What impact might covid-19 have on civil fraud law?

As the UK’s lockdown measures are eased and the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it is more important than ever for law firms to ensure that their diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts are effectively implemented.

The Times reports that the Crown Prosecution Service is planning on setting up a network of advocacy hubs, similar to a barristers' chambers, in each of its 13 CPS areas.

There are an estimated 250,000 paralegals in the UK, a figure that has grown considerably in recent years. Paralegals play a vital role in legal businesses of all sizes, not only providing essential support to lawyers, but also working independently to manage cases and serve clients.

The government has defeated an opposition attempt to reverse reforms to the way that criminal defence barristers are paid for legal aid work, with barristers vowing to step up their strike action in response.

Want to improve your chances of getting a training contract? Developing your commercial awareness is a sure-fire way to impress recruiters and partners alike at interview – but it’s not something you can just start doing the day before. You need to put in the prep if you are to present as a credible candidate, so why not start here with this selection of stories from the past week.

The backlog of crown court cases in England and Wales has hit a record high of 60,000 cases, with one-fifth of cases taking more than a year to be heard.  

Trigger warning: rape

From American sub-prime to private equity houses: how has the 'credit crunch' affected the private equity market?

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?

According to recent reports in The Lawyer, City firm Norton Rose saved millions of pounds and around 100 jobs last financial year thanks to a flexible-working programme and the outsourcing of 60 members of support staff.

Why is cyber security grabbing the headlines and what does it mean for businesses?

Legal apprenticeship specialist Damar Training and legal education provider BARBRI have announced a new technology partnership that embeds BARBRI’s learning technology into Damar’s solicitor apprenticeship programmes.  

Our latest report, World in Motion: why the legal profession cannot stand still highlights the importance young lawyers place on their workplaces having a purpose beyond profitability.

Your commercial awareness skills will be assessed at each stage of the application process. Not only is it important to be aware of the news and events that are directly impacting the firm you’re applying to, its clients and practice areas; you should also be considering the wider impact on the legal and business worlds. For now, read this week’s commercial news round-up below.

The Access to Justice Foundation, which aids pro bono work, is running its third annual essay competition for law students

If you fancy boosting your commercial awareness, don’t forget that applications are still open for our student careers conferences LawCareersNetLIVE.

How do companies (and governments) make well-informed decisions about the future?

Hiring activity in the legal industry fell in 2023, with figures returning to levels similar to those seen pre-pandemic. 

How effective has the Bribery Act 2010 been?