Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Manager definition

What does Manager mean? In legal practice, a manager is an individual who sits on the governing body of a law firm or other authorised legal services business and shares ultimate responsibility for its management, strategy and regulatory compliance. In practical terms, this usually means a partner in a partnership, a member of an LLP, or a director of an incorporated practice. In England and Wales, manager is a defined term in the SRA Standards and Regulations (SRA Glossary 2019), aligned with the Legal Services Act 2007. Managers of authorised bodies (including ABSs) generally require SRA approval and carry personal regulatory duties, such as ensuring...

Effective Management Information for Law Firms: From Time Recording to Profitability, Budgetary Control and Action

Published by a LexisNexis Practice Management expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note is aimed at law firms. It explains why management information (MI) is necessary and how it ought to be presented and circulated to secure:

a shift in managers’ behaviour
better financial outcomes

Why do you need management information?

Every business needs MI to:

monitor performance against budget
spot variances from budget as early as possible

By its nature, MI concerns matters the recipient can influence. Do not circulate data merely because it is interesting; share it because it can drive improved performance.

Many law firms have issued MI for years, yet there is often little proof that this has lifted efficiency or results. It may therefore be prudent to reassess what is being shared and pinpoint enhancements.

Before computers, most practices produced minimal MI and partners were simply expected to maximise their billings each year. As most costs were fixed, a partner could readily judge the fee income needed to achieve a reasonable profit. With developments...

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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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