The legal sector presents a range of unique HR challenges
PeoplePointHR offers expert HR support for businesses in the legal sector.
The legal sector was valued at £26bn in 2016 by the Law Society and the industry had documented growth of 8% on the previous year.
£17bn of this total value was attributed to commercial cases.
Clearly a high value and growing industry, the legal sector presents a range of unique HR challenges that are not encountered in other business.
Solicitors firms, barrister’s chambers, costs draftsmen and even the judiciary will experience a need for HR services.
Training & development in the legal industry
With such a focus on academic achievement and qualifications within the industry, it is little surprise that many law firms take a serious approach to their in-house training and development.
This is especially true of firms that offer training contracts, giving paralegals the opportunity to become trainee solicitors and qualify whilst working within the firm.
The balance between study and work
Naturally, offering training requires additional study and presents a new HR challenge and the balance between study and working time must be addressed.
Furthermore, staff may opt to achieve their qualifications through CILEx (The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) or may be required to attend university or college to achieve the necessary training to progress within their roles.
Specialist training in Anti-Money Laundering(AML)
Along with those in other regulated industries, people working in the legal sector, whether they’re a barrister or receptionist, will be required to undergo Anti-Money Laundering training.
Naturally, with many businesses in the legal industry holding a large amount of client money, money laundering is a serious concern.
Money Laundering Officer
All staff members are required to undergo anti-money laundering training, and a Money Laundering Officer must be appointed.
Typically the administration of this training falls on the shoulders of those who handle HR matters, and in large firms, this can be a difficult project to manage.
Employee vetting in the legal industry
Due to the sensitive and highly regulated nature of the legal industry, careful vetting is an important part of the recruitment process for law firms; particularly when it comes to the appointment of staff that will hold positions involving sums of money or sensitive information.
This additional challenge to the recruitment phase may involve additional procedures such as credit checks for those who would be handling client money, for example.
How can PeoplePointHR help your legal firm?
PeoplePointHR is ideally positioned to assist any business operating in the legal sector with their HR needs.
The two founding members of our team have worked in the legal industry for many years, Wendy in the capacity as an HR director.
Experts in the legal industry
We know this industry well, and have a great deal of experience in areas of compliance, including Lexcel, SRA Regulations, and AML training.
Whether your firm requires assistance with day to day HR tasks, or with projects more specific to the legal industry, we are here to help.
Please contact PeoplePointHR directly.
