Develop your commercial awareness with the help of this weekly round-up of key business stories from LawCareers.Net.

The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) will be introduced in September 2021. Aspiring lawyers can now register as SQE candidates and book their SQE1 assessments. Here is everything we know about the new exams, from the syllabus, to the format of the exams themselves, to the cost for candidates, to what law firms, universities and law schools are doing.

LCN’s Matthew Broadbent provides key pointers on researching law firms ahead of making applications – plus why this is so important.

Laura Kendrick outlines what attracted her to Herbert Smith Freehills, talks about the interesting work on offer and explains how the firm adapted to covid-19. 

At the recent Bar & Young Bar Conference, the chairman of the Bar said that barristers are more than mere “economic actors”, and while not expecting to be popular, they should be valued. 

This law clinic advises on consumer, contract, housing, and welfare benefits.

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has published the responses to its consultation on the future training of barristers.

The common law Bar remains an attractive option for those who believe that variety is the spice of life.

The SRA is holding a webinar on Friday 25 March at 12:30pm aimed at students who are planning to start their LPC alter this year.

More law firms and employers than ever will be using video interviews to assess candidates. Here are tips of what to do - and what not to do - before and during your video interview.

A barrister has called for the Inns of Court to do more to promote social mobility after Lincoln’s Inn quoted £3,000 for hosting an event about diversity in the legal profession.

Browne Jacobson LLP recently launched its innovative mentoring programme REACH (Race, Equality and Cultural Heritage), which is aimed at aspiring Black lawyers.

All solicitors’ firms and barristers’ chambers desire a specific set of skills from their trainees and pupils. This guide explains how to self-assess your skill set, demonstrate these key skills on application forms and focus on areas you need to improve.

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.

Young professionals from generation Z (gen Z) are entering the legal sector, bringing fresh ideas and a new approach to work. With different career expectations, communication styles and values, they’re challenging the traditional way things have been done in law.