National law firm Irwin Mitchell LLP has revealed its plans to target 100% renewable energy use in offices over the next three years, and to reach carbon net zero by 2040.

The Brexit shambles continues apace, with meetings this week between the new UK Brexit secretary, Dominic Raab, and the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier. It is thought that the main topic of conversation will be the EU’s scornful view of May’s white paper and its many problematic elements. And while you’re trying to keep up with the Brexit machinations, you also need to keep an eye on the commercial world – let us help, with this week’s selection of curated business news.

The government has proposed a further increase in court fees following a hike in March, but the Law Society has said the move amounts to a further curtailing of access to justice for members of the public and small businesses.

Law firm Chief Rod Waldie has outlined his expansion plans for Gateley Legal after a slowdown in the legal sector pay war meant Gateley’s salary to revenue ratio to returned to “normal” levels.  

More and more employees are being diagnosed with stress and are bringing claims against their employers. What steps should employers take to avoid being held legally liable for such claims?

The Windrush Legal Initiative, a pro bono advice scheme, has been relaunched in an effort to support more victims of the Windrush immigration scandal. 

For the second year running, Shoosmiths has grabbed the top spot in the Black Solicitors Network's annual diversity league table.

Cuts to legal aid funding have ensured that employers can get away with discrimination toward their employees, the Equalities and Human Rights Commission has warned.

Amid the building excitement around Halloween, don’t get so entirely caught up with how to be the most convincing zombie at the party that you forget what October is really all about – preparing to meet future employers at law fairs and wow them with your commerciality. To keep you on track, cast a (cycloptic) eye over this collection of (not very) ghoulish stories.

In a bid to tackle the spread of coronavirus, staff at magic circle firms Baker McKenzie and Allen & Overy have been told to work from home until at least the end of March.

The Criminal Bar Association has raised the threat of industrial action as the dispute over legal aid funding continues. 

In Northern Ireland, there are “unprecedented and worsening” delays for receiving payment for legal aid in the criminal justice area. More than 200 barristers will take part in the strike, which will take place on 17 November 2023.

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) has announced plans to work with education provider Pearson to deliver the new Legal Services T Level, aimed at 16- to 19-year-olds. 

The National Association of Licensed Paralegals has revealed that the Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship Standard is being completely overhauled. 

The University of Law has agreed to take over the Legal Practice Course at Oxford Brookes University for 2013-14, following Oxford Brookes' controversial decision to end its LPC programme at the end of this academic year.

Hundreds of university law society members have participated in the LawCareers.Net survey to discover the best student law societies across the country.

The Bar Standards Board has ordered an external review of its professional conduct complaints processes after discovering that black and minority ethnic barristers were overrepresented in the complaints system.