I’m qualifying via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam but don’t understand the difference between training contracts and qualifying work experience. How do I know what’s best for me?

GLP-1 injections, the most famous of which you might recognise (the drug Ozempic ring a bell?), have taken the medical world by storm over the past few years. A bidding war between major players over acquiring one of these anti-obesity drugs, made for an eventful couple of weeks. In this article, we'll explore the circumstances surrounding the bidding war that culminated in Pfizer's acquisition of Metsera, as well as the implications of the acquisition itself.

How are international joint-venture deals struck and what role do lawyers play?

As you head into the second year of your law degree, you might be wondering what you need to be doing to increase your chances of securing a job in the legal profession. Here is our checklist to help you navigate your second year.

The August bank holiday period saw delays and cancellations of international flights, leaving around a quarter of a million holidaymakers stranded abroad. So, if this happens, what might your employer do?

Even if you haven’t studied law yet, you will probably be aware that one of its key pillars is the humble contract. Something as simple as an offer or promise in exchange for consideration (usually money) is one of the foundational concepts in the entire study of the law. The Chancery Lane Project has sought to harness this opportunity.

So, you’ve landed a vacation scheme. First of all, congrats! That’s no small feat. With hundreds (sometimes thousands) of applicants gunning for a handful of spots, just being offered a place means you’ve already impressed someone. But now that you're in, the real work begins.

Shadowing a judge, often referred to as judge marshalling, is a beneficial form of work experience for both aspiring solicitors and barristers. While both groups can benefit, it’s aspiring barristers who usually endeavour to secure the scheme, as it gives a huge insight into their future career (ie attending court, practising advocacy). As part of the experience, some students even get the chance to sit on the judge’s bench.

Solicitors provide legal advice and representation. They work directly with their clients and are usually the first point of contact for anyone seeking legal advice. In general practice, solicitors may be called on to advise on issues ranging from crime, personal injury, contracts and wills to buying houses and taking over a business.

I’m qualifying via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and am confused about the qualifying work experience (QWE) requirement. What’s QWE? What work counts as QWE?

13-17 November was National Anti-Bullying Week 2023. It’s an annual event coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance charity, which aims to raise awareness of bullying among young people. The week emphasises prevention and effective responses to bullying.

Law firms are constantly developing and moving away from the traditional set-ups that only recruit those from certain universities with certain degrees. 

Commercial awareness is a key skill that all law firms look for in their applicants. Understanding what commercial awareness is and how you can demonstrate yours is fundamental to your success.

Becoming a barrister gives you the chance to embark on one of the most stimulating, varied and exciting careers that there is.

Philippa Wilson explains how Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s vacation scheme is run, outlines the firm’s stance on the use of AI in applications, provides insights into what the firm is looking for from its future lawyers and more in this Meet the Recruiter profile.

Megan Melia goes through what candidates should expect on a vacation scheme, important skills Weightmans is looking for, common ways candidates let themselves down and how the firm is adopting the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.

In this webinar we will be looking at what law students and aspiring lawyers can do during this time to stay focused on their legal career and further their chances of success.