The reasons that firms decide to merge are as varied as the firms themselves, but there are usually some key drivers – namely, the desire to expand, geographically or in terms of expertise, or to stay afloat. For the lawyers who find that the firm they joined is no longer the firm at which they work, there are normally a raft of opportunities– and maybe especially so for trainees.

As a career changer, you’re certainly not on your own. If you’re serious about moving into the legal profession, read our five tips to help you get started.

What will be the impact of the new proposed data protection regulation?

Commercial awareness is one of the key skills that law firms look for in future trainees so taking the time to build yours is essential to becoming a lawyer.

What do rising insolvencies mean for the construction industry and the lawyers it instructs?

Associate Julie McGovern offers a detailed insight into her background at a Scottish university and how this aided her successful legal career.

Here’s LawCareers.Net’s 26-step guide to the training contract application process, plus 10 mock interview questions to help you prepare.

Associate Elizabeth Zang explains what life as a cyber and tech lawyer involves, the variety of her work and her advice for aspiring lawyers struggling with training contract rejections. 

Gajendran Balachandran, an associate in the litigation and regulatory department at DLA Piper UK LLP, shares his experience of initially qualifying as a lawyer in Malaysia and his subsequent journey to working in English and Welsh law. Gajendran also outlines the importance of the firm’s Mosaic group and offers his advice for budding solicitors.

A law career can take you into a variety of sectors. Four years ago, I moved into the complex, everchanging world of defence technology and the transition to this world of futuristic concepts has been an eye opener. The defence industry is about so much more than bullets and guns.

Relationships between the owners and occupiers of residential properties can be fraught with problems.

How is commercial awareness from a regulatory perspective applicable to acquisitions?

Charlotte offers insights into Bristows' trainee recruitment process and outlines the importance of non-legal work experience, understanding commercial issues, and curiosity.

I haven’t been offered a training contract yet – is it too risky to start the LPC without having secured a training contract first?

This LCN Feature outlines some practical and emotional steps law firms can take to support Muslim employees during this period.

I’ve recently seen the term LGBTQ+ ally, but what is it and how can I be an authentic ally?

To secure a place at one of the LawCareersNetLIVE student conferences you must submit a top-class application. These applications are very similar to training contract applications.

The cost of studying for the qualifications to become a solicitor or barrister is an important factor to most people pursuing a career in law. Here’s our guide to the loans and scholarships available for law degrees, as well as the PGDL, LPC, SQE and Bar courses.

Is the UK ready to switch to non-conventionally powered vehicles?

Are the number of insolvencies in the charity sector increasing and, if so, what is causing them and what can be done about it?