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). 

One Crown Office Row is creating a mini-pupillage scheme for students and recent graduates from less-privileged backgrounds.

LPC and BPTC students keen to boost their CVs might be interested in a new competition being run by the Sentencing Council, the first prize of which is a law firm work placement or mini-pupillage.

I want to become a barrister; do I need to complete a mini-pupillage? What are the benefits of doing one?

Mini-pupillages are a great way to boost your pupillage applications and to learn more about life at a specific chambers.

In contrast to the Solicitors Regulation Authority's reported plans for England and Wales, the Law Society of Scotland has announced that the minimum pay for trainee solicitors in Scotland cannot go below the national minimum wage of £6.08 per hour.

The family justice minister has demanded an urgent review into the government’s legal aid cuts after a report by the children’s commissioner revealed that vulnerable children were being denied legal representation and access to their rights.

Baroness Berridge calls for more support for jurors who must listen to “graphic” evidence. This follows a 10-month trial, which raised questions about why judges – but not jurors – are offered counselling.

The Ministry of Justice has already refunded almost £2 million in employment tribunal fees since the Supreme Court’s ruling that such charges were unlawful and a barrier to justice. However, this represents only a fraction of the repayments that the government expects to have to make, which could be as high as £33 million.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has entered into a partnership with OpenAI to accelerate AI adoption and improve efficiency. 

The House of Commons committee of Public Accounts has produced a damning report on the Ministry of Justice’s cuts to legal aid spending.

Held on Saturday 9 April, the biennial Minority Lawyers Conference brought together high-profile speakers to celebrate the achievements of black and Asian lawyers, and highlight the issues facing the profession in a year of both challenge and opportunity.

The University of Law will provide Solicitors Qualifying Examination training to Mischon de Reya LLP’s future trainees and solicitor apprentices as they enter a new exclusive partnership.