As a junior barrister with a broad commercial and chancery practice, Rowena Page already has plenty of interesting experiences and insights to share. Read on for her informative introduction to life at the commercial Bar.

Is ESG due diligence becoming a standard feature of corporate transactions – and what does that mean for buyers, sellers and advisers? 

What more can be done to progress ethnic diversity in the legal profession?  

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.

Eversheds Sutherland’s James Wilson explains the three routes to a training contract at the firm and the practicalities of strengths-based applications.

Professional services firm EY has announced that it will be offering training contracts to join its legal services team. EY received an alternative business structure (ABS) licence in 2014, allowing it to increase the size of its legal services team to over 30 people. It expects this figure to double within the next 12 months.

Contextual recruitment is a process that considers a candidate’s personal background to put ‘eligibility criteria’ into context.

LPC students at BPP Law School can now choose a fast-track option allowing them to complete the course in seven months rather than the traditional nine.

UCAS figures have revealed that as at the end of January, there had been a nearly 9% drop in the number of people applying for a university place.

European law firm Fieldfisher has launched a two-week legal work experience programme aimed at candidates who are from underrepresented backgrounds in the legal profession. 

Why might firms in the same industry have diverse financial structures?

What role is the UK financial services industry playing in the fight against climate change?

How has covid-19 affected the fintech industry?

Following a 2020 pledge by Rishi Sunak, Ron Kalifa OBE’s Kalifa Review of UK Fintech was published earlier this year. The review lays out a vision and execution model for the UK to maintain its leadership in the cutting-edge field of fintech.

How are developments in ‘fire safety’ impacting the construction industry?

Many law firms, such as Simmons & Simmons, Baker McKenzie, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP  and Clifford Chance, are incorporating reverse mentoring into their diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and retention strategies.

White & Case LLP recently published a 100% retention rate for its trainees who are due to qualify in September, bringing the firm’s overall retention rate for 2024 to 87%.

Law firms are now able to choose the regulator that is most appropriate for them following the establishment of ILEX Professional Standards as an alternative to the Solicitors Regulation Authority.