The summer is a great time to get into a good routine of keeping up with the latest business developments. Our weekly commercial news round-ups do the hard part for you, summarising interesting and relevant news stories from the week. The rest of the research and analysis is up to you!

Eight UK law firms have set ambitious net-zero goals as a part of the Net Zero Law Initiative, designed by Net Zero Now. Over the next five years, firms will aim to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 30% – an important step towards reducing the legal sector’s emissions and reaching net zero by 2050.

Details of the 22nd UK Pro Bono Week have been revealed, with the focus on bringing legal professionals together to make a sustained impact around three cross-cutting themes.

In the wake of recent developments, what are the opportunities for investment in renewable energy in the United Kingdom?

What can we do about the energy crisis hitting the UK?  

On 3 November The University of Law revealed its new articled apprenticeship scheme, which will allow school leavers to become fully qualified solicitors after six years of on-the-job training.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is growing massively in the legal sector due to its cost-effectiveness and success rates in comparison to going to court. ADR utilises dispute resolution processes, such as arbitration, mediation and negotiation, to help disputing parties come to an agreement. 

‘Commercial awareness’ needn’t be a frightening phrase that law firms throw around to bamboozle you. It’s broadly about understanding that lawyer advise clients who operate in the business world – plus a law firm is a business too.

Could complying with US border staff requests for access to social media accounts breach UK data protection regulations and client confidentiality obligations? 

US law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson has launched an in-house pupillage scheme.

What are the pros and cons of using AI to do your legal work?

As exam season comes to an end and vac schemers prepare for their stints, those who were unable to secure places now have a summer of time to fill. If you haven’t managed to secure a vac scheme (or pupillage) this summer and you’re feeling a little lost, read on for some of my tips! 

New research has revealed that City law firms are hiring at a rapid rate, with a 14% annual rise in vacancies recorded in the capital.

Hooray! You made it through the initial culling post-application form submission and maybe even the psychometric testing too. Up next is the video interview. This is the first time the firm will actually see your face! Here are my three top tips on how to tackle this tricky stage.

The use of video-link technology as a replacement for face-to-face hearings is not yet “sufficiently advanced” enough to be effective, says Jo Hynes, a PhD researcher at Exeter University.

Associate Sophie Freelove offers her insights into Vinson & Elkins’ training contract, the early responsibility trainees are exposed to, the variety of work on offer and the firm’s excellent culture. Find out more in this Meet the Lawyer. 

The UK has agreed a “flexible” Brexit extension with the European Union that will now run until October, although Brexit can still happen earlier if Parliament can agree a withdrawal deal. In theory, the delay enables the Conservative and Labour leaders to keep on negotiating to find a way forward, while fantasists of all political stripes will use the extension to continue pursuing their own rigid versions of Brexit.

Kate McLean, managing corporate associate, provides insight into her career at Ward Hadaway. Find out more about her journey into the profession, including advice about vacation schemes and choosing the right firm to train at.