The volumes of both mainstream and social media content decreased in April. Mainstream media articles fell by 30% to 2,349, while social media mentions declined 16% to c.6,190. This result represents the lowest monthly volumes for legal firms in 2012.

Linklaters agreeing an alliance with the Australian firm Allens Arthur Robinson generated the largest spike in social media mentions for a single firm, with 90% of posts relating to this story being made on Twitter. The various partner defections from America firm Dewey & LeBoeuf drove mentions throughout the month as firms recruited new partners from the stricken firm.

Social media mentions of the top accountancy firms were dominated by the Big Four. The high street retailer Game UK, which is currently under administration, remained a prominent topic for PwC and generated hundreds of social media posts.

A comment from the Ernst & Young Item Club caused a surge in mainstream media articles this month. Peter Spencer’s remark, that “the UK has been pulled back from the brink of recession”, was reported in several national publications. Over 150 social media users helped to disseminate the online reports.

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