Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP published its 2021 pay gap report last week, revealing another positive year in the firm’s efforts to reduce its gender pay gap. 

Today we are pleased to bring you details of the firms and individuals who are nominated for the 11th annual LawCareers.Net Training & Recruitment Awards.

The sharp rise of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) sector has created a demand from investors and scrutiny from regulators, especially in the environmental sector. The abbreviation ESG has become ubiquitous recently, therefore it is paramount for aspiring lawyers to follow the rise of the ESG sector.

Sixteen law firms have made LGBT rights charity Stonewall’s top 100 LGBT-inclusive employers list for 2018, with three in the top 10.

I’m beginning to understand the mechanics of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). In Autumn 2021 the Solicitors Regulation Authority will introduce a two-part assessment, including a multiple-choice element designed to test legal knowledge (SQE1) and a series of written and oral exams designed to test legal skills (SQE2). Eventually, all new solicitors will have to pass both stages and undertake two years of relevant work experience before they can qualify.

In 2020, the British economy suffered its worst annual downturn in 300 years as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s latest report shows a drop in overall pass rate for the first part of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), SQE1, from 53% in the November 2021 sitting to 51% in the January 2023 sitting.

The role of general counsel (GC) has become an increasingly popular appointment at top law firms, mirroring its rise among commercial companies. GCs are in-house lawyers at large companies tasked with overseeing legal issues and advice across their organisations.

The Race Fairness Commitment has been adopted by 17 top law firms in partnership with Rare Recruitment as part of their long-term strategies to help recruit, retain and develop black, Asian and minority ethnic talent within the legal profession.

Following a 2020 pledge by Rishi Sunak, Ron Kalifa OBE’s Kalifa Review of UK Fintech was published earlier this year. The review lays out a vision and execution model for the UK to maintain its leadership in the cutting-edge field of fintech.

Global temperatures, AI regulations, a new European Union (EU) deal and Disney growth plans that include music giant Taylor Swift are all covered in this week’s commercial news round-up. Are any of these stories on your radar and what commercial implications can you spot? 

The Windrush generation refers to a group of Commonwealth citizens who immigrated to Britain from Caribbean countries between 1948-1971. In 1948, the British Nationality Act 1948 was introduced, creating the status of 'citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies' who had a right of abode in the UK.

Increasingly, there is a movement among law firms to concentrate on first-year students and provide them with the opportunity to learn more about their organisations.

Diversity and inclusion have become buzzwords in every industry, but they’re especially important in law. 

Is it possible for solicitors to have a good work/life balance? If I start a family, are there part-time or term-time options? 

I want to join a City firm, but the various categories have confused me. What are the different types of City firm?

What is the role of energy lawyers in combating climate change?

You may have heard of the Watson Glaser test, a preliminary test during the application review stage, or the situational judgement test (SJT). Both are commonly used by graduate recruitment teams at law firms. During an SJT test, you may be expected to answer questions on hypothetical scenarios, certain skills or values, which would then generate a report summarising your key strengths.

In this post, I will share what type of work experience is available for first years (and also non-law students). I hope this is helpful for you to gain some experience during the summer holidays! 

For aspiring lawyers, building a robust professional network isn’t just beneficial – it's essential.