This article will analyse the implications of access to justice and the role of legal aid through the PESTLE framework. I believe this issue is a great way to explore the interaction between public policy and the practical realities of the justice system and legal practice.

Middle Temple’s Pupillage Podcast has returned for a second season.

According to recent research into Twitter use by the top 50 UK law firms, those that have corporate accounts but fail to use them effectively could be "damaging their brand".

In a bid to ease strain on the court system, divorcing couples will now be forced to undergo mediation before taking their dispute to court when new government proposals come into effect from 6 April.

With the Bar Standards Board having to delay BPTC exams until August, concerns have arisen as to whether students will qualify in time to start pupillage in the autumn.

What's on the horizon in employment law?

The Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) of the Law Society has called on firms to provide better training and support for trainees to combat high levels of work-related stress in NQs.

The legal super-regulator is to use its powers to coordinate technological innovation in the sector, it has revealed. 

Clifford Chance and Baker McKenzie are among the top law firms raising funds to support India through its covid-19 crisis.

As part of its plan to overhaul the training of barristers, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) is considering both ending the requirement for prospective barristers to join an Inn of Court and the required period of 12 months for pupillages. 

Barristers’ chambers are in talks about downsizing their offices in a bid to cut costs and encourage more remote working, following the coronavirus outbreak. However, there is still a need for physical space for career support and wellbeing, the Bar Council has stressed.

The Law Society welcomed the opening of a ‘super courtroom’ in Loughborough last week.

Trainee and newly qualified solicitors think that firms should do more to provide training and support on stress at work, a survey by the Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) has revealed.  

Linklaters launched its Ally programme earlier this month – the firm’s first LGBT-focused network supporting minority groups.

A monthly pop-up pro bono family law clinic was launched at 1 Mitre Court Buildings (1MCB) last week.

US law firm Skadden’s London office has partnered up with The Legal Education Foundation (TLEF) in a bid to support the next generation of ‘social justice’ lawyers.

Sixteen law firms have made LGBT rights charity Stonewall’s top 100 LGBT-inclusive employers list for 2018, with three in the top 10.

Is technology changing cartels and cartel enforcement in the digital age?

The University of Law has revealed that over half of its 2016 full-time Bar Professional Training Course went on to be offered pupillages.

Magic circle firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has announced a new programme within its diversity networks, supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.