Networking is a vital skill – not only for aspiring lawyers looking to gain employment or work experience,  but also throughout a qualified lawyer’s career. Solicitors and barristers are always looking to bring in new business, make useful connections and learn more about the legal and business worlds, so networking is a key part of any lawyer’s working life.

Conducting in-depth research into a law firm before making an application is essential – it will be challenging to secure a training contract without doing so. Here is a succinct guide on how to research law firms when applying for vacation schemes.

How might blockchain influence real estate transactions?

How do leveraged buyouts combine private equity and debt finance to provide an attractive way to finance transactions?

During a panel event of an open day I attended, the panellists shared their most interesting cases.

What is the story behind patents in the real world?

Eklavya Sharma, a corporate associate at K&L Gates LLP talks about the legal and non-legal work experience that supported his training contract applications, and outlines the various opportunities at the firm.

Transport is multifaceted and covers areas of the economy such as aviation, logistics, rail, shipping and infrastructure. As energy (eg, electricity and fuel) directly impacts how transport can be used, these two sectors are greatly intertwined. Transport is also heavily regulated, with the concerns of clients typically relating to regulatory change, increasing insurance risk and liabilities, and a need for innovation and new routes to finance.

Can a retailer's unique store layout be protected from copycats?

How is the gig economy impacting employment status?

As well as looking at the value of trainees within a legal business, this article will also provide insights into Stevens & Bolton LLP – a law firm that’s just announced a major expansion to its trainee programme.

Why should businesses register a trademark?

The cost of studying for the qualifications to become a solicitor or barrister is an important factor to most people pursuing a career in law. Here’s our guide to the loans and scholarships available for law degrees, as well as the PGDL, LPC, SQE and Bar courses.

Looking for an ‘in’? Open days and insight schemes are invaluable opportunities to meet the people that work for the law firms you’re interested in. You’ll learn about life in the organisation, its culture, the work on offer and much more. Plus, if prepped well, it’s your chance to ace that initial interaction, which will set you up nicely for future encounters and could eventually lead to a training contract.

Will the proposals of the Review of Intellectual Property and Growth overcomplicate matters?

In this LCN Says, we speak to Rebecca Keay from Mayer Brown International LLP about life as a trainee in an intellectual property (IP) and data protection seat.

Tax work for private clients typically involves advising ultra-high net-worth individuals and families, including trustees and family offices, on managing their assets in a tax-efficient way for the long-term benefit of future generations.

In the wake of the recent UK referendum vote to leave the European Union, what issues have been raised for those working in European offices of international law firms?

Expert recruiter – and animal lover – Lucie Rees is understandably proud to have supported so many candidates through their journeys from being wide-eyed students to confident, qualified solicitors and partners. Read her advice for the current generation of aspiring lawyers and gain an insight into the application process – as well as working life – at Watson Farley & Williams.

I didn’t go to a selective school, but have good A-levels and my ambition is to be a City lawyer – what does this mean for my chances? What are law firms doing to improve the representation of people from low socioeconomic backgrounds?