Joining one of the four Inns of Court is an important part of the process of becoming a barrister. As Inner Temple's Outreach Manager Struan Campbell explains, the Inns provide valuable opportunities for networking, scholarships and advocacy training beyond the mandatory qualifying sessions.

Does size matter? Why UK law firms look to merge.

From trainee to partner, Ian Masser discusses his 18-year journey at Beale & Co, the importance of career progression and trainee retention, as well as his area of expertise. 

How is the Financial Services Authority changing its approach to regulation?

Legal mental health charity LawCare is running a Christmas fundraising appeal, the Big Give Christmas Challenge, which will see all donations made to the charity via the Big Give website doubled. 

International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has launched sector-specific training contracts in real estate and financial services as part of its plan to “increase sector experience for the firm’s future lawyers”. 

Recently merged Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has been granted approval to provide legal services in Hong Kong and Singapore, further cementing its status as a leading international firm.

International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has announced the introduction of three new social mobility benefits for trainee hires and vacation scheme students in response to the rising cost of living and inflation. 

International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has announced the launch of a unique international summer placement programme for students taking the double degree in English and French law at Queen Mary University of London and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. 

The Bar is considering whether to scrap a student aptitude test that removes fewer than 1% of candidates, after deciding that it is “not operating as an effective filter”.

The BBC is to continue its trainee solicitor recruitment programme following a successful first two years. 

The BBC’s legal apprentice programme is running again after a successful launch in 2014 – the corporation is currently seeking three apprentices to join its London offices and one apprentice to join its Salford site.

Three legal apprentices have just started at the BBC, joining its in-house legal team on a two-year advanced apprenticeship course that will lead to a Level 3 CILEx Certificate in Law and Practice.

The BBC has opened applications for its 2023 solicitor graduate apprenticeship scheme which will enable four graduates to work in the BBC’s legal team to qualify as a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam route.

Some 36 BBC employees are working toward CILEx qualifications through an in-house scheme at the corporation.

An evening drop-in session LawWorks clinic in SW11 – the centre is open Monday to Thursday.

We’ll keep it short and sweet this week and let you know that the below news stories are essential reading for anyone heading off to a law firm assessment centre or interview soon, or for those just looking to top up their commercial awareness over the summer months.