LawCareersNetLIVE application season is here (apply now).

With the World Health Organisation declaring the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic and coronavirus updates still at the forefront of everyone’s minds – among other news – this week’s commercial round-up looks at the impact that the virus is having on the business and legal world.

This week has been punctuated by political speechifying, with economic theory taking centre stage. For the business news that should be on your radar, read on.

It might be freezing cold outside at the moment, with parts of the US experiencing temperatures of up to -37C this week, but this collection of commercial news stories is sure to keep you warm and light a fire of business excitement within you (LCN cannot be held accountable for physical warmth caused by business news). So pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea, and catch up with the financial world.

Are client secondments for trainee solicitors and junior lawyers becoming more popular?

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 University of Law recently announced the winners of its ‘Real World Questions Essay Competition’ who were awarded prizes including £1,000 cash, a week’s work experience with either Clyde & Co or Co-op and a two-hour session with The University of Law’s director of employability.

In its report on judicial appointments, the House of Lords Constitution Committee has found that a more diverse judiciary would increase public trust and confidence in the country's justice system.

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. 

The Law Society of England and Wales has welcomed changes proposed in the new Sentencing Bill, which had its second reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday 16 September. 

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!

The Law Society has published guidance to highlight how organisations can improve digital accessibility to support people with disabilities.

To demonstrate the firework-like dynamism of a good candidate and avoid coming across like a damp squib, you need to show commercial awareness. For future lawyers, that involves keeping up with the business news and thinking about how the stories you read might affect law firms and their clients.

The attorney general, Dominic Grieve QC MP, once again hosted the annual LawWorks & Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards at the House of Commons.

The Law Society of England and Wales recently launched its new three-year diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) strategy as part of its wider corporate goals for a more accessible legal profession.

Trainees at Lewis Silkin recently organised a sponsored 30-hour, non-stop "spinathon", which took place in the firm's reception on 22 and 23 November.

Not enough has been done to address recruitment and other problems which continue to be barriers to diverse judiciary which reflects the population, the House of Lords Constitution Committee has warned.

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.