As the pupillage deadline approaches, I thought to ask some current pupils and barristers for some QUICK FIRE tips on the application process.

We’ll keep it short and sweet this week and let you know that the below news stories are essential reading for anyone heading off to a law firm assessment centre or interview soon, or for those just looking to top up their commercial awareness over the summer months.

Some 36 BBC employees are working toward CILEx qualifications through an in-house scheme at the corporation.

The BBC has opened applications for its 2023 solicitor graduate apprenticeship scheme which will enable four graduates to work in the BBC’s legal team to qualify as a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam route.

Three legal apprentices have just started at the BBC, joining its in-house legal team on a two-year advanced apprenticeship course that will lead to a Level 3 CILEx Certificate in Law and Practice.

The BBC’s legal apprentice programme is running again after a successful launch in 2014 – the corporation is currently seeking three apprentices to join its London offices and one apprentice to join its Salford site.

I asked my followers on Twitter and Instagram if they had any questions about the BPTC and applying for pupillage. The next three questions are about starting and funding the BPTC course and choosing an Inn of Court.

The Bar is considering whether to scrap a student aptitude test that removes fewer than 1% of candidates, after deciding that it is “not operating as an effective filter”.

International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has announced the launch of a unique international summer placement programme for students taking the double degree in English and French law at Queen Mary University of London and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. 

International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has announced the introduction of three new social mobility benefits for trainee hires and vacation scheme students in response to the rising cost of living and inflation. 

Recently merged Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has been granted approval to provide legal services in Hong Kong and Singapore, further cementing its status as a leading international firm.

Legal mental health charity LawCare is running a Christmas fundraising appeal, the Big Give Christmas Challenge, which will see all donations made to the charity via the Big Give website doubled. 

How is the Financial Services Authority changing its approach to regulation?

From trainee to partner, Ian Masser discusses his 18-year journey at Beale & Co, the importance of career progression and trainee retention, as well as his area of expertise. 

Does size matter? Why UK law firms look to merge.

Joining one of the four Inns of Court is an important part of the process of becoming a barrister. As Inner Temple's interim director of education and training Struan Campbell explains, the Inns provide valuable opportunities for networking, scholarships and advocacy training beyond the mandatory qualifying sessions.

Joining one of the four Inns of Court is an important part of the process of becoming a barrister. As Inner Temple's Outreach Manager Struan Campbell explains, the Inns provide valuable opportunities for networking, scholarships and advocacy training beyond the mandatory qualifying sessions.