Welcome to the next topic in this series, where I attempt to make commercial awareness content for non-law students like myself.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been more prevalent in our lives than ever before - self-driving cars, automated clinical diagnosis and credit card application approval all incorporate a significant degree of AI.

Hogan Lovells has announced plans to merge with US law firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, in what the firms describe as the “largest law firm combination in history”.

After a memorable conversation with my criminal practice professor on her career in criminal law, I've been leafing through The Secret Barrister: Nothing But the Truth, an eye-opening account of experiences as a criminal barrister.

Regardless of your opinions on generative AI, one fact can’t be denied: if you don’t use it, someone else will, and they’re likely completing work and job applications more efficiently than you. So, let’s discuss the pros and cons of using generative AI in job applications.

The Law Society of England and Wales has confirmed that a regional solicitor admission ceremony will take place in Leeds on Monday 11 September 2023. 

Fifth Day, a pro bono scheme for non-lawyers in the legal sector, was launched earlier this week – it aims to encourage law firms to offer volunteering opportunities to non-fee earning staff. 

Baroness Hale, deputy president of the Supreme Court, has warned that the growing disconnect between the opportunities to study law and the number of legal jobs available makes it "very hard" for her to encourage young people to seek a legal career.

Following the success of the First 100 Years powered by Spark21, the team behind the initial project has just launched the Next 100 Years, which is dedicated to achieving equality for women in law.

International law firm Dentons has for the first time appointed a ‘shadow executive team’ made up of junior lawyers. The team is designed not only to expose younger lawyers to executive decision making at senior leadership, but also to allow the firm’s leaders to listen to a range of perspectives and experiences from across the business.

Global law firm Mayer Brown International LLP has revealed plans to split its Hong Kong and Chinese operations from the rest of its international network, making it the latest firm to consider its presence in China amid tensions with the US and weakness in the Chinese market. 

What is the future of divorce proceedings in the United Kingdom?

From associate to partner, Stevens & Bolton LLP’s Sophie Ashcroft reflects on coming out at work, building confidence with clients and why visibility matters in today’s law firms.

Trained on vast datasets, Generative Artificial Intelligence models can produce impressively sophisticated outputs - some of which are perhaps indistinguishable from human-created works. However, these new tools raise significant legal quandaries, particularly for copyright law.

The Free Representation Unit is a charity that provides individuals with representation that they could not afford otherwise and gives junior lawyers a valuable opportunity to get practical advocacy experience. 

The Free Representation Unit (FRU) is a charity that provides individuals with representation that they couldn’t otherwise afford and gives junior lawyers a valuable opportunity to get practical advocacy experience.

B Corps are not a new phenomenon. Some of our favourite brands have had B Corp certification for years – does Ben and Jerrys ring a bell?

Harrow Law Centre, set up in 2010, has taken an unusual step and bid for a criminal legal aid contract and, as such, will now be able to offer greater support to its vulnerable clients.

The College of Legal Practice has created a new law conversion course, which will cost £3,250, to be launched from January 2024.