Eight UK law firms have set ambitious net-zero goals as a part of the Net Zero Law Initiative, designed by Net Zero Now. Over the next five years, firms will aim to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 30% – an important step towards reducing the legal sector’s emissions and reaching net zero by 2050.

It’s been another strong year for UK law firm mergers despite a slowdown, according to new research from accountancy firm Hazlewoods. The past year saw 121 mergers take place, reflecting a strong recovery from the 10-year low point in 2021. This follows 122 merges in 2022, which marked a 23% increase from the 99 mergers recorded in 2021.

TLT LLP has set a new target to achieve 50% female representation at partner level by 2029 as it works towards becoming “one of the most progressive and diverse law firms in the UK”. 

On 19 December the UK government revealed plans to increase criminal legal aid rates for solicitors by a further 12% to improve access to justice. An initial 6% rise will follow a consultation in early 2025, with a further 6% committed by the end of parliament. This will result in a total boost of £92 million.

The summer is a great time to get into a good routine of keeping up with the latest business developments. Our weekly commercial news round-ups do the hard part for you, summarising interesting and relevant news stories from the week. The rest of the research and analysis is up to you!

Forget the upcoming general election, Brexit confusion and the increasingly cold weather: today is everyone’s favourite day of the year – John Lewis Christmas Advert Day! 

UK law firms must adapt to keep pace with increasing competition from their US counterparts, a survey of top firms by accountancy firm PwC has warned.

Bushra Ali Solicitors appoints Aisha Seedat as disability, diversity and inclusion champion – a first for a UK-based law firm.

With coronavirus updates still dominating the news, this week’s commercial news round-up is designed to summarise the pandemic’s impact on the business and legal world. So, while we await Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s briefing on Sunday, where he is set to reveal the UK’s lockdown exit strategy, take some time to top-up your commercial awareness.

The UK Diversity Legal Awards celebrates its 11th anniversary this year and continues to “promote the successful work and commendable efforts of individuals and organisations in the legal profession.”

The first ever UK Commercial Awareness Competition has been won by a team of students from Queen Mary University of London.

The Bars of the UK and Ireland have doubled down on their commitment to the cab bank rule ahead of the Four Jurisdictions Conference in Belfast. 

Law students and law school staff from the University of East Anglia have launched a law clinic to provide free legal advice to members of the local community.

As we get ready to head to Manchester for LawCareersNetLIVE on 29 November, we should remind you that a great way to top up your commercial awareness is to watch our panel of top law firm partners discuss the issues affecting the legal profession in 2020, including legaltech and Brexit. 

What impact will the recent judgment that ruled Uber drivers are workers have on the gig economy?

On 19th February 2021, the Supreme Court handed down a judgment which will have enormous ramifications on large swathes of the gig economy. 

How do you know which type of law firm is the right fit for you? Where you train will influence your career path, as the key practice areas, size and clients of each firm vary. 

There are many different kinds of barristers' chambers. Where you train has a significant influence on your career, as the style, size and clientele of each chambers will vary. Consider the following broad categories to establish which type of set might best match your career goals and working style.