel of leading international business leadership, HR, recruitment and executive coaching experts from the worlds of Financial, Private Equity, Publishing and Satellite Communications, who discuss Identifying the Global Senior Executive of the Future. It was recorded in February 2020 at the IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives and Founders in London. In this fascinating podcast, Alison Young (Leaders in Change, UK) and panellists Gail McManus (PER Ltd, UK), Rick Vassell (Barclaycard, UK), Dara McCann (SES Satellites, The Netherlands) and Asha Haji (Founders Academy, UK) discuss the importance of identifying and developing certain key attributes in future global business leaders, including: • an "abundance” and growth mindset • adaptability • the ability (and permission) to embrace and learn from failure, and to “fail fast and move on”, and • resilience in our business leaders who may frequently set the highest standards for themselves and who take failure especially hard as a consequence How do we find, develop and support these attributes in our future business leaders: their skills, their knowledge and their emotional capacity not just to survive but to thrive in tomorrow’s world of work? All this and more in this superb podcast.

This podcast brings you highlights from the panel session Addressing and Eradicating Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Against Senior Executives – What Role can Executives Play to Drive Change? at the International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives and Founders on 4 February 2020. Leading experts, from the US, Ireland and UK, discuss the key legal and tactical issues for senior executives to consider when addressing workplace harassment and discrimination,  including the extent to which senior executives – particularly female executives – can or should use their seniority and status to create change for everyone in an organisation, by speaking up against unacceptable behaviours. Panel moderator Anna Birtwistle (Farrer & Co LLP, UK) and panellists Helen Calcraft (Lucky Generals, UK), Kelly M. Dermody (Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP, USA), Claire Dawson (CC Solicitors, Ireland), and Jennifer Millins (Mishcon de Reya LLP, UK) discuss the following: 1. Collective power in combating workplace harassment and discrimination- through industry groups, class action claims or social media groups; 2. Is a zero tolerance approach always necessary? Reflecting on when it may be appropriate to consider alternatives; 3. Different legal remedies in other jurisdictions: How class action claims in the USA have made redress accessible to large numbers of employees; and 4. Bridging the divide: The power of social media enabling employees to share information and challenge inequality. For further information on any of the issues discussed in this podcast, please contact us at: info@cm-murray.com.

In this podcast, our partners Merrill April, Sarah Chilton and Beth Hale (experts in employment and partnership disputes) are joined by Catherine Foster of Crown Office Chambers (a barrister specialising in various niche areas of personal injury and disease litigation) to discuss and answer questions on dealing with the issues in maintaining a safe working environment, including: 1. What can employers expect their employees to do when they return to work?   2. What are the key health and safety and whistleblowing issues.   3. What are employers’ duties in relation to health and safety arrangements and provision of equipment, including PPE?   4. What are the legal risks of exposing employees to dangerous environments and failing to take adequate safety precautions?   5. How should employers best encourage compliance with safety measures in the workplace?   6. What are the data privacy issues relating to health data of employees, including whether you can ask an employee to submit to a temperature check or a COVID-19 test?

Professional firms are not immune to the global impact of the Coronavirus crisis. Many firms have implemented robust business continuity and remote working arrangements, but the impact on their clients and the global economy will require firms to continue to adapt (or face the most serious implications). This Professional Practices Alliance podcast series will address the threats faced by professional firms and explore ways in which firms need to adapt not only to survive the crisis, but also to take steps now to thrive in the post-crisis environment. This podcast discusses the following key issues: i.  Legal and practical issues for professional services firms in managing workplace re-entry - can you force worried staff to come to work? What protections, policies and training should you be putting in place now?   ii. Your office space - what is the impact of successful, large-scale homeworking on professional services firms and their office space? iii.  Retaining, motivating and locking in key talent - making this your first priority before addressing the under-performers. iv.  Pruning the Partnership post-crisis - constitutional and discrimination issues to consider when managing Partner Exits. v.  Revisiting your firm's strategic Business Plan – are you tweaking it or ripping it up and starting again? And what scenario planning are firms doing to refocus their strategy? vi.  Learning the lessons from the Crisis – reconstruction, recovery and strategic change for firms. PPA Speakers:     Corinne Staves, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP - Partnership Law & SRA Regulation specialist Zulon Begum, CM Murray LLP - Partnership Law & M&A specialist Claire Watkins, Buzzacott LLP - Partnership Accountant and Adviser David Shufflebotham, PEPUp.consulting - Partner Remuneration specialist Robert Millard, Cambridge Strategy Group - Law Firm Management Consultant Sarah Chilton, CM Murray LLP - Partnership & Employment Law specialist   Session Chair:    Clare Murray, CM Murray LLP - Partnership & Employment Law specialist

Professional firms are not immune to the global impact of the Coronavirus crisis. Many firms have implemented robust business continuity and remote working arrangements, but the impact on their clients and the global economy will require firms to continue to adapt (or face the most serious implications). This Professional Practices Alliance podcast series will address the threats faced by professional firms and explore ways in which firms need to adapt not only to survive the crisis, but also to take steps now to thrive in the post-crisis environment. This podcast discusses the following key issues: i. How professional services firms are responding to the COVID-19 crisis, and the effect of prior experience of senior management (or lack of it) in responding to the GFC and Brexit on firms’ individual responses. ii. How values, ethics and brand reputation are shaping firms’ responses to the crisis; are firms adhering to their values in those responses, or losing sight of them in this crisis? iii. What is the range of financial steps that firms are taking to protect their firm, what are the current lending criteria for professional services firms needing finance, and how do firms best position themselves to apply for that funding? iv. What are the key risk management issues that firms are facing and what is the SRA’s current approach to firms struggling with these unprecedented challenges? v. What are the red flags which suggest that a firm may be heading towards a potential meltdown, and what steps can a firm take to get it back on track? vi. Can a merger be a positive strategic choice in this crisis and how can firms maximise the prospects of merger success? vii. How are firms changing partner drawings, distributions and profit share arrangements, and what key constitutional issues do they need to bear in mind when they implement those changes? viii. What other protections can firms implement to preserve the business – and is now a good time to change your LLP agreement to provide increased constitutional protections and powers to respond to the crisis rapidly? ix. How firms are handling staff issues, including employee physical and mental well-being. x. What should firms be doing now to help them prepare to exit the lockdown? PPA Speakers:     Corinne Staves, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP - Partnership Law & SRA Regulation specialist Zulon Begum, CM Murray LLP - Partnership Law & M&A specialist Claire Watkins, Buzzacott LLP - Partnership Accountant and Adviser David Shufflebotham, PEPUp.consulting - Partner Remuneration specialist Robert Millard, Cambridge Strategy Group - Law Firm Management Consultant Sarah Chilton, CM Murray LLP - Partnership & Employment Law specialist   Session Chair:    Clare Murray, CM Murray LLP - Partnership & Employment Law specialist

In this podcast we discuss the process an employer needs to undertake when seeking to change the terms and conditions of employees, including reducing hours or work and pay, and placing employees on furlough. We discuss collective consultation, when the obligations are triggered and the risks of a failure to comply, and a step by step individual consultation process. For more information on these issues, contact either of the podcast hosts, david.fisher@cm-murray.com or sarah.chilton@cm-murray.com, your usual CM Murray contact, or info@cm-murray.com.