I very much enjoy the variation, both in the type of work and the subject matter, and I like being able to work on my own and decide when I work.

Vacation schemes have been moved online - here is our advice on how to make the most of the experience.

In this LCN Says, we speak to Kieran Bennett and Isabella Aridas from Mayer Brown International LLP all about commercial awareness from a recruiter’s perspective. Read on for insights into how the firm assesses commercial awareness, Kieran and Isabella’s tips for aspiring lawyers and the trainee’s role in business development at the firm.

In this Meet the Recruiter, Kieran explains what Mayer Brown International LLP is looking for in future trainees, what you should know about the firm when applying and how it’s adopting the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.

Thomas Stables, associate at Osborne Clarke offers valuable insights into his journey at Osborne Clarke LLP.

For many years mental health and the legal profession have been at loggerheads. Long hours, high-intensity workloads and covid-19 are among a seemingly endless list of factors that continue to contribute to the profession’s mental health crisis. And what about those vying to get through the door? The competition is, as ever, fierce and expectations high.

The long road, from starting your legal studies to becoming a fully qualified solicitor or barrister, can feel lonely. For me, one of the most difficult aspects of starting my journey into law was knowing what I was getting myself into! 

Find out about Michelmores’ application and recruitment processes, the firm’s D&I strategy, frequent application mistakes and how to discuss non-legal work experience as Georgie shares her advice for candidates.

In 2024, Middle Temple awarded scholarships worth around £1.4 million, with more than £1.2 million of that going to Bar course students and £211,750 to GDL students. 

Premier international law firm Milbank LLP has launched a new training pathway – leveraged finance track – for candidates with “a clear and committed interest in leveraged finance”. 

Isabel Elsey explains why completing a vacation scheme at Milbank is integral to securing a training contract with the firm. She also sets out the skills she wants to see from aspiring solicitors in their applications and highlights the best way to research the firm. 

No two days are the same in the projects and construction department at Mills & Reeve. Kate Rushworth outlines her role on a recent case, talks about the firm’s wider culture and how important it is to the firm that junior lawyers are building their business development skills early in their career.

We caught up with this year's vacation schemers to ask them how they were liking Mills & Reeve so far.

It comes as no surprise that gender equality in the legal profession remains an issue that law firms and barristers' chambers alike attempt to address. In this Feature, we’ll consider the progress made so far, what 2026 looks like for women in the legal profession, and the #GiveToGain actions that law firms and chambers must take to increase support and opportunities for women in the profession.

It comes as no surprise that gender equality in the legal profession remains an issue that law firms and barristers' chambers alike attempt to address. In this Feature, we’ll consider the progress made so far, what 2025 looks like for women in the legal profession, and the steps law firms and chambers must take to ‘Accelerate Action’ – the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD). 

On Sunday 1 January Mishcon de Reya LLP and Taylor Vinters LLP completed their merger after it was first announced in September 2021. A joint statement confirmed that more than 200 staff joined Mishcon de Reya, including 145 fee-earners and 60 business operations and legal staff as part of the merger.  

With university fast approaching, students may be anxious about what's to come and how to succeed in their law degree, particularly those who've never studied law before. However, freshers should be assured that the majority of law students are in the same boat and you don't need to have extensive summer reading or law A level before starting.

Mooting is one of the best activities you can do to get a sense of what it's like to be a legal advocate, giving you the opportunity to think on your feet and argue your case. It is also an impressive addition to any CV, whether you’re pursuing a career as a barrister or solicitor.

Another clutch of firms have opened their summer vacation scheme application systems, hosted by LC.N's good pals at Apply4 Law.