LCN Blogs - LawCareers.Net

AI and the modern law student

Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Let’s face it – law school is changing. Sure, the textbooks are still heavy and the case briefs still keep students up at night. But now, there’s a new tool in the mix that’s changing how students study, write and even think about the law – generative AI.

Into the world of white-collar crime law

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The term 'white-collar crime' was coined less than a century ago to describe a wide variety of non-violent crimes, such as fraud, bribery, corruption and embezzlement. This article will explore this lesser-known arena of criminal law, addressing what white-collar crime lawyers do, who their clients might be and providing an overview of their general day-to-day tasks.

Trump‘s executive orders target US law firms

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

But as an aspiring solicitor, what's caught my eye the most have been the president's recent executive orders against major US law firms – and the way some of them are fighting back. In this article, I'll provide an overview of the situation at hand, alongside an insight into its potential implications both locally and internationally.

Junior lawyers under stress

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Stress and long hours have long been considered part and parcel of a legal career. Junior lawyers in particular find themselves under immense pressure as they navigate the transition from academic study to the realities of practice.

How to boost your commercial awareness in the legal and business world

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

If you’re aiming for a career in business or law, whether it’s in an international or City firm or just generally, ‘commercial awareness’ is a concept you’ll come across frequently. But what does it really mean? Simply put, it’s about understanding the inner workings of businesses and staying updated with current market trends.

Why diversity and inclusion matter for law firms: a game-changer for the legal industry

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Diversity and inclusion have become buzzwords in every industry, but they’re especially important in law.

An insight into in-house law

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

With the increased range of routes to qualification available to aspiring solicitors, opportunities to train and qualify in-house at a company, a previous rarity, has become more prevalent.

Cultural property law: the intersection of art and law

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Who owns art – is it artists? Galleries? Governments? What happens when art is sold? What do governments do when an important piece of national heritage is ruined?

Water Act 2025: a win for clean water

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

On the 24 February, the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 was enacted, marking a significant moment in the UK’s journey in tackling water pollution and holding water companies accountable.

The AI copyright debate: creators fight back

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

As many of you may already know, AI is making big waves in almost every sector, from healthcare to entertainment. But while AI has the potential to unlock incredible innovations, it’s also raising some serious concerns about copyright law and the future of creators’ rights.

Into the world of litigants in person

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

As part of a work experience programme I'm participating in, I was requested to attend court to support a litigant in person as their McKenzie friend. This sparked a series of questions that resulted in this article.

Is criminal law in crisis?

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

After a memorable conversation with my criminal practice professor on her career in criminal law, I've been leafing through The Secret Barrister: Nothing But the Truth, an eye-opening account of experiences as a criminal barrister.

Cultivating commercial awareness

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

If you’ve been looking into a career in law, you’ve probably heard the term ‘commercial awareness’. This slightly nebulous term seems to be unavoidable, mentioned at virtually every turn throughout careers events, firm recruitment materials and interviews.

Climate action on hold: MPs vote to end bill’s debate

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In an era where the climate crisis and biodiversity loss are top concerns worldwide, governments are under increasing pressure to act swiftly and decisively. The United Kingdom is no exception.

Untreated sewage: a wake-up call for action

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In a major blow to the UK’s environmental standards, the country’s post-Brexit environmental watchdog has uncovered a serious breach of environmental laws, finding that key authorities have failed to properly regulate sewage discharges by water companies.

Legal aid deserts

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

During a particularly difficult business law seminar one day, a peer of mine sat next to me, engrossed in his laptop. It wasn't that seminar's corporation tax calculation that had captured his attention, but, instead, the Law Society's legal aid desert maps, which he was exploring on its website – and to which he introduced me.

An unexpected interest – commercial awareness

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

I used to get slightly irritated at the mention of commercial awareness. To me, it seemed like an esoteric buzzword, reserved only for those who had been strategically attentive to the trends and updates of different business industries over the years.

Vacation scheme dos and don’ts

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Here are some easy-to-follow vacation scheme dos and don’ts, informed by my own experience in converting one into a training contract. Let’s get into it.

Even more tips for maximising legal applications

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

When it comes to legal applications, success comes down to being knowledgeable and prepared. It's not just about ticking boxes, you also need to show that you're truly invested in the role and profession.

Transforming legal practices: how AI is revolutionising law firms

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

AI is everywhere these days, and the legal profession is no exception. While tools like ChatGPT may be all the rage for the general public, the legal world has quietly been integrating AI into its operations for years. But in recent times, interest has hit an all-time high.

What are dark patterns?

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

‘Dark patterns’ are interface designs intended to obfuscate certain processes and trick or coerce users into actions or omissions against their best interests, usually to the benefit of the creator of the dark pattern.

An insight into competition law

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Competition law is a field of law that protects the level of competition within markets, by preventing or countering a company's abuse of a dominant position within the market. The purpose of this field of law is to nurture the economy by giving consumers more choices and encouraging innovation, improvement and progress in the commercial world.

Getting the inside scoop – what to look for when uncovering culture

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Unless you're new to law firm applications, the concept of looking into a firm's culture is probably not new to you. But as much as 'the firm's culture' is referenced in application advice, what does it really mean? What do you have to look out for when researching culture? And what kinds of questions should you ask to get the answers you're looking for?

A rapid review of the Renters' Rights Bill 2024

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In September 2024, the House of Commons held its first reading of the Renters' Rights Bill 2024, which aimed to reform the build to rent and private rented sectors. The Bill passed its second reading in October and is due to become law in summer 2025.

Legal application tips: how to make yours shine

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Breaking into law can be tough, especially when you're just starting out. With so many talented candidates competing for attention, standing out among the sea of applicants can feel like an impossible task. It's crucial to make sure your application not only gets noticed but also leaves a lasting impression. In such a competitive field, you need to show what makes you unique, skilled and ready to tackle the challenges of the legal world.

The UK’s ongoing struggle for cleaner air

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Air pollution is increasingly recognised as one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the UK, impacting public health, the environment and the quality of life for millions of people. In recent years, high-profile cases have brought the issue into sharp focus, highlighting how the law can play a pivotal role in addressing these growing concerns. The legal system is helping to drive change and demand accountability from both government and industry. In this blog, I’ll explore how the law is being used to combat air pollution, protect vulnerable groups and ensure a cleaner, healthier future for all.

The future of modern recruitment and what it means for you

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Many of you may have had a similar experience when it comes to the application process – sending application after application with no response. Training contracts, pupillages, paralegal or clerk work for far too many of us seem to be going the way of the dodo.

Digital media plurality in the UK

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Freedom of expression is a right of all individuals, as enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) and Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998. These articles provide the “freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. .While Article 11(2) CFREU protects the “freedom and pluralism of the media”, expression is limited to a much greater extent in the media than it is for individuals. This is an attempt to protect the truth and reflects the greater influence generally held by the media.

The future of law is diverse: here’s why

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The law is stepping up its game when it comes to diversity and we’re starting to see a real push to make things more inclusive these days, which is pretty exciting to see. There are more and more initiatives aimed directly at underrepresented groups. It’s all about creating opportunities and making sure that everyone, no matter their background, has a fair shot at success. A few standout examples of this shift include scholarships, charities, open days and broader diversity access schemes.

Understanding commercial awareness: why it's essential for you

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Commercial awareness is the ability to understand the context in which organisations operate, including their clients, customers and suppliers, as well as the internal and external challenges they currently face and those that may arise in the future.

Family matters: prenups and postnups

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The prenuptial agreement – or 'prenup', for short – has an undeservedly (yet understandably) awkward reputation. But in a legal context, alongside its post-nuptial counterpart, the ‘postnup’, it’s an incredibly useful asset for any married couple. As an aspiring solicitor with a budding interest in family law, this article is the product of some research into the infamous prenup – with the aim of dispelling some common misconceptions around it.

A guide to the six-minute interval

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

At the LawCareersNetLIVE conference last December, I asked a trainee from one of the attending law firms for her best advice for trainees starting their training contracts. I expected to hear something along the lines of “networking” or “taking initiative and asking for work”. Instead, she stressed the importance of getting into the habit of “recording your hours”. That interaction, combined with my lack of knowledge surrounding the mysterious billable hour, resulted in the creation of this article.

Starting a new course? Here’s how to hit the ground running

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In September, many students start their new venture into university to study all kinds of different subjects. Preparation before starting a course can help you hit the ground running. I don't just mean buying stationary (although that can most definitely help motivation) but also preparing for the course itself.

Can and should your philosophical beliefs result in dismissal?

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In July 2024, Waterstones was criticised for dismissing Tilly Fitzgerald, a bookseller and book influencer, who told author Christina Dalcher on X (formally Twitter) that she was “going to throw away her books” in response to Dalcher’s gender-critical beliefs.

What I learned from my law conversion course

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

This past year was gruelling (to say the least) and demanded a lot of flexibility and adaptability. Not only did I have to adjust to learning an entirely new discipline, but I also had to do it all in one year! A law conversion course is certainly not for the faint of heart, but I can't say it wasn't worth it.

Your final year on the LLB: what to expect

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

With the start of the new academic year coming up, no doubt your anticipation is intensifying and a sense of responsibility mounting. This final year will not merely test your legal knowledge; it's one of the key last steps before a career in law. This is a period marked by intense academic rigour, critical decision making regarding specialisations and much career planning. Let's delve into what this crucial year entails

Intellectual property: an insight

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

I understood the gist of IP law – working with creatives and businesses to protect their ideas from copyright infringement – but had never fully explored it. From that uncertainty and curiosity, this article was born: so if, like me, you're curious about IP law, read on!

Dealing with dissertations

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The final year of your LLB programme presents a tremendous opportunity, and what might be the magnum opus of your time at university – your dissertation. This is not merely an academic requirement (though some universities offer alternatives), but a chance to delve deeply into a topic that fascinates you.

Advice for new University starters

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Now that I’ve completed all three years of my Law degree and graduated with a first class, I feel suitably experienced to provide some key advice to students starting their university journey this coming September.

The future of the partnership model

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

If you're looking to be a solicitor in private practice, most of the firms you'll be looking at will probably be limited liability partnerships (LLPs). But in recent years, a series of new career paths for lawyers have emerged, threatening to replace the traditional partnership model – or, at the very least, to compete with it.

Legal films and TV shows I’d recommend for law students (part two)

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

This blog post follows on from a previous article I wrote in which I recommended five legal films/shows. Part two is here and we’re back with another five.

My week in local government law

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

This July, I was fortunate enough to partake in Local Lawyers in Government (LLG)'s work experience week. I was assigned to a local authority and spent my mornings shadowing different legal departments, and attending informative workshops organised by LLG in the afternoon. In this article, I'll take you through how I spent my week – and the many things I learned.

An introduction to planning law

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

During my work experience week with Lawyers in Local Government, I spent a notable amount of time working with property lawyers and paralegals. This introduced me to planning law − a subsection within property law that I’d never looked into before. This article, in turn, offers an opportunity for me (and you) to learn more about this niche practice area. What’s planning law?

How the recent general election could bring change to current assisted dying legislation

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Assisted dying is a contentious subject, so much so that a clear definition is yet to be universally agreed for the practice. Some describe it as a compassionate choice, allowing those who live in grave pain or suffering to end their life in dignity within a controlled environment; others describe it as unethical and against the core principles of human life.

The rise and fall of football hooliganism: how true are reports of a recent revival?

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Football fans are often seen by the media, as well as those outside of football, as being disruptive, aggressive and even violent. This is a viewpoint that’s been historically painted through ‘football hooliganism’, which was at its peak in the 70s and 80s. While football hooliganism has been greatly on the decline since the 90s, there has been concerns among the government of a reported rise in violent football-related activity in the past couple of years.

Generative AI and the evolving legal business model

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the efforts to move the legal business model towards alternatives, the billable hour remains the predominant model of law firms globally. However, with the arrival of Generative AI (GenAI), the legal business model is beginning to be challenged.

The "no treating" orders of WWI: control in crises

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Picture a bustling London pub in 1915. What you might not consider is that buying your friend a drink could land you in trouble with a constable. During World War one (WWI), the British government introduced the Defence of the Realm Act 1914 (DORA). This emergency legislation and its various amendments created a series of regulations, providing broad powers to bolster Britain’s national security.

An introduction to family law

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Ever since I tuned into the Forsters LLP’s 'Breaking Good – Rethinking Separation and Divorce' podcast, I began to develop an interest in family law. However, I wasn't sure whether it was the interesting and jovial discussions on the podcast that drew me in, or whether it was the topic itself. As a result, this article – a product of curiosity and compiled research – was born.

Local government law for beginners

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

While the private sector offers a wide range of opportunities, such as working with individuals, families, and businesses on local and international levels, it's not for everyone.

My first vacation scheme experience

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In early June, I took part in my first vacation scheme with Brabners LLP in the firm’s Liverpool office.