LCN Blogs - LawCareers.Net

How flexible working changes will impact a five day office week

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Boots is a name in a sea of other employers who are mandating a full-time return to the office, including several law firms all over the country.

How to stay disciplined in law school

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

With the end of the academic year approaching, a lot of students may struggle with maintaining motivation and studying for exams. Towards the end of the year, students are more likely to procrastinate, feel a lack of energy or face burnout. So, what’s the solution? Read on for some tips to help you ensure you keep on your best form all the way to the finish line.

Five film/TV show recommendations for law students (part one)

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

It’s no secret that the portrayal of the legal world on TV is often dramatised and wildly inaccurate. Nevertheless, the shows and films I’ve put together can actually be helpful for law students, whether it’s for education or mere entertainment purposes. If watching legal dramas provides motivation for your studies or helps you retain just a few nuggets of useful information, they still have value. In fact, a Suits episode once helped me ask a question about the stock market in an interview! Below are my top 10 films/shows and takeaways.

The aspiring solicitor's question bank

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Part of applying to law firms involves talking to qualified solicitors and trainees - either at open days and events, or by reaching out to them on LinkedIn. As many of my teachers and mentors have advised me, contacting individuals at a firm you want to apply to is a great way to not only get an insight into the firm and their culture, but also gain a better understanding of how to tailor your application.

Let's talk about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

I hope that by writing about this – something not uncommon with neurodivergent people – then our peers, colleagues and employers can be more accepting of our experiences.

Raw sewage in our rivers: the legal and environmental impact

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

You may have been reading headlines like “sewage dumping leaves fish full of cocaine”, which sounds more akin to an Alan Partridge radio headline than serious news. However, this is in fact from an official marine expert, following the recent sewage dumping over the last few weeks.

An aspiring solicitor's guide to property law

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

To the surprise of myself and everyone around me (including my professor!), I've really enjoyed my land law module so far this term. The structure and organisation of the module itself, coupled with the range of clients we get to work with in our problem questions – from residents with personal or familial issues, to businesses selling commercial properties – showcased just how varied this area of law can be.

Entering into your first legal role? Here's what to expect

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Starting your first legal role can be quite daunting. Well, don’t fear! I’m here to ease those thoughts and to help you understand the role of a legal assistant or paralegal.

How to make the most out of your Easter holiday revision

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Well done to everyone for getting through the second semester. Easter holidays are a time for rest, rejuvenation and spending time with family and friends. However, many students have exams after the holidays and need to also find the time for revision. This blog post aims to give you some tips on how to balance all of this and get the most out of the holidays.

Five tips to help you secure a training contract

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

We’ve reached the time of year again when many law students are in the midst of training contract applications. As daunting as this process may be, here are a few tricks that may help you stand out from the crowd.

AI generated images - a silent crisis

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

While I've already discussed how AI is being used by legal professionals and how it may be used in the future, there’s also a rise of individuals using AI imagery to create anything they can conjure. This creates a real legal grey area when it comes to potential ‘evidence’ of a crime, or the creation of nonconsensual indecent images.

What’s international human rights law

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

International human rights law is founded on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which represents the universal protection of inalienable, inherent and fundamental rights and freedoms of everyone.

My experience of Amicus’s Spring training weekend: Part 1

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Amicus is a legal non-profit organisation based in London, which helps secure equal access to justice for those facing the death penalty in the United States. Every year, the organisation provides autumn and spring training for those interested in volunteering.

AI in our legal system - should we be concerned or interested?

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

AI in law is a curious concept. Take a sector that’s, rightly or wrongly, greatly impacted by human perception and feelings, strip it of everything that’s subjective and you have the legal system under AI in the perhaps not-so-distant future.

A law student’s guide to legal research

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you’re embarking on a career in law or just starting a law degree, a solid foundational understanding of legal research is vital. For law students and aspiring lawyers, understanding how to navigate complex legal documents such as case law, statutes and scholarly works is paramount.

A survival guide for Muslim law students during Ramadan

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The holy month of Ramadan is a few weeks away, a time when Muslims don’t eat or drink while the sun is up to practise gratitude, discipline and worship. It can be difficult for students to balance this alongside their studies, but it’s manageable with the right preparation and mindset. Below is my advice on how to succeed academically during Ramadan.

How to talk about sports in legal job applications

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you’ve played at a competitive level or just for fun, getting involved in sports can be used to demonstrate several skills and mindsets that law firm recruiters want to see in interviews or applications.

Economics: an (absolute) beginner's guide

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

I've been looking into some key economic concepts to provide myself with a springboard, off which I can then launch greater legal understanding. So, if, like me, you're an aspiring solicitor with little to no understanding of economics, I present to you: economics: an (absolute) beginner's guide.

A guide to corporate negotiation

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

At an open day I attended last year, I partook in my first corporate negotiation workshop. Having only just begun my law conversion course at the time, the encounter was entirely unfamiliar to me. I was surprised at how quickly my peers seemed to be taking to the task − and a bit embarrassed at how little I knew by comparison!

Comparing corporate and commercial law

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In this article, I'll be examining the business within law firms. More specifically, two practice areas whose names are commonly interchanged with business: the areas of corporate and commercial law.

Why you should consider a career in lecturing

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In this blog post, I’m going to discuss my reasons for considering a career in lecturing and share some of my thinking with people who may also be contemplating this career.

Putting the 'firm' in law firm: the business behind law firms

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

For those of us who want to work in a law firm, understanding the law is only half the battle. To truly excel at what you do, you need to understand the commercial world and business side of law firms.

Reflecting on my expectations of third year

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In September, I wrote a blog detailing my expectations for the third year of my undergraduate law degree. As I’m returning to university tomorrow, I thought it’d be beneficial to see how my expectations lived up to reality and outline my updated expectations for the second half of the year.

When a poor employment practice turns into a PR nightmare

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The US-based IT firm Cloudflare is facing criticism for how senior staff handled the dismissal of an employee.

How to prepare for the second semester of law school

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

With the second semester approaching, it's the time to reflect. I’ve been thinking about my current position and how I can learn from my mistakes in order to excel in the second half of the academic year.

Anglo-Saxon law: how has it shaped common law?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

By the end of the 12th Century, a framework for dispute resolution had arisen which involved principle, equity and a quasi-adversarial system. This blog will examine how much Anglo-Saxon law has contributed towards it. Anglo-Saxon law will be confined to Aethelbert’s code of the early seventh century, distinct from other early Germanic statements.

How to tackle January blues

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

I've pulled together three top tips to help you tackle those January blues and stay upbeat in the coming months… after all, its nearly summer.

How to prepare for the SQE at university

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

While previous options such as the LPC were built into university education through master's and postgraduate degrees, the SQE offers a different approach, being separate from university education. In this post I'll discuss ways that you can best prepare for the SQE exams while in university.

Habits to leave in the past for 2024

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

It’s 2024! Cue the ‘new year, new me’ vows, right? But maybe this is the year for ‘new year, less garbage from the last year’. Maybe 2023 was a rough year for you, or maybe it went great. Either way, there’s no doubt there are some habits we should leave in 2023.

A former literature student's guide to legal analysis

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Coming from an English Literature background, I thought writing analytical essays would come easily and naturally to me – after all, it's what I spent the last three years of my life doing. But, as my mock exams have showcased, the distinction between legal analysis and literary analysis is far more stark than I originally assumed. To remedy this, I've decided to go back to the basics – and, in this article, I'll be bringing you with me.

Should we scrap Sunday trading laws?

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Sunday trading laws in the UK currently state that large shops may only be open for six consecutive hours between 10:00am and 6:00pm, but is this law outdated?

Post-Gillick: do courts respect the rights of children in medical decision making?

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

This blog centres around ‘Gillick competency’ – the standard that children must meet in order to be able to make decisions about their health and medical treatment.

Top tips for employees at Christmas parties

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

There are plenty of resources about what employers should do to avoid any pitfalls with Christmas parties, but employees also play a big part in making sure that Christmas parties go well and are memorable for the right reasons. We all play a part in ensuring that we have an enjoyable Christmas party and can go to work with our collective consciences clear!

Tips for January law exams

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Many law students have the unfortunate fate of exams after the holidays. It’s important to take a break, but it can be difficult to juggle relaxation with revision. Below are a few tips that work for me in terms of motivation and practical advice.

Law conferences, fairs and open days – a rookie's guide

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

From law firm open days to the LawCareersNetLIVE conference, this term was my first time attending events where I had the chance to meet law firm representatives. In this post I'll be discussing my experiences and top tips: from preparation and research to the follow-up period.

The benefit of mooting

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

To gap year or not to gap year, that is the question

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The three modules that have taught me the most about the law

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Law itself is a broad and extensive subject, which it can be hard to fit even into a three-year degree at university. However, coming towards the end of my first term of third year, I’ve set out the three modules I’ve completed that have personally taught me the most about law.

My vacation scheme experience

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

This article is the culmination of three previous blogs on applying for vacation schemes, acing psychometric tests and performing well in interviews.

What can we do to combat workplace bullying?

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

13-17 November was National Anti-Bullying Week 2023. It’s an annual event coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance charity, which aims to raise awareness of bullying among young people. The week emphasises prevention and effective responses to bullying.

The three submissions in a moot

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Having partaken in numerous moots and received feedback from practising barristers and judges, here's a summary of the components in a moot.

A historical look at the barrister/solicitor division

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

This blog will give a brief historical overview of the barrister/solicitor distinction in the UK, analysing their characteristics and identifying whether there’s a merger between the two branches of the legal profession today.

How can you support your ADHD colleagues during the national medication shortage?

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

People may choose to use medication to manage ADHD presentations. While the UK is in the middle of a national ADHD medication shortage, which is likely to continue until at least December 2023, people are having real difficulty accessing their prescribed medication to help them manage their presentations.

A leap of faith – from second to third year

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

I’ve discussed my experience with the change from first year to second year on LawCareers.Net previously. However, now that I've reached the midway point in my first semester in third year, I’m back to discuss the jump from second to third year.

The art of asking good questions

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The art of asking good questions is an essential part of any law student's skill set. As a student, you want to make sure you ask insightful questions in class, to delve deeper into the material and make sure you understand its every nook and cranny. As a prospective solicitor or trainee, you want to ask standout questions during a job interview or firm open day to showcase your interest in the firm. And, as a qualified solicitor, you want to know the right questions to ask your client to elicit the relevant responses from them in relation to a particular case.

Key questions to ask at law mixer events

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

It's important to make the most out of these events – here are some key questions and topics of discussion that’ll help you do just that.

A (total) beginner's guide to legal note-taking and note-making

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

I'm no expert on taking notes for law classes by any means, but my mock exams for my law conversion course (yes, you heard me right!) are right around the corner. So here are some of the things I'll be doing to refine my law notes moving forward – and how you can too.

A comprehensive(ish) guide to researching firms

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Here's a thorough guide on how to research firms, what to look for and how to get what you're looking for out of your research. Feel free to copy it down, take it apart and add to it as you see fit!

How to choose your specialist legal area

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

No matter what stage of your undergraduate you’re at, you likely don’t yet know what your specialist area of law is going to be. With such a huge range of areas within law, it can sometimes be overwhelming to decide which one’s for you. This is a discussion to try and point you in the right direction.

How to organise your time at university

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

After a long summer holiday, it can be hard to keep up with fast-paced and intense university life. As a law student, you may be struggling with doing all your reading, seminar preparation and career planning on the side. It’s important to remember that this is normal, that your peers are in the same situation and you'll adjust to your new setting over time. Here are a few tips that aim to help you ease back into university and help with organisation.