London law firm Mishcon de Reya has launched a programme to offer free legal advice and mentoring to early-stage tech businesses.

Lawyers have been seeking specialist support with their mental health since the UK’s lockdown began in March, according to recent figures.

The College of Law has recently published research that shows that vacancies for training contracts are likely to outnumber new LPC graduates within the next few years.

How do you know which type of law firm is the right fit for you? Where you train will influence your career path, as the key practice areas, size and clients of each firm vary. 

This blog will give a brief historical overview of the barrister/solicitor distinction in the UK, analysing their characteristics and identifying whether there’s a merger between the two branches of the legal profession today. 

EU officials have come to an agreement regarding proposed laws to regulate the use of AI, there have been calls for a new food allergen law to be passed, more than two million Tesla cars have been recalled in the US, and an England Lioness star has trademarked her name. Find out more in the commercial news round-up.

Media and entertainment barristers have clients in a variety of sectors, including theatre, film, music, publishing, broadcasting, sport and advertising.

What is next for the platform gig economy?

The law centre helping victims of the Grenfell Tower fire has had its funding slashed so severely that it is relying on public donations, charitable grants and lawyers choosing to work for free, it has been revealed. 

Oxford Brookes School of Law and The College of Legal Practice have joined forces to offer the law school’s students discounted access to Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) preparation courses, as well as appropriate guidance and information on the new route to qualifying.

Public-spirited lawyers undertaking long, complex cases for free are the only people filling the “gaping holes in the fabric of legal aid”, a High Court judge has said.

Farrer & Co LLP has launched a free training guide for prospective lawyers to improve their commercial acumen – a skill that all law firm recruiters look for in candidates. 

International law firm CMS has launched its ‘next generation’ vacation scheme as part of its CMS Academy programme. 

While acknowledging calls for greater flexibility in the provision of legal training, the Law Society has insisted that the rigorous standards of the current system must be maintained in its response to the latest discussion paper from the Legal Education and Training Review.

The legal industry is bearing witness to a string of mergers taking place this winter as law firms expand their strength and reach ahead of the new year.

Simmons & Simmons has earned the title of most gay-friendly law firm in the United Kingdom for the second year in a row.

The Legal Education Foundation has established the Justice First Fellowship Scheme to boost careers in social welfare law; in the first round of recruitment, seven training contracts will be available with host organisations in England and Scotland.

The Law Society has said that the vote by the UK electorate to leave the European Union has created an “unprecedented and complex range of legal issues”, but that the profession is focused on finding solutions.