Asia Munir talks Legally Blonde, securing a training contract and becoming director, and outlines her career in real estate and housing litigation.

This week’s best economic news is that the year-long squeeze on wages is nearing an end, at least according to the Office of National Statistics, which has released figures showing that people’s pay is now catching up to inflation. However, reports from elsewhere in the world show that the global economic situation remains precarious.

It’s been a busy week, with both Halloween and Bitcoin’s 10^th birthday falling on the same day (which one did you celebrate?), fracking-induced earthquakes stopping work at the Cuadrilla site in Lancashire and the Waitrose Food magazine editor lambasted for suggesting that vegans should be kidnapped and force-fed meat. We’re not sure which news story is spookier… happy Hal-law-een! (Sorry.)

A group of volunteer lawyers and software developers created an app to help those affected by US President Donald Trump’s travel ban on people arriving in the United States from seven majority-Muslim countries within just two days of the surprise ban’s announcement, it has emerged.

Despite the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s withdrawal from the Voluntary Code to Good Practice in the Recruitment of Trainee Solicitors, it has been announced that the code will continue to be upheld by its other signatories.

The Law Society has stressed the importance of ensuring that those who have been bereaved and injured as a result of the Grenfell Tower fire are listened to when decisions are made about who is to represent them in the resulting government inquiry.

World peace is one of the primary global concerns, and its attainment requires the combined effort of researchers, scholars and policymakers across the world.

Law fairs are an important stage of the recruitment process that provide the chance to meet recruiters, trainee solicitors and partners from the law firms you could be joining in the future. This year law fairs will be different as employers and universities adapt to the challenges of covid-19, with new virtual law fairs replacing face-to-face events throughout the autumn term. Find out more about the opportunities available below.

The UK has agreed a “flexible” Brexit extension with the European Union that will now run until October, although Brexit can still happen earlier if Parliament can agree a withdrawal deal. In theory, the delay enables the Conservative and Labour leaders to keep on negotiating to find a way forward, while fantasists of all political stripes will use the extension to continue pursuing their own rigid versions of Brexit.

Associate Sophie Freelove offers her insights into Vinson & Elkins’ training contract, the early responsibility trainees are exposed to, the variety of work on offer and the firm’s excellent culture. Find out more in this Meet the Lawyer. 

Talent manager Grace Gibson-Venner provides her in-depth practical guide to the recruitment process at Vinson & Elkins and the firm’s semi-rotational training contract. 

Vinson & Elkins has announced that as of the beginning of this year, salaries for newly qualified solicitors have jumped by 25% to £100,000. Second-year associates will enjoy a 22% raise, to £110,000, and third years to £120,000.

The use of video-link technology as a replacement for face-to-face hearings is not yet “sufficiently advanced” enough to be effective, says Jo Hynes, a PhD researcher at Exeter University.

More law firms and employers than ever will be using video interviews to assess candidates. Here are tips of what to do - and what not to do - before and during your video interview.

Victim Support has launched a new website to help children and young people who are victims or witnesses of crime.