How might blockchain influence real estate transactions?

This week’s round-up takes a deep dive into what the future may look like. We look at discriminatory laws against women, air quality worldwide and the future of Wales under the first Black leader in Europe. Plus, we cover NHS wait times and the lives lost as a result. This week’s stories highlight some of the most pressing issues in the world right now, so settle in for an important read. 

How will the legal system be affected by LASPO?

I recently started my ‘Practical Legal Research and Writing’ module on the LPC and after weeks of covering the core modules based around substantive law, I was looking forward to changing tack and learning some skills. I am fast learning that skills are harder than they seem! 

During this time of year, the cold season sets in, hats and gloves come out, and most importantly for aspiring lawyers, deadlines for applications fall due. And with applications can come rejections. Some enjoy the rush of adrenaline as each CV is submitted, but I think the majority initially find the application process daunting and any rejections destabilising at best. 

So, you’ve finished law school, secured your training contract or paralegal position and you’re ready for your first day in your new role but then you get hit with another obstacle – one that you never saw coming… I’m talking about time recording, of course!

As many of you may already know, AI is making big waves in almost every sector, from healthcare to entertainment. But while AI has the potential to unlock incredible innovations, it’s also raising some serious concerns about copyright law and the future of creators’ rights.

Justice is absolute. But the law is a heady mix of acceptable compromise, injustice, corruption and politics – whatever makes the wheels run smoother. This is one of the key themes of Criminal Justice, BBC’s impressive five-part drama.

International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has launched sector-specific training contracts in real estate and financial services as part of its plan to “increase sector experience for the firm’s future lawyers”. 

Law firms and barristers’ chambers need to improve the diversity of their workforces or face having quotas imposed on them, the Black Solicitors Network has said.

Law firm Simmons & Simmons LLP has reached its target for women to represent half of partner promotions for 2026, as the latest promotion cycles continue to be announced across the legal sector. 

Dentons has cut emissions by 44% through a new pilot scheme, which sees lawyers work from home, digital dashboards and a ban on printing.

UK-based law firm Browne Jacobson LLP has been named the ‘National (British) Winners of the Equity Trailblazer’ at the National British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) Business Awards.  

The application deadline for student delegate places at the CityLawLIVE conference passed on 6 January, and well over 500 applications were received.

Following a recent change in the law, broadcast news channels will air judges’ sentencing remarks from the Crown Court for the first time.

Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, one of Japan’s biggest law firms, has opened a new office in London and is set to target UK and European companies entering the Japanese market.

The College of Law has announced details of its 2013 scholarship programme, to help its students with their course fees.

The much-discussed triggering of Article 50 has happened, and two long years of negotiation now stretch ahead. At the end of that period, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, regardless of whether an agreement has been reached. Any certainty on what it all means is entirely elusive at this point, but the Law Society has published a short explanation of some of the implications for lawyers. For Brexit and more, read on.

Applications are now open for the Law Society Diversity Access Scheme (DAS). The DAS seeks to support talented, aspiring solicitors from less advantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue a career in the legal profession.