With vacation schemes in full swing, and the major training contract deadline of 31 July just over a month away, there has never been a better time to up your commercial awareness game. Taking an interest in what’s happening in the business world is the foundation for a successful career as a commercial legal adviser. No time like the present – read on.

Commercial awareness is a vital skill for trainee solicitors. For candidates applying for vacation schemes and training contracts, becoming commercially aware involves building an understanding of how law firms and their clients work as businesses, as well as how they are impacted by the wider world. This guide rounds up a range of key commercial stories and talking points from 2020.

To secure a training contract, you need to familiarise yourself with four areas of knowledge. This will help you understand the profession and the job you hope to do, effectively research a law firm and identify your skills and strengths to demonstrate in applications.

To secure a training contract, you need to familiarise yourself with four areas of knowledge. This will help you to understand the profession and the job you hope to do, effectively research a law firm and identify your skills and strengths to demonstrate in applications.

To secure a training contract, you need to familiarise yourself with four areas of knowledge. This will help you understand the profession and the job you hope to do, effectively research a law firm and identify your skills and strengths to demonstrate in applications.

To secure a training contract, you need to familiarise yourself with four areas of knowledge.

To secure a training contract, you must familiarise yourself with four areas of knowledge. This will help you to understand the profession and the job you hope to do, effectively research a law firm and identify the skills and strengths to demonstrate in your applications.

Herbert Smith Freehills and The Times are running their annual student advocacy competition, with submissions due by 22 July 2013.

Budding advocates take note: Herbert Smith and The Times have announced their annual student advocacy competition.

International firms Herbert Smith and Freehills have announced that they will merge to become the leading firm in the Asia Pacific region, one of the world's fastest growing legal markets.

Herbert Smith has indicated that it is considering offering training contracts to its legal assistants - of whom there are 10 - in its Belfast base.

As pressure continues to mount on the legal sector regarding the diversity of its workforce, Herbert Smith has announced that it will commence piloting unconscious bias training for its partners on 30 May.

Herbert Smith Freehills, Wragge & Co and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives have released a documentary celebrating diversity in the legal profession in conjunction with the online careers advice hub, www.CareerPlayer.com.

International firm Herbert Smith Freehills LLP published an anthology of thoughts and experiences shared by Black colleagues across the firm and leading external commentators to mark Black History Month this October.

Find out about the recruitment process at Herbert Smith Freehills and absorb Rebecca Worrall’s advice on avoiding application mistakes.