The rainbow flag has been raised above the Inner Temple for the first time to mark London Pride 2018.

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. 

Exclusively UK-based firms typically offer a broad commercial training, emphasising one or two specialist areas; some will also have a private client practice, reflecting longstanding relationships with wealthy individuals and trusts. 

Traditionally, law firms have been run by partnerships – a group of senior lawyers who put their own money into to the firm in return for a share of the profits. However, in the modern legal profession there are many different types of partnership, with huge variety in terms of how firms are structured.

This week big four audit firm PwC has revealed that it will boost its headcount, the Oatly trademark dispute continues and the government has announced a new trade deal, among other things. Read LCN’s round-up below for some updates to keep you in the loop. If you’re interested in a story, delve into it further to start developing your commercial awareness.

Law fairs are an important stage of the recruitment process that provide the chance to meet recruiters, trainee solicitors and partners from the law firms you could be joining in the future. This year law fairs will be different as employers and universities adapt to the challenges of covid-19, with new virtual law fairs replacing face-to-face events throughout the autumn term. Find out more about the opportunities available below.

To be eligible for the GDL, students must hold a degree from a UK institution or a foreign institution which the Solicitors Regulation Authority considers to be an equivalent. 

From politics to retail, there’s been a lot of newsworthy stories this week, but which do we think should be on your radar? 

We’ll keep it short this week as many of you are completing vacation scheme or pupillage applications. Commercial awareness is a key attribute that you must demonstrate in your applications as recruiters want to see that you have a knowledge of what is going on in the business industry, and how key issues might affect the law and the businesses that operate within it.

The Vickers Report: what are the implications for consumers, banks and lawyers?

Every February since 2005, LGBTQ+ History Month has been celebrated across the UK to recognise and commemorate the LGBTQ+ community. Let’s look at the laws that have landed us where we are today.

One magic circle outfit and a trio of US-headquartered firms have revealed how many of their qualifying trainees are being retained as newly qualified solicitors this autumn. 

Let’s talk about one of the most important and often misunderstood areas of legal practice – environmental law. It’s where climate meets compliance, where forests meet the courtroom and where people who care about the planet can make real change using legal tools.

The new Solicitors Qualifying Examination could mean that prospective solicitors miss out on key aspects of legal work experience, the Junior Lawyers Division has warned.