Legal apprenticeship specialist Damar Training and legal education provider BARBRI have announced a new technology partnership that embeds BARBRI’s learning technology into Damar’s solicitor apprenticeship programmes.  

Our latest report, World in Motion: why the legal profession cannot stand still highlights the importance young lawyers place on their workplaces having a purpose beyond profitability.

Your commercial awareness skills will be assessed at each stage of the application process. Not only is it important to be aware of the news and events that are directly impacting the firm you’re applying to, its clients and practice areas; you should also be considering the wider impact on the legal and business worlds. For now, read this week’s commercial news round-up below.

The Access to Justice Foundation, which aids pro bono work, is running its third annual essay competition for law students

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

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

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

How effective has the Bribery Act 2010 been?

What are derivatives and why are they used by investors?

Dentons has cut emissions by 44% through a new pilot scheme, which sees lawyers work from home, digital dashboards and a ban on printing.

For many aspiring lawyers the pull of the City can be too much to ignore; bright lights, glass frontage buildings, City views. For others, the idea of packing oneself onto a crammed tube as a bookend to each day is unappealing. So, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to round up of some of the country’s most impressive buildings and spaces that host law firm offices.

Do recent developments in heath and safety law simply add to the pressure already on company directors?

The DLS is a registered charity run by and for disabled people, their families and carers.

Will the government’s cut to the discount rate, which determines how much compensation insurers must pay to claimants who have suffered life-changing injuries, amount to a fairer system?

Are there any law-related diversity access schemes designed to improve access to the profession for Black aspiring lawyers?

Find out how Gowling are investing in diversity and inclusion as parts of its central vision.

I think all the people in the firm should take part in D&I initiatives, regardless of their level and background.

From deciding between law and accounting while studying at the University of Johannesburg, Oratile Jonas is now an associate in the corporate team at Gowling WLG. Find out about Oratile’s journey into the profession in this interview.

Not enough has been done to address recruitment and other problems which continue to be barriers to diverse judiciary which reflects the population, the House of Lords Constitution Committee has warned.