Anti-strike laws, the digital pound and TikTok advertising are among some of the stories we look at in this week’s round-up. Read on for a summary of our commercial story picks of the week, but don’t just leave it there – how might these stories impact the industry, your shortlisted firms and their clients?

Daniel Jeffrey shares his journey and experiences as a barrister at 29 Bedford Row Chambers, highlighting his career transition from police officer to lawyer, the extensive application process he undertook and the importance of hard work and individuality in securing pupillage. 

Dentons’ Rosie Buckley offers insights into the firm’s online application form and vacation schemes.

Banking and finance is a global industry involving a wide variety of financial products, ranging from simple bank loans to companies, to highly structured financing arrangements across multiple jurisdictions.

The long road, from starting your legal studies to becoming a fully qualified solicitor or barrister, can feel lonely. For me, one of the most difficult aspects of starting my journey into law was knowing what I was getting myself into! 

Law students and aspiring lawyers' life paths can easily become overcomplicated throughout the year, as you tackle applications and exams (among other things). It's important for individuals dealing with such workloads to slow down and take stock to stay confident, motivated and avoid burnout. 

Many more law firms are preparing to offer legal apprenticeships when the government’s apprenticeship levy comes into effect in April. 

The National College of Legal Training has announced that it will not recruit intakes for the GDL or LPC in 2013-14 because of a decrease in applications for the courses.

The stereotypical neat rows of seated students and scrupulously timed written exams may be a casualty of the pandemic. There seems to be a proliferative consensus among professors and more broadly within the education departments of universities which suggests that the old style of examinations is anachronistic. 

As first-year scheme applications draw to a close, I thought that this would be a good time to blog about my experience applying to first-year schemes and open days at various law firms.

Jessikah Inaba, aged 23, made history last week, qualifying as Britain’s first Black, blind barrister.

It’s A-level results day and as thousands of students across the country find out where they are going to study at university, we urge all incoming law students to head to our first-year zone for more information on what to do at this stage. Meanwhile, we’ve summarised a collection of interesting and relevant commercial news stories below.

How long are legal qualifications valid for? Once I graduate with my law degree, how long do I have to qualify as a solicitor/barrister before it expires?

Rabin Kok explains the importance of mini-pupillages for aspiring barristers, outlines the type of work he gets involved with at South Square and offers advice for those interested in a career at the Bar in this Meet the Lawyer interview. 

I’ve noticed that some law firms are recruiting graduate solicitor apprentices instead of trainee solicitors – what’s the difference and how do I know which type of training to apply to?

Here's our suggested timetable for recruitment to the Bar.

Galina Usorova shares her journey cross qualifying as a solicitor in the UK after practising in Russia and provides insights into her role in the fraud and asset recovery team at Stephenson Harwood LLP. Plus, she outlines a high-profile case where she acted for a Russian businessman who was resisting a claim brought by two banks.

Accounting giant Deloitte has announced a three-year training contract that incorporates one study day a week for trainees to prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.

Originally, my career in local government started by accident! After finishing university I was looking for my first job within the legal sector. Luckily for me I was given a bundle clerk position which meant that I was able to experience the area of child care law for the first time the area.

Kate McLean, managing corporate associate, provides insight into her career at Ward Hadaway. Find out more about her journey into the profession, including advice about vacation schemes and choosing the right firm to train at.