If you want to succeed as a lawyer, it’s important that you develop your commercial awareness.
The Principle is your live commercial awareness hub. We’ll help you stay on top of the latest news and give you expert insights into commercial issues.
Stay ahead of the curve. Become an exceptional candidate.
-
Why giving consumers transparency is essential to the survival of the legal services sector
Amanda Hamilton, chief executive of NALP, shares her perspective on the vital need for transparency in the legal services sector.
-
Spotlight on: Gabrielle Turnquest
Gabrielle Turnquest is used to breaking records. She is the youngest person to be called to the Bar in over 600 years, passing the exam at the age of 18—almost a decade earlier than the average BPTC graduate. Even with her additional undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, there’s no sign of Turnquest stopping just yet…
-
An update on the changes to legal education and how it will affect you
Matthew J. Homewood, head of department at Nottingham Law School, explains how the SQE will affect you.
-
3D printing and the future of intellectual property
We live in an age where sharing online is easier than ever, and with new 3D-printing technology, physical objects can now be constructed from a three-dimensional digital model. As reproducing and replicating products illegally becomes more and more common, how does IP law fit into the digital age?
-
Talking diversity and inclusion with BCLP
-
How social media affects law
Social media can be a powerful instigator of change, especially when it comes to referendums and large-scale campaigns for new legislation. We take a look at two notable case studies in which social media had a significant impact.
-
The globalisation of UK law firms: expansion into emerging markets
What are the possible new jurisdictions for law firms in the future, and what challenges will they face?
-
Trials & tribulations: the laws being trialed in the UK
At any given time, numerous laws are being trialed in certain areas of the UK, which may give an indication of future legislation. We take look at some interesting trials and—for those that have been completed—their outcomes.
-
Vacation scheme application forms: your ultimate guide
Applying for a vacation scheme this month? You’re not alone. Vacation schemes are hugely competitive opportunities for aspiring lawyers, which means your application will need to stand out. Ahead of the key deadlines, we talk you through everything you need to know.
-
Studying in Nottingham: the places that will become your local haunts
Nottingham is already a thriving student hub, and the opening of a new University of Law campus in the Midlands city in September this year will create a further incentive for aspiring lawyers to study there. Moving to a new city can be daunting, and it helps to know exactly which places to try out upon arrival. Together with The University of Law, we’ve put together this list of must-see Nottingham attractions, for when you need a study break.
-
What does the future hold for the paralegal sector?
When it comes to the paralegal sector, what does the future hold? Amanda Hamilton, Chief Executive of NALP, weighs in.
-
Top tips for a vacation scheme
So you’ve secured a place on a vacation scheme and are ready to take a significant step towards your career in law. But how do you make the most of it? Ella Shanks, a trainee solicitor at law firm RPC, outlines some basic dos and don’ts to ensure your experience is a success.
-
The life of a trainee solicitor: Edinburgh edition
-
Vacation scheme season: Mayer Brown's perspective on the application process
We spoke to Danielle White, graduate recruitment and development manager at Mayer Brown to gain some insight into how to prepare for vacation scheme deadlines.
-
White & Case: life in the Middle East
Becky Kells spoke to a number of lawyers at White & Case, each of whom is currently based in one of the firm’s Middle East offices.
-
What is commercial awareness? and why does it matter? Putting the law into context
Commercial awareness is a term you might have heard a lot about, but especially if you’re new to law, it might not be clear exactly what it means. So, what is commercial awareness, and why does it matter? The team at Hogan Lovells—a world-class firm of commercial and legal experts—is here to explain.
-
Why I went freelance before my training contract
There’s not just one route into law—it’s a sector that thrives on variety. Jaimie Hunter knows this all too well: before embarking on her training contract, she went freelance, setting up her own company and working as a paralegal. Here, she talks about her unique experience.
-
Smart Cities
According to the UN, 68% of people will live in an urban area by 2050—so it’s essential that those cities can withstand population growth. Osborne Clarke has put its efforts into researching infrastructure, working trends, transport systems and energy in the urban environment, to forecast how businesses and individuals will proceed.
-
Legal question: do vegans have a right to protection against discrimination?
Helen Hall of Nottingham Law School weighs in on this topical issue, exploring what it tells us about freedom of belief more generally.
-
Setting up a BAME network
It’s not surprising that diversity and inclusion are central to the staff at Leigh Day—the firm’s practice areas include human rights law, medical negligence and employment law. We spoke to solicitor Suleikha Ali about setting up a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) network at the firm.
-
The University of Law comes to Nottingham
-
Spotlight on: Sir Martin Moore-Bick
With extensive legal experience and over 20 years as a judge, Sir Martin Moore-Bick has earned praise and respect from both his legal peers and the highest echelons of government. Now, at the age of 71, he has been tasked to discover the truth in the independent public inquiry investigating the Grenfell Tower fire.
-
Cobbles, ceilidhs and commercial law: life as a DLA Piper trainee in Edinburgh
You could be forgiven for thinking that to do a training contract, you have to move to London and work in a City office. In fact, firms have offices all over the country, with many regional hubs hosting legal scenes that thrive in their own right. We spoke to Eilis McDonald, a trainee at DLA Piper’s Edinburgh office, about life in the Scottish capital.
-
Lawyers, fit your own oxygen masks first
The legal profession can be emotionally taxing, which can exacerbate existing mental-health conditions in lawyers, as well as provoking work-related episodes of poor mental health. The Legal Professions Wellbeing Taskforce met in May to discuss how lawyers can develop emotional competence—to be good at their jobs, but more importantly, to maintain their own mental health.