Family law specialist Dawson Cornwell has awarded its second annual Peter Clarke prize to Rebecca Hazeldine, a former College of Law student who gained outstanding results in the family law module of the LPC.

The final year of your LLB programme presents a tremendous opportunity, and what might be the magnum opus of your time at university – your dissertation. This is not merely an academic requirement (though some universities offer alternatives), but a chance to delve deeply into a topic that fascinates you. 

In an era of sky-high fees, what is being done to ensure that universities comply with consumer law?

If you fancy boosting your commercial awareness, don’t forget that applications are still open for our student careers conferences LawCareersNetLIVE.

Corporate partner John Rife offers an insight into the relationship-building and negotiation skills that are vital for lawyers working in the private equity industry, as well as the culture of excellence and collegiality on which Debevoise & Plimpton prides itself.

Across England and Wales more than half a million people are unable to access legal aid in the housing and community care sectors, according to campaigners. Without access to legal help advice, many areas are left in a so-called ‘advice desert’.

International law firm Dechert LLP has introduced mental health ‘first aiders’ among its staff.

A new free legal advice clinic has opened at a homelessness shelter in South East London with help from lawyers at Dechert LLP.

When a non-legal person asks what kind of law you want to do, they are typically satisfied with hearing you want to be either a solicitor or a barrister. However, from the student’s perspective, there is a whole lot more to it than this answer.

The SRA has delayed its decision on the controversial Solicitors Qualifying Examination, but has indicated that it is not a case of whether, but when, it will happen.

How do companies (and governments) make well-informed decisions about the future?

A student law society plays a vital role in getting your feet through the employability door, in particular the commercial awareness aspect of it. Commercial awareness is a skill that many students have difficulty grasping, but they need to understand that it takes time to develop.

How will the advertising slump affect the way lawyers advise their media clients?

Hiring activity in the legal industry fell in 2023, with figures returning to levels similar to those seen pre-pandemic.