Steve Lewis, an undergraduate law student at Birkbeck University, has won the inaugural Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship, which aims to address the under-representation of black men from low-income households in large commercial law firms.

UK top 50 law firm Birketts LLP has achieved 40% female partnership ahead of International Women’s Day 2023, following its ongoing commitment to supporting gender diversity. 

Top 50 law firm Birketts LLP has announced it will merge with Batchelors Solicitors, a leading firm based in London and Kent.The merger is set to complete on the 31 March 2023 and is the latest step in Birketts’ growth trajectory.

Find out what early careers officer Lizzy Ferguson is looking for in your applications to Birketts LLP, the importance of the firm’s vacation scheme to the training contract application process and the firm’s stance on the use of AI in applications. 

Birketts LLP, a full-service law firm with office locations across the East of England, London and the South East, eyes plans to develop its international practice by using its City office as a “springboard”. 

Birmingham FLAG is delivered by students and as such is a term time only service, running from the start of October to mid-December and end of January to end of March.

Bishop & Sewell and Monro Wright & Wasbrough have announced their merger, as part of Bishop & Sewell’s planned expansion strategy.

Aspiring lawyers must consider the impact that both Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic are having on law firms and their clients. Take a look at this round-up for some insight into the stories that caught our eye this week and think about what additional work you can be doing to analyse them further and demonstrate your commercial awareness in upcoming vac scheme or training contract interviews. You can also listen to our most recent podcast episode ‘commercial awareness is a frame of mind’ for some more guidance on this essential skill.

A recent study by MasterCard named London as the world's financial centre - so what’s happened to New York?

Browne Jacobson has further expanded its apprentice scheme to take on four new recruits, who join the six September 2012 apprentices.

Barrister wigs have been a long-standing tradition since the 17th Century, but is the dress code outdated and alienating aspiring barristers from pursuing careers at the Bar?

The number of firms adopting contextual recruitment practices is growing, but structural inequality and a lack of representation at senior levels mean that Black candidates continue to face additional barriers to becoming lawyers.

The number of firms adopting contextual recruitment practices is growing, but structural inequality and a lack of representation at senior levels mean that Black candidates still face challenges.

The number of firms adopting contextual recruitment practices is growing, but structural inequality and a lack of representation at senior levels mean that Black candidates continue to face additional barriers to becoming lawyers.

The death of black US citizen George Floyd has sparked global protests demanding an end to the systemic racism within justice systems and law enforcement. There are a number of organisations that you can support, including the United Friends and Families Campaign and the UK-wide funding pool, which helps individuals and communities that are working towards racial justice.

This week’s commercial news round-up highlights the mission behind the anti-racism protests and provides a short summary of other news in the business and legal world.

On average Black women barristers earn around £19,000 less per annum than their white male counterparts, according to a Bar Council report published at the start of May.

This organisation has partnered with a local law firm to provide free legal advice for two areas of law: employment; and housing.