An important part of creating an inclusive workplace is the sharing of knowledge and experience across teams and departments, with those who have a long-established career in particular helping those at different stages of their own career.

This week we launched the latest episode of The LawCareers.Net Podcast which covers all things commercial awareness. Give it a listen to find out more about the importance of being commercially aware, and to hear a case study in the airline industry that can be analysed in a commercial way.

The number of pupillage positions on offer in 2022/23 hit a new record, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to the Bar Council’s new Pupillage Gateway report published last week. 

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

“Brexit means Brexit”, but what does that mean? We may not be any closer to finding out the details of what Brexit could entail (besides it definitely being Brexit, as Theresa May keeps saying), but a summer of government fence sitting and inactivity has finally come to an end this week with a big announcement. We bring you news of that below, along with a round-up of other important developments in the world of law and business this week.

A day later than usual, our latest round-up of the commercial news stories that any aspiring lawyer should be up to speed with shows that the world does not pause in the run-up to the Xmas holidays – if anything, momentous events are accelerating while many of us wind down before hopefully enjoying some time off. This week we focus on the ambitions and problems of two media giants, upcoming industrial action in yet another sector, and the very real clashes between profit drivers and ethics in the pharmaceutical industry. 

An independent review of the criminal courts has highlighted that the “entire system needs funding”, according to The Law Society of England and Wales President Richard Atkinson.

The American Bar Association has created a task force to address how artificial intelligence (AI) will affect legal practice, with a focus on six “critical” issues, including AI and legal education, and AI and access to justice. 

As autumn knocks at the door, we’re sure that you’re all getting excited for crunchy leaves, pumpkin spiced lattes, and Chancellor Philip Hammond’s big reveal of the autumn budget (29 October, people, put it in your diaries!). Here at LCN the autumn term signifies the onset of traversing the country for law fair season.

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has revealed that barristers are more reluctant than solicitors to adopt new technology, according to its latest Technology and Innovation at the Bar report.

The government has rejected calls from lawyers and firms to lower employment tribunal fees, which have caused a huge drop in the number of employment tribunal cases being brought since their introduction in 2013. 

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.

Allen & Overy LLP and Travers Smith LLP have revealed a new partnership with LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) charity GiveOut to launch a new LGBTQI Legal Aid Fund.

Close to 60% of women lawyers have experienced inappropriate gender-based comments from male colleagues or know other women who have, according to research by the First 100 Years Project.

Global legal training provider QLTS School revealed its Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) preparation courses earlier in the week. The SQE is the new centralised assessments, which will be introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in September 2021.

Now in its fourth year, the Legal Social Mobility Programme (LSMP) has increased its reach to 300 students from non-privileged backgrounds across seven towns and cities, broadening their access to the legal profession and developing their career aspirations.

The government has announced a £12.5 million funding boost for the family court pilot scheme ‘Pathfinder’, which has been welcomed by the Law Society of England and Wales.