The alternative 'equivalent means' route to qualifying as a solicitor has been successfully completed for the first time by Robert Houchill, who had been working as a senior paralegal in the immigration team at Bates Wells Braithwaite and is now a solicitor in the same team.

A pilot scheme launched by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, which gives law students the chance to help unrepresented doctors who have been referred for a fitness-to-practise hearing, is enjoying early success.

The University of Law will provide Solicitors Qualifying Examination training to Mischon de Reya LLP’s future trainees and solicitor apprentices as they enter a new exclusive partnership. 

The topic is in for this year’s Times Law Awards essay competition sponsored by One Essex Court, and it is “Cameras in court: justice’s loss or gain?”

The University of Law (ULaw) has partnered with Newcastle University to offer students specialised postgraduate training courses at the leading Russell Group institution’s Law School.

As summer draws to an end, that ‘back to school’ feeling is certainly lingering. Why not top up your commercial awareness before returning to university next month? This week’s commercial news round-up covers a variety of business news stories you should know about.

Stobart Barristers, a subsidiary of the Stobart Group, is to provide a new intermediary service directly linking barristers' services to businesses and members of the public.

Last year LawCareers.Net reported that 17  law firms had joined the pledge to combat career obstacles faced by minority ethnic lawyers, in partnership with Rare Recruitment. 

UK businesses, including law firms, are to be ranked on their openness to talent from all backgrounds in a joint initiative by the Social Mobility Foundation and Social Mobility Commission. 

CEO of Obelisk Support and founder of The First 100 Years and Next 100 Years campaigns Dana Denis-Smith has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours List for her services to women in law. 

Criminal barristers have narrowly voted to end their strike action and accept a new funding deal offered by the government, but senior figures at the Bar have warned that the dispute remains unresolved.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that it still intends to stop allowing soldiers injured while serving in the armed forces to pursue complaints through the courts, following speculation that the plans may have been dropped over the summer. 

Two international law firms have reported increased profits, and several other firms saw revenues rise as the 2024/25 financial reporting season begins.

National law firm Irwin Mitchell LLP has revealed its plans to target 100% renewable energy use in offices over the next three years, and to reach carbon net zero by 2040.

The Brexit shambles continues apace, with meetings this week between the new UK Brexit secretary, Dominic Raab, and the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier. It is thought that the main topic of conversation will be the EU’s scornful view of May’s white paper and its many problematic elements. And while you’re trying to keep up with the Brexit machinations, you also need to keep an eye on the commercial world – let us help, with this week’s selection of curated business news.

The government has proposed a further increase in court fees following a hike in March, but the Law Society has said the move amounts to a further curtailing of access to justice for members of the public and small businesses.

Law firm Chief Rod Waldie has outlined his expansion plans for Gateley Legal after a slowdown in the legal sector pay war meant Gateley’s salary to revenue ratio to returned to “normal” levels.  

More and more employees are being diagnosed with stress and are bringing claims against their employers. What steps should employers take to avoid being held legally liable for such claims?

The way aspiring barristers train and qualify is set to change as the Bar Standards Board lays out its new rules.