The best commercial lawyers have their fingers firmly on the pulse of the business world. If that is the role to which you aspire, starting to get a grip now on the business and economic news of the day is essential, but it can be hard to know where to start. Look no further.

Plans to reform barrister training could see solicitors and academics being exempted from doing a traditional pupillage, but the Bar Council has reacted with fury at the proposals.

Autumn tends to bring with it a renewed sense of vigour and the chance for a fresh start – make one of your autumn resolutions a commitment to honing your commercial awareness skills in a bid to impress future employers. Where to start? Look no further than this selection from the past week.

It’s been another strong year for UK law firm mergers despite a slowdown, according to new research from accountancy firm Hazlewoods. The past year saw 121 mergers take place, reflecting a strong recovery from the 10-year low point in 2021. This follows 122 merges in 2022, which marked a 23% increase from the 99 mergers recorded in 2021.

For the first time, juries will be allowed to hear cases remotely in England and Wales due to the rising backlog of trials. 

What role does AI play in facilitating corporate fraud?

An app that aims to be 'the Uber of legal and accountancy services' has been launched by solicitor and former managing partner of Harvey Ingram, Simon Astill.

How has the work of corporate lawyers changed in recent times, and are clients asking for different things from their lawyers?

US law firms Kirkland and Ellis International LLP and Paul Weiss are offering large referral bonuses of £38,000 in a bid to attract the best talent. At Kirkland & Ellis, this is double the incentive from last October.

The LCNLIVE London panel of top law firm partners addressed the key issues affecting firms in 2022.

Would banning 'meaty' names for meat imitation products have increased clarity for consumers?

The charity LawCare has urged the solicitors’ profession to change its culture after a junior solicitor who had committed dishonesty offences was allowed to continue practising because her firm had failed to support her when she began showing signs of anxiety and stress.