Here’s our last round-up of 2023, covering plans to tackle spiking, a possible merger, Swiss business and 2023 awards. We’ve got it all, especially for you. 

Our recent commercial awareness case study video uses the PESTLE technique (Political Economical Social Technological Legal Environmental) to analyse the implications of the recent Flybe government bailout. 

This week’s best economic news is that the year-long squeeze on wages is nearing an end, at least according to the Office of National Statistics, which has released figures showing that people’s pay is now catching up to inflation. However, reports from elsewhere in the world show that the global economic situation remains precarious.

Applications are now open for LawCareers.Net’s legal careers conferences, LawCareersNetLIVE sponsored by The University of Law, taking place in November and December later this year.

The Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee has published its 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List, which highlighted the work of 4,780 lawyers. Now in its second year, the list celebrates lawyers who have given 25 or more hours of pro bono legal assistance over the previous calendar year.

The widespread unavailability of legal aid is putting people’s human rights at risk, MPs have warned in report published by the justice select committee.

What is private equity?

Solicitors should refuse clients’ instructions if they are discriminatory, the Law Society has said after an Afghan-born woman barrister was asked to return her instructions because the client wanted “a white male barrister”.

If you have completed the GDL, the chances are that you will stay on at the same provider to do the LPC. 

International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has launched sector-specific training contracts in real estate and financial services as part of its plan to “increase sector experience for the firm’s future lawyers”. 

University law schools across the country are beginning to grapple with the use of AI models such as ChatGPT in the classroom, as students begin to use the programme to aid their work.

It’s the last month of the summer holidays. Before you know it, you’ll have spent it binge watching Love Island or sending memes! Why not take a break to read up on what’s been occupying the commercial scene this week. 

It’s nearly Friday! Time to grab a cuppa and reflect on what’s been happening this week.

I'm just going to come out and say what everyone is thinking: barrister wigs look funny and seem pointless. The concept of wearing a wig nearly deterred me from pursuing the Bar when I was a first-year student (jokes!).

The Law Society of England and Wales believes that the adoption of hybrid and flexible working initiatives could provide a chance to improve social mobility within the legal profession. 

Whether your hard-earned internship remains online or bravely commits to in-person plans, here is my advice on how to get the most from it.

Is depolarisation the way to solve the savings gap?

More reliable than Boris Johnson’s Brexit timetable, our weekly round-up of the commercial news stories you need to know about can help you to improve your commercial awareness and keep up to date with the business world.