The reasons that firms decide to merge are as varied as the firms themselves, but there are usually some key drivers – namely, the desire to expand, geographically or in terms of expertise, or to stay afloat. For the lawyers who find that the firm they joined is no longer the firm at which they work, there are normally a raft of opportunities and maybe especially so for trainees.

Working as a paralegal before securing a training contract is increasingly the norm for thousands of candidates. It’s even possible to qualify as a solicitor by gaining relevant experience as a paralegal, instead of a formal training contract – a route that could become even more popular with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and qualifying work experience.

As anyone entering the legal profession is constantly reminded: it’s competitive to get a training contract. Applicants can be competing against hundreds, if not thousands, of other candidates for a small number of training contract vacancies. While some law firms will take on 50+ trainees a year, other firms employ only a handful.

I recently graduated with my law degree (which still feels odd to write) and, call me nosy, one of the most interesting things following this has been hearing about the plans of my fellow graduates. These conversations have reminded me how versatile a law degree is and forced me to think of life outside of legal studies.

I very much enjoy the variation, both in the type of work and the subject matter, and I like being able to work on my own and decide when I work.

Another year, another advent… another chocolate calendar. Each day counts down to Christmas and the excitement builds as I open the next Cadbury’s window. Yet, at the same time, I cannot escape the foreboding feeling that a whole new year is almost upon us. This year has presented many challenges, disappointments and restrictions: “the year that just kept taking”. And so, the new year brings with it an unspoken pressure to make up for lost time. 

How are developments being impacted by the Environment Act from late 2023 and what does it mean for lawyers advising clients?

Why do private equity houses invest where they do?

Has anyone else reached the point of the university year where your workload is so unmanageable that the only thing you do instead of facing it is watching TV? No? Just me? If you are looking for a way to salve your conscious as you turn your back on the hundreds of pages of reading you haven’t done yet (and which you promise yourself you will catch up on over Christmas), I would recommend watching something that is (however loosely) based around the law in some way. 

The illness of a close family member has really impacted my studies and exam results – how can I explain this in my training contract/vacation scheme applications? 

How will new-wave technology change the way that lawyers work?

Victim Support has launched a new website to help children and young people who are victims or witnesses of crime.

Checkout-free shopping may be convenient for the consumer, but are there any legal issues to be considered before Amazon Go lands in Britain?

With the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, the path to becoming a lawyer has undergone a significant transformation. Candidates across the UK are adjusting to this new assessment format, which differs from traditional academic exams. In this article, Jody Tranter, senior director of learning at BARBRI, explores how adopting the right mindset can help you navigate this new exam and route to becoming a lawyer with confidence and clarity.

Commercial law firm Kennedys has launched a virtual work experience programme, which will enable aspiring lawyers globally to gain experience at one of the world’s leading law firms.

Will the government’s cut to the discount rate, which determines how much compensation insurers must pay to claimants who have suffered life-changing injuries, amount to a fairer system?

Attending a law firm’s open day, insight scheme or presentation is a great way to meet lawyers and recruiters, and gain valuable insights that’ll improve your applications. Read our five tips to help you prepare and make a good impression on the day.

Networking is a vital skill – not only for aspiring lawyers looking to gain employment or work experience, but also throughout a qualified lawyer’s career. Solicitors and barristers are always looking to bring in new business, make useful connections and learn more about the legal and business worlds, so networking is a key part of any lawyer’s working life.