Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Raising definition

What does Raising mean? Raising means commencing court proceedings by lodging the originating document with the court and taking the formal step that starts the case. In Scotland, lawyers “raise” an action: in the Sheriff Court by lodging an initial writ (ordinary cause) or a simple procedure claim; in the Court of Session by presenting a summons (for signetting) or a petition. The term is the standard Scots law expression used in rules of court and statute. In England and Wales, the equivalent is “issuing” or “starting proceedings” under the Civil Procedure Rules, typically by issuing a claim form. In Northern Ireland, proceedings are “issued/commenced”...

Building fee earners’ financial and commercial awareness to drive pricing, profitability, cash flow and lock‑up: training, coaching, projects, management information and incentives (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Practice Management expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note is aimed at law firms. It looks at how you can raise your people’s financial awareness so they are both more willing and better able to help you meet your financial targets.

Financial awareness—why it should matter to fee earners?

It is unsustainable to have capable fee earners who deliver excellent client service yet generate no profit from their work. To produce healthy margins, your fee earners must know the law and be attentive to every client’s needs, but these abilities on their own do not secure profit. Lawyers who grasp how a firm’s finances operate can satisfy clients’ expectations while simultaneously producing strong profits for the practice. In turn, the firm can reinvest in its people and its clients, fuelling even greater profitability. Fee earners with a commercial mindset are also more likely to give clients sound commercial guidance, not just advice that is merely technically correct.

What do fee earners need to understand?

Some people seek to portray legal businesses as more complex than they really are...

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Jon Whittle

Jon Whittle Consulting Ltd

Jon is a specialist in developing legal businesses using market intelligence and customer insight to implement successful programmes for change. He works with law firms to create sustainable growth alongside successful project management, implementing new technologies and evolving business operations. Jon has been working on the future of law firms for more than fifteen years, focusing on the strategies and tactics that help firms build real and defendable competitive advantage. Whilst working in a senior leadership role at LexisNexis he was also the architect and author of the widely read LexisNexis Bellwether Reports and is a recognised authority on how law firms can build and grow. Previously, Jon worked, for two decades, at board level, in some of the UK’s largest media companies, transforming traditional businesses into growth in the digital age. He now applies the fruits of this experience,...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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