This one day course uses the law firm as a business as the context for teaching commercial awareness. Such awareness is vital for the successful lawyer. The course startsoff by asking delegates to consider questions which are vital to the survival of law firms in today’s market, such as what a law firm and its solicitors actually do, and what challenges face the firms in today’s market. The course then explores principles of sound financial management, including the key factors affecting profitability, before moving on to consider the importance of strategy in the development of the business, what clients look for in theirsolicitors and the marketing of professional services. Finally, the significance of a firm’s culture and its approach to staff management are considered as these are core elements of good business practice.