It’s hard to keep on top of everything, which is why we summarise the most important and interesting commercial news stories every week. The below stories can be taken at face value, or used as starting points to jump into further research. How could Germany’s economy affect the legal as well as the business world? Where could law firms have been involved in Eat and Patisserie Valerie’s sales? It’s up to you to find out!

Why did Eamonn Holmes lose his recent court case with the tax inspector?

Innovative UK top 20 firm DWF has launched in the French legal services market for the first time through a merger with boutique Paris firm Heenan Paris. 

What’s the legal basis behind Dragons' Den?

Following the Domestic Abuse Bill’s second reading in the House of Commons last week, the Law Society says the bill must do more to protect victims. It recently passed a significant stage in its path to becoming law and will now be examined by the public bill committee.

If you’re interested in any client-facing role, it’s inevitable you’ve heard both firms and individuals stress the importance of commercial awareness. However, the legal profession is broad and diverse in the types of work that lawyers do. Does this mean that every type of lawyer needs to be commercially aware? This article explores both sides of this question.

How does the ruling in DnaNudge v Ventura Capital impact the future of venture capital and private equity transactions?

What is the future of divorce proceedings in the United Kingdom?

Over many years we’ve invested in DE&I as a central part of our vision – recognising that we’re fundamentally a ‘people business’ and that attracting and retaining diverse talent is essential to delivering the best service to our clients and supporting our future growth and success.

Not enough has been done to address recruitment and other problems which continue to be barriers to diverse judiciary which reflects the population, the House of Lords Constitution Committee has warned.

From deciding between law and accounting while studying at the University of Johannesburg, Oratile Jonas is now an associate in the corporate team at Gowling WLG. Find out about Oratile’s journey into the profession in this interview.

I think all the people in the firm should take part in D&I initiatives, regardless of their level and background.

Find out how Gowling are investing in diversity and inclusion as parts of its central vision.

Are there any law-related diversity access schemes designed to improve access to the profession for Black aspiring lawyers?

Will the government’s cut to the discount rate, which determines how much compensation insurers must pay to claimants who have suffered life-changing injuries, amount to a fairer system?

The DLS is a registered charity run by and for people with disabilities, their families and carers.

Do recent developments in heath and safety law simply add to the pressure already on company directors?

From Cold War paranoia to post-9/11 anxieties and pandemic-era isolation, horror movies have always functioned as a dark mirror to society. That ability to reflect, and sometimes anticipate, societal tension makes horror an especially effective subject for a PESTLE analysis – and what better time than now, as the genre has finally found itself in the Oscars and Academy Awards spotlight again.