US firms White & Case LLP, Vinson & Elkins RLLP and Covington & Burling LLP share their trainee retention rates for autumn 2023, while Baker McKenzie and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner bump newly qualified (NQ) solicitor salaries as the competition to attract the best future talent continues. 

Read this week’s commercial news round-up for some of the latest news relating to the business and legal worlds.

Bulb Energy is a large energy supplier with 650 employees, serving around 1.5 million people in the UK. It launched in 2015 with a focus on providing renewable energy at a fair price.

The role of general counsel (GC) has become an increasingly popular appointment at top law firms, mirroring its rise among commercial companies. To become a GC, you must be a qualified lawyer with an array of legal and business experience.

London School of Economics and Political Science undergraduate Imaan Kamran Malik is due to be recognised at this year’s Student Social Mobility Awards for overcoming socioeconomic challenges to break into the legal profession and her efforts to improve access to the field.

Travers Smith LLP and Linklaters LLP both launch new AI training programmes to boost employee understanding, improve the expertise of their lawyers and keep up with the fast-paced nature of the evolving technology space. 

The Vickers Report: what are the implications for consumers, banks and lawyers?

Clifford Chance has secured the top spot in Stonewall’s annual top 100 employers list, which celebrates exceptional employers that champion LGBTQ+ equality across the UK.  

I got a 2:2 at university because I spent too much time on extracurricular activities and work experience, rather than on my studies. Should I explain this in my training contract applications? And is there any chance that my extracurriculars could support my application instead?

The SRA has responded to the publication of the LETR, stating that the report would provide a starting point from which to consider a series of radical reforms.

Nottingham Law School (NLS) has launched a range of Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) preparation courses to prepare students for the SQE. The SQE will be phased in from September 2021 and will eventually replace the current route into the solicitors’ profession, the Legal Practice Course.

Magic circle firm Linklaters has launched a new innovation podcast series, Linkubator, aimed at students who want to develop their understanding of how the legal sector is being transformed by innovation and emerging technologies.

Since it’s spooky season, it seems only right to provide a round-up of business news that’s been haunting the City this week.

The new centralised ‘super exam’ for qualifying solicitors which will replace the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course (LPC) does not amount to a “robust and effective measure of competence” and may end up costing students more than the current system, the University of Law has said.

It’s Thursday, which means business as usual; we’re bringing you the top trending commercial news. 

Have you been keeping up with the commercial news? Warmer UK weather has impacted British Gas’ profits, eBay has acquired Depop from Etsy and data shows that retailers plan to cut working hours. 

As the days turn colder and we move into the autumn term, the devastating impact of coronavirus continues to sweep through the UK. This commercial news round-up summarises various coronavirus-related stories from the past week, as well as other updates from the legal and business worlds that could serve as excellent starting points to help you build your commercial awareness.

What is the commercial role of a bill of lading?