Johnston Clark, Managing Partner of Blackadders
Progress in modernising the Scottish courts system must not be lost once the pandemic passes, according to the leader of a Dundee solicitors.
Blackadders managing partner Johnston Clark highlighted the dramatic systemic changes caused by Covid-19.
He said 10 years of progress had been made in the last 10 months.
Potential of smaller law bills
Virtual hearings and submissions made in writing instead of in person have created “efficiencies”.
Solicitors not spending as much time travelling to courts could also mean smaller bills for customers, he claimed.
Blackadders managing partner Johnston Clark
Mr Clark said: “Systems and courts have come forward 10 years in 10 months with the use of technology and ‘default to digital’.
LAW firm Blackadders, which has expanded through acquisitions, has said it hopes to maintain profits in spite of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 coronavirus crisis after growing earnings by around 40 per cent in the latest financial year. Accounts for Blackadders limited liability partnership newly filed at Companies House show the Dundee-based firm grew profits before members remuneration to £3.9 million in the year to March 31, from £2.7m in the preceding year. Average profits per partner increased by 20%, to £133,508, from £110,243. Turnover increased by 20% annually, to £13.9m. Asked whether the firm is on course to grow turnover and profits in the current year, managing partner Johnston Clark said it was too early to say as the country enters a fresh lockdown.