The answer is yes but a better questions is; would law firms make a good investment?
Law firms are typically stable and profitable businesses. However, the legal industry is highly competitive and many law firms are struggling to keep up with the changing landscape of the profession. Talent acquisition, client retention, and other operational costs can put a strain on law firm finances.
That said, there are still plenty of opportunities for investors in the legal industry.
Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about investing in a law firm:
1. The size of the firm: Smaller firms may be more nimble and adaptable to change, but they may also be more vulnerable to financial shocks. Larger firms tend to be more stable, but they may also be less able to innovate.
2. The location of the firm: Firms in large cities will have access to a greater pool of potential clients, but they may also face stiffer competition and higher overheads. Firms in smaller towns or rural areas may have less competition, but they may also have fewer potential clients.
3. The practice area of the firm: Some practice areas, such as personal injury or family law, are more likely to experience fluctuations in demand. Other practice areas, such as corporate law or tax law, tend to be more stable.
4. The financial health of the firm: It’s important to review a law firm’s financial statements to get an idea of its overall financial health. Look for red flags such as declining revenue, increasing expenses, or high levels of debt. In particular, high levels of debt and if net debt is more than three times net profit, walk away.
5. The management of the firm: The quality of a law firm’s management team can have a big impact on its success. Look for experienced leaders who are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the firm. You don’t want an idle management team living off past successes. You’re looking for a proactive team with a high win rate.
I think it’s worth looking at some law firms listed on the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250. Firms such as DWF Group PLC, Knights Group Holdings, Keystone Law Group and Gately Holdings PLC have largely demonstrated gains over the last 12 months. Rosenblatt Group Holdings in particular is up 60%.
It is worth noting that the legal industry is going through a period of change and disruption. Technology is changing the way that law firms operate and clients are becoming more price-sensitive. So, it’s important to do your homework before investing in any law firm. Perhaps the companies best responding to this change are ones to keep an eye on.
They are also highly dependant on client wins so look out for announcements of new clients, particularly big ones.
I won’t be adding any law firms to my portfolio this year or likely next because I don’t feel there is enough room for growth over a 3-6 month period.
