The philosophy behind By Lawyers legal guides is simple – to help law firms to complete matters for their clients in the most efficient and precise way possible, making practice a little easier and more enjoyable.

Identifying that the success of law firms hinges on building organisational systems that allow for maximum productivity, Guy Dawson, a solicitor of 50+ years specialising in general practice and his partner, Danni Larney, developed By Lawyers publications through trial and error in their law firms. Years were dedicated to finding the best process to deliver information and guidance in a way that empowers legal practitioners to conduct matters with maximum productivity and minimum risk.

What they came up with was revolutionary – guides incorporating precedents and commentaries that lead practitioners through matters from start to finish, practically and coherently.

Guides are organised into specific areas of law such as wills, estates, conveyancing, and family law. Each area of law is then broken down into a series of detailed matter plans. For example, for family law, there are six matter plans:

1. Divorce – Applications made before 6 April 2022
2. Divorce – Applications made after 6 April 2022; 
3. Financial settlement;
4. Private child arrangements; 
5. Domestic agreements; and
6. Domestic violence.

The By Lawyers matter plans are a valuable risk management tool. They not only allow practitioners to confidently work on matters in areas with which they are less familiar but also allow for precise answers to be found quickly. Users have the freedom to access as much or as little guidance as is needed, and easily navigate to the commentary and precedents required.

With By Lawyers legal guides, firms can confidently take on new work, relying on comprehensive and up-to-date commentaries and precedents to guide them through the matter. The need to refer work away and even the extent to which counsel needs to be briefed can be minimised.

This clear structure, combined with plain language, provides the user with practical content which is always kept current with any legislative changes and the evolution of the common law. By Lawyers offers a one-stop resource, making the practice of law a little easier for our subscribers.