When the 2024 BARBRI Barometer was published, the three biggest talent challenges facing SME law firms were attracting and recruiting talent (81%), retaining people (48%) and managing the expectations of Gen Z (48%). Two years on, in conversations with firms across the UK, those challenges are still front of mind — but they are no […]
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Closing the day-one gap: building work-ready juniors in SME law firms
Across the SME law firms we speak with at BARBRI, the same conversation has been emerging in 2026: juniors are arriving qualified but not ready. They have passed SQE1 and SQE2 and have the legal knowledge — but there is a gap between knowing the law and being effective in practice and in smaller firms, […]
From zero to 100 in AI adoption: where SME law firms should start
Across the SME legal sector, attitudes to AI vary widely. Some law firms have moved quickly — in some cases too quickly — while others remain curious and cautious. Most sit somewhere in between, recognising the potential but unsure where to begin. There is a clear split across the sector with some firms holding back entirely, while others are firmly pro-AI. An increasing number of firms are […]
Inclusive early careers: why neurodiversity is about environment, not ability
As law firms think more seriously about neurodiversity in the workplace, attention is increasingly turning to where support has the greatest long-term impact. BARBRI sat down with Rachel Boyle, talent development manager at BCLP, to discuss why early careers are such a critical point for neurodivergent lawyers — and how firms of any size can […]
Competing for talent with BigLaw: five strategies for success
BigLaw firms often dominate the talent conversation. They offer headline salaries, global brands and perceived prestige. Yet many small and medium-sized (SMEs) law firms are successfully attracting and retaining exceptional lawyers by playing to different strengths. As candidates become more selective, competing with BigLaw is less about matching salaries and more about standing out. It […]
Unlocking gen AI’s potential: why your firm needs targeted training
AI is a present-day reality in the legal profession. Your solicitors, your wider team and your competitors are already using these powerful tools — even if you are not aware of it. This presents both a tremendous opportunity and a significant risk. The key to harnessing genAI for efficiency and future-proofing your practice lies in […]
Busting common myths about implementing the SQE
The introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has prompted significant change in how firms recruit, train and qualify future solicitors. But as with any major shift, several myths and misconceptions have emerged, often making implementation seem more complex or risky than it really is. At BARBRI, we work closely with over 250 law firms […]
Building a stronger workforce in a holistic way
1.) In your opinion, where do you think the biggest skills gaps are in the new cohort of lawyers joining the profession and what are the main reasons for them? According to BARBRI’s recent research four areas were really prominent. 75% of firms cited both business acumen and business development as primary skills gaps , […]
Four talent priorities law firms cannot ignore this year
Navigating litigation compliance post-Mazur v CRS LLP
A recent High Court ruling has sent ripples through the legal community, fundamentally questioning the long-standing practice of how law firms manage and staff litigation caseloads. It has always been clear that litigation is a reserved legal activity for which you need authorisation to conduct it. The grey area was whether supervision of unauthorised legal […]