"Legal Week - Cobbetts" - 5 new articles

Looking at the headlines this week, it's hard to tell that UK law firms have held up pretty well over what has been a grim economic climate since 2008. While numerous big names have disappeared from our high streets and banks have slashed tens of thousands of staff around the world, by and large the UK's leading law firms have stuck it out. But as Legal Week went to press on Wednesday, news broke that one major UK firm looks set to disappear once and for all, with northwest stalwart Cobbetts informing staff that it was preparing to call in administrators.

      

Cobbetts has launched its third redundancy consultation in the space of as many months, with the regional firm today confirming it is in discussions with a further 28 support staff. The latest review could see up to 20 secretaries lose their jobs following changes the firm's document production process earlier this year.A further eight posts in facilities, finance and IT could also be hit in a related measure following an earlier consultation with 40 members of staff launched in September this year.

      

Cobbetts has bagged the lead role for Qatar-based construction and property company Panceltica as it looks to list on London's Alternative Investment Market (AIM).Cobbetts corporate partner Patrick Mitchell is advising the company alongside associate Sue Johnston, with Panceltica expected to float on the market at the end of March with a market capitalisation of more than £236m.

      

The Law Society is launching a marketing campaign to boost awareness of the support services it provides to solicitors, with the society setting up stalls in the staff entrances and restaurants of 14 major UK firms. The body is targeting solicitors passing through Farringdon, Temple and Liverpool Street with adverts illustrating the services available. Slogans used on the adverts include 'Helping you meet the obligations on money laundering' and 'Equipping you to do the job'.

      

Lovells has advised the BBC on its move to a new broadcasting and production centre set to be built near Manchester. The City giant's projects and real estate practices joined up to advise the broadcaster on the controversial move, which will see around 1,500 London-based staff relocate to the new development in Salford Quays in 2011. Eight-hundred Manchester-based BBC staff will also relocate to the new property when it is completed.