At LawCareers.Net we know that commercial awareness might seem like a vague and meaningless term that law firms and recruiters throw around to bamboozle you. That’s why we’ve created our new commercial awareness hub to keep relevant information in one place, and we recently filmed a video offering some key insight into how to stay commercial aware, as well as a couple of case studies to think about in a commercial context.

Summer has vanished in a flash leaving us with cold mornings and dark nights. Soon it will be Christmas and you’ll be gathered around the TV drinking mulled wine and watching Home Alone.

Law firms transitioned to remote working just over a year ago as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, with government guidance confirming that the work from home ‘where you can’ policy will remain in place until 21 June at the earliest.

Happy new year aspiring lawyers! 

In the words of Nina Simone, “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me, and I’m feeling good!” 

A study of 3,000 firms by the Solicitors Regulation Authority has found that many law firms do not know how to make reasonable adjustments for disabled staff and solicitors are concealing their disabilities at work.

The Legal Services Board has launched an investigation into whether the Solicitors Regulation Authority is sufficiently independent – a move that will put further pressure on the Law Society, which remains the approved regulator of solicitors.

Two new apprenticeships schemes have launched this week, further cementing the importance of this new route into the legal profession.

It’s been a busy week, with both Halloween and Bitcoin’s 10^th birthday falling on the same day (which one did you celebrate?), fracking-induced earthquakes stopping work at the Cuadrilla site in Lancashire and the Waitrose Food magazine editor lambasted for suggesting that vegans should be kidnapped and force-fed meat. We’re not sure which news story is spookier… happy Hal-law-een! (Sorry.)

Students’ exceptional contributions to pro bono were honoured yesterday at the LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards.

The University of Law has revealed its plans to reopen all its UK campuses for staff and students in September.

Legal education provider BARBRI has secured new partnerships with Young Legal Aid Lawyers and STRIVE to support aspiring solicitors from all socio-economic backgrounds to take the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and qualify as solicitors.  

Rap music is regularly used as criminal evidence in cases in England and Wales – which could lead to unjust prosecutions, as highlighted by a recent report by the University of Manchester.

Despite the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s withdrawal from the Voluntary Code to Good Practice in the Recruitment of Trainee Solicitors, it has been announced that the code will continue to be upheld by its other signatories.

The justice secretary Michael Gove has abandoned a controversial new bidding scheme for legal aid contracts and suspended a further 8.75% fee cut for duty criminal solicitors who represent people suspected of crimes in police stations and magistrates courts.

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) has received Privy Council approval to amend its Royal Charter and introduce the title of CILEX 'Chartered Paralegal’ – a “significant step” in providing paralegals with formal career recognition and acknowledgement of their achievements. 

With the summer holidays in full swing for university students, and just beginning for those younger would-be lawyers, now is the perfect time to consider how to spend some time building the foundations for your future career. Alongside all your staycations, of course!

While a number of big firms have begun to recall furloughed staff as coronavirus lockdown measures begin to ease, the year ahead remains uncertain for hundreds of solicitors.