<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>VerdictStudio — The journal</title><description>The content, SEO and demand agency for law firms.</description><link>https://verdict-studio.com/</link><language>en-GB</language><copyright>© MMXXVI VerdictStudio · Media + Labs</copyright><item><title>When the scheme stalls, private work arrives by search</title><link>https://verdict-studio.com/journal/legal-aid-row-and-privately-funded-work/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://verdict-studio.com/journal/legal-aid-row-and-privately-funded-work/</guid><description>A legal aid fees dispute dominated this week&apos;s criminal defence headlines, with certificates reported down 93%. For a defence practice that is a mix change.</description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>criminal defence</category><category>business development</category><category>search</category></item><item><title>Expertise became the brand. Boutique firms now have to show it</title><link>https://verdict-studio.com/journal/expertise-became-the-brand/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://verdict-studio.com/journal/expertise-became-the-brand/</guid><description>Trade press says the gap between large and small firms is narrowing and expertise is now the brand. For a boutique partner that is a positioning decision.</description><pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>boutique firms</category><category>positioning</category><category>business development</category></item><item><title>Prepare, not panic: the employment retainer window is open</title><link>https://verdict-studio.com/journal/employment-rights-act-the-prepare-not-panic-window/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://verdict-studio.com/journal/employment-rights-act-the-prepare-not-panic-window/</guid><description>Businesses are being urged to prepare for the Employment Rights Act. For an employment practice that advice is a demand signal, and it has a short shelf life.</description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category>employment law</category><category>business development</category><category>content</category></item></channel></rss>