Commercial awareness is a term often used by law firms and recruiters, but what does it actually mean? In this video Matt breaks down what commercial awareness, why it's so important, and offers a couple of examples of case studies to think about in a commercial context. 

Kiran Sidhu’s varied experience at university and beyond led her to data protection and privacy work. As an associate at Bristows LLP, Kiran outlines her role in this area of law, the skills and strengths required to be successful and more in this Meet the Lawyer profile. 

Following a 2020 pledge by Rishi Sunak, Ron Kalifa OBE’s Kalifa Review of UK Fintech was published earlier this year. The review lays out a vision and execution model for the UK to maintain its leadership in the cutting-edge field of fintech.

Is the legal landscape "hand built by robots" or being "rebuilt by humans"?

Galina Usorova shares her journey cross qualifying as a solicitor in the UK after practising in Russia and provides insights into her role in the fraud and asset recovery team at Stephenson Harwood LLP. Plus, she outlines a high-profile case where she acted for a Russian businessman who was resisting a claim brought by two banks.

Market led mechanisms versus statutory controls - how have tenants been getting more choice and flexibility in commercial lease terms?

Is the removal of gambling companies from front-of-shirt sponsorship in the Premier League creating a void or sparking opportunity?

These days, graduate employers tend to look for commercial 'interest' as much as (if not more than) commercial 'awareness'. You won’t be expected to detail every single commercial, political and economic event that has happened over the past few years, but you will likely be expected to demonstrate an interest in business and the broader commercial factors that are likely to affect the firm and its clients.

Could a 'take or pay' clause included in a supply contract amount to an unenforceable penalty?

The family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler has appealed to the government to rethink the proposed reforms of 'no win, no fee' arrangements contained in its Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LAPSO) Bill.

Is the use of arbitration still growing among commercial parties in the UK and internationally despite recent challenges?

To secure a training contract or pupillage, you must demonstrate evidence of several key skills and attributes that are essential throughout your legal career. a

Commercial property (or real estate) lawyers act for a variety of domestic and international clients – including investors and developers, governments, landowners and public sector bodies – on a wide range of transactions, involving everything from offices to greenfield and retail developments, infrastructure projects and the management of shopping malls.

Sarah Walker, a barrister at Selborne Chambers, talks about the importance of mini-pupillages, the type of work she gets involved with as a commercial chancery disputes barrister, work/life balance and more in this Meet the Lawyer interview. 

I've seen lots of big developments being built in my home town. What's the commercial context and how do real estate lawyers get involved?

What impact will the credit crunch have on commercial property?

How might a landlord take a commercial approach to the issues faced by existing and new commercial tenants during the pandemic?

Working in-house involves representing a single client whereas private practice lawyers are outsourced, advising multiple clients. As the number of in-house lawyers has been rising in the past few years, this blog will outline what the role involves, helping you decide whether this route is particularly appealing to you.

Who owns the goods?

If you’re aiming for a career in business or law, whether it’s in an international or City firm or just generally, commercial awareness is a concept you’ll come across frequently. But what does it really mean? Simply put, it’s about understanding the inner workings of businesses and staying updated with current market trends.