Senior associate Joseph Akwaboa shares insights into his work across commercial, technology and sports law at RPC, how he chose the right firm for his career goals, and why both legal and non-legal experience helped shape his journey into the profession.

We’ll keep it short this week as many of you are completing vacation scheme or pupillage applications. Commercial awareness is a key attribute that you must demonstrate in your applications as recruiters want to see that you have a knowledge of what is going on in the business industry, and how key issues might affect the law and the businesses that operate within it.

As the UK awaits Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s update in today’s daily briefing on whether there will be any changes to the social distancing measures currently in place, here’s a short round-up of how the outbreak continues to affect the business and legal worlds, among other news.   

The government should rethink plans to scrap the Human Rights Act and replace it with a UK bill of rights, a cross-party parliamentary committee has warned.

The search to find this year’s Future Legal Mind has gained momentum as the deadline for aspiring lawyers across the UK to put themselves forward for the award draws closer.

Media is something that we, whether intentionally or unintentionally, engage with daily. From shuffling your Spotify playlist to waiting impatiently to skip past a YouTube ad – there are countless legal hurdles that players within the media industry must overcome to reach the public. But what does ‘media’ mean in this context? 

The hardest hit by both the pandemic and online revolution, the retail and consumer (R&C) sector is one of the most challenging to follow due to how rapidly it changes. For the same reason, the sector is one of the most exciting. 

The senior presiding judge for England and Wales, Lord Justice Edis, has delayed the sentencing of convicted criminals on bail due to overpopulation in prisons. As a longer term solution, the government plans to send prisoners overseas and build more prisons.

#MeToo in the financial services sector – what can employers do to eradicate sexual misconduct in the workplace and ensure they remain compliant with their regulator?

Leading law firm Shakespeare Martineau LLP has announced its merger with GL Law which will see the firm broaden its geographical footprint into Bristol and the Southwest.

Will radical employment reforms get the balance right between encouraging growth and protecting employees?

Shipping law tends to fall into two areas: contentious and non-contentious.

How is the shipping industry being affected by climate change and environmental regulations?

The shortlist of nominees for the LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards 2019 has been announced.

Private equity: where does all the money come from and what is leveraged finance?

Simon Stephen, legal director at Gowling, opens up about how being honest about his mental health over the years has made for a better working environment.

What effect will the decision in FAPL v QC Leisure have on how rights owners license their products in the EU?