The Law Society of England and Wales updated its official guidance on diversity and inclusion language, encouraging the use of alternatives to ‘Dear Sirs’ at the start of legal correspondence – a greeting often used when a recipient’s name is unknown. This use is widely regarded as antiquated, originating from a time when the profession was predominantly male. The Law Society stated: “This gendered greeting perpetuates the assumption that the recipients of correspondence are by default men”.

London firm Sprecher Grier Halberstam will merge with Birmingham-based Martineau on 1 December in a move that will take the new firm into the top 70 in the United Kingdom, it has been revealed.

As reported on Legal Futures, a Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) review into the continuing professional development (CPD) of solicitors is considering whether ethics training should become compulsory.

Students’ important contributions to access to justice were recognised at the annual Student Pro Bono Awards at the House of Commons on 1 May.

Bridging the Bar (BTB) – a charity “committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and diversity at the Bar of England and Wales” – was launched in August this year.

CILEX has launched a new five-year strategy aimed at increasing recognition for CILEX Lawyers, supporting regulatory reform and widening access to the legal profession.

Social mobility advocates, a new group of barristers from across England and Wales, have joined the Bar Council’s award-winning social mobility campaign – #IAmTheBar.

In November 2021, 1090 candidates, including 27 solicitor apprentices, took the first-ever Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) – SQE1. The candidates received their results on Friday last week and the Solicitors Regulation Authority has revealed an overall pass rate of 53%. 

BPP University Law School has won the coveted Leadership Award at the UK Social Mobility Awards 2023. Focusing on advancing social mobility and recognising employers that are working to improve it, the awards are run by London-based societal change charity Making The Leap, with the ceremony taking place on 12 October 2023.

Details of the 22nd UK Pro Bono Week have been revealed, with the focus on bringing legal professionals together to make a sustained impact around three cross-cutting themes.

What does it mean to be a solicitor? Am I cut out for the work? Why do I want to be a solicitor rather than a barrister?

The SRA is currently holding a series of focus groups and running an online survey as part of its consultation into whether it should continue to have a minimum rate of pay for trainee solicitors.

How are the positions of construction industry clients, contractors and subcontractors secured?

How will the recent amendments to the upcoming Employment Rights Bill help to better protect employees?

Top earners at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Pinsent Masons LLP have had their remuneration increased to approximately £3.1 million.

The chair of the Bar Standards Board has urged members to embrace the world of social media in order to, among other things, improve communication on controversial issues.

The government's legal aid bill has suffered a third defeat in the House of Lords.

International firm Dentons – the largest law firm in the world by headcount –is opening its first office in Ireland.