Isabella Lewis (she/her) is a senior associate who works in debt finance at A&O Shearman. In this profile, Isabella discusses her area of focus, trade and commodities finance, how extensive research led her to decide on a career in law and the importance of business development. 

I think the combination of mentors, confidence and consistent hard work is what drove me to the pinnacle of BigLaw. So, to all aspiring socially mobile lawyers, here are my top pieces of advice to succeed in BigLaw.

AI Act: what are the legislative and political challenges that could arise?

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.

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.

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.

Barrister wigs have been a long-standing tradition since the 17th Century, but is the dress code outdated and alienating aspiring barristers from pursuing careers at the Bar?

Public law can take many forms, from statutory appeals, inquiries, disciplinary proceedings to public procurement, environmental issues and discrimination law. 

LawCareers.Net is delighted to announce the launch of the 2022 Student Law Society Awards (SLS Awards).

LawCareers.Net is delighted to announce the launch of the 2023 Student Law Society Awards.

The family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler has appealed to the government to rethink the proposed reforms of 'no win, no fee' arrangements contained in its Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LAPSO) Bill.

Given that it is currently Black History Month, I wanted to write about ethnic diversity specifically within law firms and the significant amount of work that there is still left to do.

LawCareers.Net’s recent early career lawyer diversity survey has found that 76% of aspiring or junior lawyers agree or strongly agree that law firms often contain ‘old boys’ clubs’, while nearly 70% believe firms aren’t doing enough to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. 

Where’s the UK real estate market heading in 2025?

LawCareers.Net is delighted to announce the launch of the 2024 Student Law Society Awards. 

LawCareers.Net’s Student Law Society Awards celebrate the hard work of student-led societies across the country.

The perindopril saga: what's the story of Servier's α-polymorph patent and the delay to the availability of generic versions of this high blood pressure drug?

The Inns of Court – what are they and why do you need to join one? LawCareers.Net answers your questions about the Inns of Court in this Feature, including when and how to join an Inn. If you’re an aspiring barrister, you must join an Inn to be called to the Bar. Read this guide to make sure you understand what steps you need to take to become a barrister.

DAC Beachcroft LLP, Hill Dickinson LLP, Mishcon de Reya LLP and Pinsent Masons LLP have each been named as one of the UK’s top 10 family-friendly employers. 

The coffee market is growing. As of January 2025, there were 11,456 branded coffee chain outlets, a 5.2% increase over the 12 months to January, according to Allegra World Coffee Portal’s 2025 Project Café UK report.