Dear reader, a few LCN blogs later, I have officially completed and received the results for my first exam season for law!

It’s 2024! Cue the ‘new year, new me’ vows, right? But maybe this is the year for ‘new year, less garbage from the last year’. Maybe 2023 was a rough year for you, or maybe it went great. Either way, there’s no doubt there are some habits we should leave in 2023.

Identifying the lasting effects of changes occurring within the business and legal worlds is crucial to demonstrating good commercial acumen. Think about the impact that such changes might have on a particular industry, your target firm’s clients and the firm itself. Choose to analyse stories that interest you as this will make staying up to date with changes much easier and more enjoyable. Read this week’s commercial news round-up for insight into some of the news stories from the past week.

What’s the legal basis behind Dragons' Den?

To what extent must directors and other professionals consider climate risks in discharging their duties?

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.  

As Freshers’ week draws to a close, exams and essay deadlines are already a looming reality for some. With this in mind, what can you do to improve your career prospects?

Aspiring lawyers have many decisions to make over the course of their journey into the profession, including where to train and the types of firm to apply to. Discover the benefits to training in a niche firm like Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP in this LCN Says.

Would banning 'meaty' names for meat imitation products have increased clarity for consumers?

Is the United Kingdom really one of the best places in Europe to start, finance and grow a business?

I started on the Legal Practice Course (LPC) with an interest in advocacy.

How does competition law affect a business which doesn't make 'widgets'?

With a major training contract application deadline looming at the end of this month, what are you doing to improve your commercial awareness ahead of any interviews? Take a look at this week’s news round-up and consider the commercial impact of these stories. 

As a recent graduate, I feel as though I’m in a good position to talk about some of the common tropes of a law degree.

As a part of our Inclusion for All strategy, we continue to look at our behaviours, policy and process changes, and ways of working that enable Gowling WLG (UK) LLP to be truly diverse.

How are international joint-venture deals struck and what role do lawyers play?

Law students and aspiring lawyers' life paths can easily become overcomplicated throughout the year, as you tackle applications and exams (among other things). It's important for individuals dealing with such workloads to slow down and take stock to stay confident, motivated and avoid burnout. 

Is it possible to put a price on justice and, if so, how should this cost be assessed by the courts?