Shoosmiths has opened its application system for a number of training contract and work experience vacancies.

The BLD Foundation has announced that applications are now open for its Legal Launch Pad Programme, running from January to September 2015.

Law firms are avoiding reporting the true extent of their gender pay gaps and regulations should be updated to force them to be transparent, Conservative MP Maria Miller has said.

National law firm Devonshires has retained 100% of its six newly-qualified (NQ) lawyers for the second year in a row.

In July 2010, the National Pro Bono Centre (NPBC), a central ‘hub’ that was based in Chancery Lane, was created to bring together the legal profession’s pro-bono work, helping individuals and community groups within England and Wales.

The Bar Council has come out in support of a new barrister training programme involving a two-part Bar Professional Course run by the Inns of Court, which should be cheaper for aspiring barristers. 

Restructuring and insolvency lawyers are called in when a company, individual or other organisation is in financial difficulties and is facing possible liquidation, administration or bankruptcy.

Weightmans has been granted an alternative business structure license by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Following a campaign by in-house lawyer and blogger Emma Lilley, the Law Society has agreed to trial regional admission ceremonies in a bid to improve access. 

Charles Russell and Speechly Bircham merged on 1 November, with the new firm now called Charles Russell Speechlys.

Maggie is a partner in Structured Asset Backed Real Estate (SABRE), having worked in the Beijing office for two years before moving to London to begin her training contract in 2001. She is also part of the Clifford Chance Partnership Council. Here she reflects on what it was like closing a transaction for the first time and, 20 years on from completing her training contract, shares the one piece of advice she would give to her past self.

Skills for Justice has launched the Career Pathways portal, a resource designed to help job seekers, including wannabe lawyers, better understand the range of roles and progression routes in their respective work sectors.

Clyde & Co has announced that it is to recruit two legal apprentices for its Newcastle office, starting in September 2016. The firm already runs similar schemes in its London, Manchester and Guildford offices.

A businessman known for laying off thousands of workers has been appointed to oversee the government’s £1 billion court reforms.

International firm Dentons has appointed a ‘chief mindfulness officer’.

For the fourth year running, LawCareers.Net is on the hunt to discover the best law lecturer from institutions across the country.

The Junior Lawyers Division has launched its annual essay competition.

Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) has a suite of free downloadable guides, resources and template letters available to parents and carers.

Irwin Mitchell and Thomas Eggar have announced their merger, which will be complete by the end of the year.

The legal healthcare charity LawCare’s review of 2012 has reported that stress issues continue to be the most frequent reason that lawyers call its helpline.