The Year of Discontent – Unions

The past 12 months have been marked by a steep increase in industrial action impacting a number of major corporates. LB talks to the small group of firms manning the picket lines

It’s all a long way from beer and sandwiches at Number 10. Now, more than ever, large corporate employers are fighting threatened strike action launched by some of the country’s largest and most aggressive unions. However, instead of the threat of strikes being discussed behind closed doors in Downing Street, á la the 1970s, the drama is being played out in court.

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The Real Estate We’re In

It’s been a bleak few years for real estate departments but, after an active 2010 with some major headline deals, the London market is picking up as the regions remain in the doldrums. LB looks at a very different kind of property market

Got any advice for a budding young real estate lawyer? ‘Become an accountant,’ laughs veteran Herbert Smith real estate partner James Barnes, as he surveys the moribund UK property market.

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Cyprus – Notes From A Small Island

small islets

Improved relations with Russia and accession to the European Union are helping to transform Cyprus as a financial hub. LB looks at the impact on the local legal community.

Cyprus is fast approaching a tipping point in its international development. It may be an island of less than one million people, with a total of 2,000 lawyers, but its strengthening trade ties with Russia and the emerging markets, not to mention its accession to the European Union and some shrewd domestic legislative developments, have helped the country grow its profile in the international financial arena.

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