Start to build your commercial awareness with this week’s news round-up – take a summary from below and think about how you could use it in an interview or application to demonstrate that you can think commercially.

Global law firm DWF has published its annual UK gender pay gap report, including information on the impact of the firm’s initial public offering on its gender pay and bonus gaps.

The Labour party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has asked his shadow justice team to “immediately” review the government’s cuts to legal aid.

Two Birmingham City University students beat a team from the University of Bedfordshire in the third round of the English Speaking Union's National Mooting Competition last week.

There are several factors to take into account when choosing which solicitors’ firm or barristers’ chambers to apply to, including the type of law and office locations. Use this Feature to help you narrow down potential employers based on your preferences and interests.

Could my first-year exam results affect my chances of securing a vacation scheme or training contract, even if they don’t count towards my final degree?

Barristers' clerks are keen to be regulated and, by extension, recognised as a profession in their own right.

Working as a paralegal before securing a training contract is increasingly the norm for thousands of candidates. It is even possible to qualify as a solicitor by gaining relevant experience as a paralegal, instead of a formal training contract – a route which could become even more popular with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). However, this stepping stone also has potential downsides to watch out for…

What are the practicalities of declaring final dividends in light of covid-19 and what can companies do if they no longer consider that the payment of a dividend is appropriate?

The legal mental health charity LawCare has reported has reported that calls to its helpline have increased by 11% on last year.

US law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson has launched an in-house pupillage scheme.

The key to becoming a successful lawyer is understanding how your law firm and the legal industry operate and make money. As an aspiring lawyer, you can demonstrate your commercial awareness to graduate recruiters throughout the application process.

Looking for an ‘in’? Open days and insight schemes – virtual and in person – are invaluable opportunities to meet the people that work for the law firms you’re interested in. You will learn about life in the organisation, its culture, the work on offer and much more. Plus, if prepped well, it’s your chance to ace that initial interaction, which will set you up nicely for future encounters and could eventually lead to a training contract.

Talent manager Grace Gibson-Venner provides her in-depth practical guide to the recruitment process at Vinson & Elkins and the firm’s semi-rotational training contract.