Why commercial awareness? Why not! Start here with our carefully selected compilation of thought-provoking and conversation-starting business news.

The SRA has warned that more large law firms may fail over the next few years as a result of gloomy economic conditions, as it confirms that talks are ongoing with over 50 firms where intervention may be necessary in 2013.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is poised to merge with the US law firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, establishing a new transatlantic powerhouse that’ll employ 2,700 lawyers and generate more than £1.5 billion in revenue.

Among the different types of client are professional athletes and performers; their managers, coaches and agents; the creators of artistic works; sports clubs and governing bodies; the owners of theatres and festival grounds; broadcasters, distributors and advertising agencies; and the big brands that sponsor tournaments or individual stars.

President of the Family Law Division Sir Andrew McFarlane has announced plans to reinvigorate the Public Law Outline to address the “unacceptable” backlog of public law family cases. 

The University of Law has revealed new courses focused on preparing students for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.

As lawyers become increasingly sucked into the phone-hacking scandal, law firm Harbottle & Lewis has been given permission to defend itself over Rupert Murdoch's claim that the firm made a "major mistake" in the legal advice it gave the corporation in 2007 in respect of an internal investigation into phone hacking.

On 23 April London Metropolitan University welcomed a variety of representatives from the legal profession to the law school for its first ever "Get Into Law" day, designed to advise students on how to get ahead in the profession.

Blackpool Magistrates’ Court has been permanently closed after it was deemed too costly to repair, following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). 

BT has announced the launch of BT Law after becoming the latest famous brand to be granted an alternative business structure licence by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The College of Law's Future Lawyers Network is running a series of podcasts, entitled Brief Chats, featuring "top legal professionals" and offering tips and advice on how to get ahead in the world of law.

City law firm Kingsley Napley LLP has announced a new enhanced ‘Time-off for Dependents’ policy, which surpasses the UK’s statutory obligations.

Tens of thousands of pounds have been spent on improving the security of top judges’ homes due to fears for their safety, a freedom of information request has revealed. 

This week, the world’s business leaders, politicians and campaigners gathered in the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the annual World Economic Forum.

The Law Society of England and Wales has published a new practical guide designed to help solicitors make safer decisions when using AI, warning of challenges to data protection, unreliable and inaccurate outputs, and biased results.

The LawWorks Annual Pro Bono Awards has once again recognised the outstanding contributions made by the firms and individuals who give their time and expertise for free to help others who cannot afford to pay for legal services.

City firm HFW has announced a new gender equality strategy, vowing that at least 40% of senior lateral hires over the next three years will go to women, after missing its 2020 gender targets.

Over half of callers to the LawCare helpline in 2019 were trainee solicitors, pupil barristers or junior lawyers, according to the legal mental health charity’s latest figures.

The College of Law has announced details of its 2013 scholarship programme, to help its students with their course fees.

International firm Dentons will close two UK offices – one in Aberdeen and the other in Watford – to assist with full-time working from home and reduce its real estate.