It’s been a busy week, with both Halloween and Bitcoin’s 10^th birthday falling on the same day (which one did you celebrate?), fracking-induced earthquakes stopping work at the Cuadrilla site in Lancashire and the Waitrose Food magazine editor lambasted for suggesting that vegans should be kidnapped and force-fed meat. We’re not sure which news story is spookier… happy Hal-law-een! (Sorry.)

Should the hack of toy maker VTech, the latest in a series of major data security breaches, represent a wakeup call for the growing number of industries poised to embrace connected technologies?

A group of volunteer lawyers and software developers created an app to help those affected by US President Donald Trump’s travel ban on people arriving in the United States from seven majority-Muslim countries within just two days of the surprise ban’s announcement, it has emerged.

Despite the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s withdrawal from the Voluntary Code to Good Practice in the Recruitment of Trainee Solicitors, it has been announced that the code will continue to be upheld by its other signatories.

The Law Society has stressed the importance of ensuring that those who have been bereaved and injured as a result of the Grenfell Tower fire are listened to when decisions are made about who is to represent them in the resulting government inquiry.

Vivienne Reeve is a principal associate at Gowling WLG (UK) LLP. She opens up about the two conditions she has been diagnosed with and how she continues to do the job she loves thanks to her supportive team and firm.

Law fairs are an important stage of the recruitment process that provide the chance to meet recruiters, trainee solicitors and partners from the law firms you could be joining in the future. This year law fairs will be different as employers and universities adapt to the challenges of covid-19, with new virtual law fairs replacing face-to-face events throughout the autumn term. Find out more about the opportunities available below.

I’m going to be attending a virtual law fair – do you have any advice?

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.

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. 

Talent manager Grace Gibson-Venner provides her in-depth practical guide to the recruitment process at Vinson & Elkins and the firm’s semi-rotational training contract. 

Vinson & Elkins has announced that as of the beginning of this year, salaries for newly qualified solicitors have jumped by 25% to £100,000. Second-year associates will enjoy a 22% raise, to £110,000, and third years to £120,000.

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.

Victim Support has launched a new website to help children and young people who are victims or witnesses of crime.

A national charity with offices across England and Wales providing free, confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime, as well as families, friends and other affected people.