As the moon passed between the sun and the earth on Monday, those in North America experienced a rare phenomenon: a solar eclipse. Millions of people gathered to witness the event with the path of totality spanning parts of Mexico, eastern Canada and 13 US states. While we all marvel at the pictures and hastily google “when will the next total solar eclipse be visible in the UK?” (not until 2090 apparently!), what else has been happening this week? Read on to find out!

How important are ESG policies to modern commercial relationships and how does this impact the lawyer/client relationship?

A leading international law firm, Clifford Chance is where bright minds meet. Early talent looking to build a dynamic commercial law career will find that the benefits and development they can gain from our training contracts are second to none.

This week, we take a look at the damage that’s been caused so far by Hurricane Milton in the US, provide an update on the Wagatha Christie case, outline the latest allegations against Google and how UK pharmaceutical company GSK is settling thousands of claims that its discontinued heartburn drug Zantac caused cancer.

Could a 'take or pay' clause included in a supply contract amount to an unenforceable penalty?

As usual it’s been a busy week in the commercial world – from interest rate updates in the UK and across the pond in the US, to X in Brazil and a lawsuit filed against the game dubbed as ‘Pokémon with guns’. As we head into the autumn term, this is your time to read our round-up, reflect on the commercial and legal impact of the stories and go off and do your own research on anything that you find particularly interesting. Enjoy!

On the 24 February, the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 was enacted, marking a significant moment in the UK’s journey in tackling water pollution and holding water companies accountable.

One thing I didn’t consider when pursuing a career in law is whether I was prepared to sacrifice ‘me time’.

From listening and watching to shopping and receiving deliveries, this week’s round-up consists of a few names you may recognise and not just because they’re often in the news!

International firm Allen & Overy is set to house a special office for start-up ‘lawtech’ businesses. 

As reported in the Law Gazette, Director of Public Prosecutions Kier Starmer has vowed that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will become entirely paperless by April 2012.

International firm Hogan Lovells has joined the DiversCity mentoring scheme, the first programme specifically designed to provide informal support to LGBT students who aspire to a career in City law.

The Law Reform Committee of the Bar Council has announced the topic for its annual essay competition, sponsored by the Bar Council scholarship trust.

The Modern Law Awards last week honoured the chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, Diane Burleigh OBE, for her lifetime of achievements in the legal profession.

Concern among lawyers regarding the rise of fee-earning McKenzie friends, notably among members of the Bar, has heightened following the dramatic ban of a McKenzie friend from the courtroom.

Students are invited to enter the sixth annual essay competition run by The Access to Justice Foundation in association with LawWorks, by submitting an article of between 750 and 1,000 words.

Winckworth Sherwood has been named the leading law firm in the United Kingdom for workplace gender and ethnic diversity by the Black Solicitors Network.

International law firm Dechert LLP has introduced mental health ‘first aiders’ among its staff.

The College of Law is encouraging attendees to its series of open days promoting its new two-year LLB, due to start in September 2012 at the College’s London Bloomsbury, Birmingham and Chester centres.