Market led mechanisms versus statutory controls - how have tenants been getting more choice and flexibility in commercial lease terms?

The number of freelance solicitors has doubled over the past three years, from around 300 in 2021 to 650 at the beginning of 2024, according to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). However, freelance solicitors still make up less than 1% of practising solicitors.

The Law Society’s annual statistics report 2020 offers a snapshot of the profession in the 12 months to 31 July 2020, with women outnumbering men plus concerns regarding ethnicity reporting and monitoring as most newly qualified solicitors do not disclose “their ethnic origin on the mySRA website”. 

The number of registered solicitors has fallen for the first time in 20 years, according to this year’s statistical report from the Law Society.

This week started with Prime Minister Boris Johnson setting out the roadmap to begin easing lockdown in the UK, with all restrictions due to be lifted by 21 June. But what else happened this week that you, as an aspiring lawyer, should know about? Read the round-up below for insight into some of the week’s news.

“You don’t look like a solicitor, you’ll never make it.” This is what former President of the Law Society I. Stephanie Boyce was told throughout her journey to becoming a solicitor. Boyce’s story encapsulates the outdated homogeneity concerning what a typical solicitor should ‘look and sound like’.

The popularity of podcasts has soared in recent years, with 12.3 million people listening to podcasts each week in the UK, according to the BBC. Here are the 15 podcasts we think all aspiring lawyers should listen to.

There are many things you can do to help you on your way to becoming a barrister. Read LawCareers.Net’s five tips – whether you’re just getting started, have finished university or are thinking of a career change, take note of this advice and consider what you can put into action.

The role of general counsel (GC) has become an increasingly popular appointment at top law firms, mirroring its rise among commercial companies. GCs are in-house lawyers at large companies tasked with overseeing legal issues and advice across their organisations.

As well as looking at the value of trainees within a legal business, this article will also provide insights into Stevens & Bolton LLP – a law firm that’s just announced a major expansion to its trainee programme.

Can we write a PESTLE analysis on (arguably?) the world’s biggest popstar? We’re going to give it a go. Are you ‘…Ready For It?’

Another week and another commercial round-up summarising the latest coronavirus developments.

What opportunities are there for commercial real estate lawyers post-covid?

The majority of corporate legal departments will be using artificial intelligent systems in a year’s time, a survey of global businesses has predicted.

How has the landscape of litigation funding changed in respect of recent changes and how will this impact access to justice?

The National Association of Licensed Paralegals has revealed that the Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship Standard is being completely overhauled. 

People in need of legal services are now able to find regulated paralegals on the Professional Paralegal Register, which was launched on 6 July.

For law graduates who don’t want to qualify as a solicitor or barrister, a career as a professional paralegal is a great alternative.