There is a bumper crop of interesting business stories this week, ready for you to read and digest.

I know that I need to understand how a law firm operates as a business to be commercially aware. What exactly does that involve?

Twitter, the platform that’s been synonymous with microblogging and real-time updates, has undergone a radical transformation under Elon Musk’s leadership which purchased Twitter in October 2022. The iconic bird logo has been replaced with a new ‘X’ logo to align with Musk’s vision of creating a comprehensive “everything app” with more than just text-based updates.

Barristers involved in this field deal with claims against professionals such as architects, accountants, solicitors and financial advisers who’ve allegedly failed to provide services with the level of care and skill which a member of that profession would be expected to demonstrate.

Here's a thorough guide on how to research firms, what to look for and how to get what you're looking for out of your research. Feel free to copy it down, take it apart and add to it as you see fit!

Apprenticeships in the legal sector have been gaining momentum over the past couple of years. The traditional route to being a lawyer has been challenged by, among other things, the apprenticeship levy, the rise of legal executives, increasing paralegal numbers, alternative business structures and most recently the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.

The UK has a housing problem, but in an exciting attempt to aid aspiring first-time buyers in securing their place on the property ladder, Skipton Building Society announced the UK’s first 100% mortgage since the 2008 financial crash.

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

What is second-screen technology and how should it be regulated?

Taking into account the credit crunch, does money make the world go round?

The Paris Climate Accords, also known as the Paris Agreement, were signed in 2015 by 195 countries and all but three have since ratified it. The agreement's goal is to limit the rise in mean global temperature to "well-below" 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and preferably to 1.5°C in order to reduce the effects of climate change.

Jolie Lam offers valuable insights on the type of work candidates can expect at Clyde & Co and offers advice on the key skills law firms look for in applicants.

I’m about to graduate from my law degree but don’t want to work at a law firm. What are my options?

What’s sustainable consumption and why should lawyers care? 

In this Meet the Lawyer, Edward Mort provides fantastic insights into life at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP, from the qualification process to his day-to-day work in M&A and private equity. 

Is it time to junk the junk food personalities?

Here’s the brutal truth: there are far more hopeful lawyers than there are training contracts. As the pandemic continues and economic recovery remains only on the horizon, firms are likely to remain cautious with their plans for growth over the next few years, meaning that they are unlikely to scale up the number of training contracts they offer. For aspiring lawyers such as yourselves, this is not exactly the most joyous news. So how can you cope with this rejection?

How do you (tax) rate your pizza?

Researching law firms is a crucial step when applying for vacation schemes or training contracts in the legal industry. To provide valuable guidance on this topic, LawCareers.Net recently hosted a virtual masterclass event, sponsored by Bristows LLP, Jones Day and White & Case LLP.

Will the smoking ban have employers fuming?