The government’s competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority is turning its attention to the legal profession to look at “long-standing concerns” about the affordability and standards of legal services.

The government has announced a 5% budget increase for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and an extra £80 million for the Crown Prosecution Service, but lawyers see the increases as nowhere near sufficient to deal with problems in the justice system.

The first two apprentices to join Withers have started at the firm’s London office in its real estate and corporate departments.

Several firms have signed up to Manchester Law School's new Higher Apprenticeship in Legal Services programme, which will allow over 100 school leavers to enter the legal profession.

March newly qualified retention rates at the top 30 UK law firms are up by an average of 10% - a good sign that there's new life in the legal recruitment market after the economic downturn.

The four Inns of Court are in the process of accepting applications for 2017-18 BPTC scholarships, with a closing date for all of Friday 4 November 2016. Although they share a deadline, each of Gray’s, Inner Temple, Lincoln’s and Middle Temple Inns runs its own scholarship scheme, including with separate application systems and requirements.

A greater level of training for advocates in relation to the questioning of vulnerable witnesses in court is to be introduced in a joint initiative launched by the Bar Council, the Inns of Court, the Law Society, and the CPS.

The Law Society invites people to join the legal profession march at this year's Pride London parade on Saturday 2 July.

The number of law firms paying staff at least the Real Living Wage has increased to 135, including all five of the magic circle and 20 of the top 30 UK firms.

The University of Law has launched a new solicitor apprenticeship programme, designed to strengthen its partnerships with both employers and apprentices. A number of firms have already signed up to the programme, including Gowling WLG, Fieldfisher and Plexus Law.

A new trade body has been established to champion the United Kingdom's 'sharing economy', with Osborne Clarke representing the legal profession as a founding member.

A domestic violence charity has set up its own alternative business structure in a drive to bridge the gap in legal services provision created by cuts to legal aid.

As pressure continues to mount on the legal sector regarding the diversity of its workforce, Herbert Smith has announced that it will commence piloting unconscious bias training for its partners on 30 May.

As predicted, the SRA has announced that the minimum salary for trainees will remain frozen at 2009 levels.

Magic circle law firms Allen & Overy, Freshfields and Linklaters have announced their partner promotions for 2021, with some positive signs that the firms are working to rebalance their male-dominated partnerships.

International firm Kennedys has revealed the location of its new, upgraded office as part of the firm’s hybrid working plan. 

The age limit for jurors in England and Wales is to be raised from 70 to 75, the government announced last month.

Prominent barrister Michael Mansfield QC has argued against imposing a limit on the number of Bar Professional Training Course places.

The search is on to find the UK’s best paralegals as entries open for this year’s National Paralegal Awards.