As it starts to feel like summer is just round the corner, it is easy to be tempted by the allure of outside drinking and BBQs, and lose focus on the task at hand – namely, honing your commercial awareness so as to be able to present yourself as a credible candidate to the law firms that you hope to join. 

Ramp up your efforts towards achieving commercial amazingness by keeping up with current affairs and casting your eye over these interesting business news stories from the last few days.

Staff at Stephenson Harwood LLP can work from home permanently in return for a 20% pay cut, as part of the firm’s new remote working policy which is set to be enforced this month. 

US firm Armstrong Teasdale has acquired London-based Kerman & Co in its first overseas venture. The move by the top 200 US firm adds 50 lawyers to its roster, bringing its headcount to roughly 340 fee earners and 300 support staff. 

City lawyers could be hit with job losses and stagnant or declining pay amid the harsh consequences of the financial year, according to The Times.  

Most LPC programmes are delivered in two stages.

Premier international law firm Milbank LLP has launched a new training pathway – leveraged finance track – for candidates with “a clear and committed interest in leveraged finance”. 

Conservative MP Chris Grayling has replaced Ken Clarke as the country's justice secretary, following a reshuffle by Prime Minister David Cameron on 4 September.

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What are the legal implications of the 'gig economy'?

Skye Fenton-Wells explains how Womble Bond Dickinson recruits its future lawyers, what skills they look for and the information you should be including in your applications. Discover how you can be a successful applicant with Skye’s insight.

What do rising insolvencies mean for the construction industry and the lawyers it instructs?

How do law firms price their work?

Video interviewing is a great way for law firms and chambers to get to know candidates before inviting them to an in-person interview or assessment centre. There are key differences between interviewing virtually and in person, so it’s essential you’re prepared.

Earlier this month I did something for the first time in three and a half years: I took a holiday and didn’t do any work at all! No main work, no side work, no writing, no nothing! Just a few days away, doing the things I wanted to do.

Happy new year! Have you been keeping up with the commercial news over the holidays? The government has proposed changes to copyright law, which has been met with protest from the British music industry. Meanwhile, Lidl revealed a 7% boost in sales in the lead up to Christmas, Nationwide reported that house prices increased by 4.7% over 2024 and the single bus fare cap is set to rise by £1 next week. 

Events such as the World Cup can be a brand owner's dream, but how can they be prevented from becoming a nightmare?

What is the Bribery Act 2010 and what impact will it have?

What are the implications of cyber-attacks for businesses and what can they do to prepare?