Associate Sophie Freelove offers her insights into Vinson & Elkins’ training contract, the early responsibility trainees are exposed to, the variety of work on offer and the firm’s excellent culture. Find out more in this Meet the Lawyer. 

Law firm Kingsley Napley LLP is the first legal employer to sign the Menopause Workplace Pledge, which is run by the Wellbeing of Women charity.

The UK’s legal technology sector attracted a record £188.8 million in investment last year, representing a 35% jump on the previous year, according to LawtechUK’s second Investment Snapshot.

The introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) should be delayed, according to leading law academics, because continuing uncertainty around the new system is making it impossible for students to make informed decisions about the choices available to them.

Taylor Wessing’s UK arm and international firm Winston & Strawn LLP have confirmed that they’re currently in merger discussions. If finalised, the merger could create the latest transatlantic force with over 1,300 lawyers and revenues of around $1.63 billion – placing this new firm within the top 40 in the Global 200.

This year’s London Legal Walk saw another record number of legal professionals turn up to complete one of the 10-kilometre routes to raise awareness and funds for access to justice. On Tuesday 17 June, 19,000 walkers came together in support of the London Legal Support Trust (LLST), an independent charity that funds law centres and pro bono agencies across London and the South East.

Baroness Hale is to become the first female president of the Supreme Court, taking over from Lord Neuberger in October this year. She will earn £225,000 a year as head of the court.

The Law Society has plans to launch a paralegal accreditation scheme, with the aim being to "drive up standards and provide recognition to these employees".

The eighth annual LawWorks & Attorney General Student Awards are underway, with nominations now being accepted for those law students and law schools undertaking great pro bono work.

BPP Law School has announced that, subject to validation from the Bar Standards Board, it will be offering the BPTC at its Manchester location from September 2013.

Shearman & Sterling has announced that it is keeping on all 13 of its September 2015 qualifying trainees, while fellow US-headquartered firm Latham & Watkins is retaining 20 of its 21 autumn qualifiers.

City firms Allen & Overy, Weil Gotshal & Manges and Herbert Smith have all landed advisory roles on the potential sale of The College of Law - the country’s biggest provider of legal education.

Cardiff University has become the latest education provider to be authorised by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) to deliver the vocational component of Bar training from September 2020.

What key reforms will be introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023?

The 2010-11 Pathways to Law annual report has revealed that 47% of the first cohort of pathways participants was admitted to a Russell Group or 1994 Group university.

The UK’s Supreme Court President Lord Reed announced that he'll step down on 10 January 2027. Law Society of England and Wales President Mark Evans stated: “We pay tribute to his service, leadership and dedication and wish him well in the future.”

For young legal professionals entering an increasingly competitive and digital-first industry, building a personal brand isn’t about self-promotion for the sake of it, it’s about visibility, credibility, and creating opportunities that might not otherwise come your way.

Paralegals will regulated for the first time through a voluntary scheme which it is hoped will prove their credentials to wary employers and members of the public.

The Law Society has deemed it necessary to issue lawyers with advice regarding the use of social media.