With the start of the new academic year coming up, no doubt your anticipation is intensifying and a sense of responsibility mounting. This final year will not merely test your legal knowledge; it's one of the key last steps before a career in law. This is a period marked by intense academic rigour, critical decision making regarding specialisations and much career planning. Let's delve into what this crucial year entails

The transition from sixth form to university, especially at the height of the pandemic, was quite challenging (for context, I attended an international school outside the UK).

As a first year, what should your mentality be towards work experience? The mere fact that you’re reading this article is already a good start. However, it is paramount to understand that there is no need to be desperately seeking every opportunity. The common mistake among first years is to apply for as many insight schemes as possible and hope for the best. 

I know the legal profession can be demanding and competitive, so how do I avoid burnout at work?

Volunteering pro bono has almost as many benefits for students as it does for members of the public in need of legal advice. Read our student guide to pro bono work to discover how it can propel your legal career.

Find out about the recruitment process at Herbert Smith Freehills and absorb Rebecca Worrall’s advice on avoiding application mistakes.

Dentons’ Rosie Buckley offers insights into the firm’s online application form and vacation schemes.

I’m 40 years old and interested in changing careers. I want to become a solicitor but don’t know what my funding options are – can you help?

Last week saw Prime Minister Boris Johnson extend the UK’s lockdown by three weeks. This week’s commercial news round-up summarises several important developments in the business and legal worlds that we think you should know about.

What should a business bear in mind when it comes to consumer rights?

Is the freedom of the media being tempered by an ad hoc privacy law?

What would be the impact for the City if Britain were to leave the European Union?

Amicus is a legal non-profit organisation based in London, which helps secure equal access to justice for those facing the death penalty in the United States. Every year, the organisation provides autumn and spring training for those interested in volunteering. 

When does a cyber-attack become an act of war?

Does green hydrogen have the green light?

How is English law moving toward better recognition and protection of celebrities’ image rights as valuable commodities?

Is the Financial Services Authority (FSA) moving towards a more active enforcement policy in the financial sector?

How is risk managed in M&A transactions?

So, you’ve landed a vacation scheme. First of all, congrats! That’s no small feat. With hundreds (sometimes thousands) of applicants gunning for a handful of spots, just being offered a place means you’ve already impressed someone. But now that you're in, the real work begins.