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.
-
My Story: Dashni Khimji, Reed Smith
Dashni Khimji is a trainee solicitor at Reed Smith. In this article, they detail the hurdles they have overcome in order to land a training contract and outline what law firms should do in order to increase diversity in the profession at entry level.
-
My Story: Dimitris Maroudas, BCLP
Dimitris Maroudas is a Future Trainee and member of the BCLP LGBTQ* Emerging Talent group. In this article they discuss how they broke into a career in the law and how the legal world is advancing in relation to diversity and inclusion.
-
My Story: Natasha Brown, Gowling WLG
Natasha Brown is a Senior Associate in the Real Estate Group at Gowling WLG. In this article, they detail their journey into law and the issues surrounding racial diversity in the profession.
-
One project, four regions: How Womble Bond Dickinson works collaboratively to tackle complex cases
With 1,000 lawyers based across 19 cities in the US and eight cities in the UK, Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) is an all-service commercial law firm that uses its unique combination of regional heritage, local knowledge and transatlantic reach to great effect for its clients. The firm’s regional strength and its collaborative approach across these different regions enables WBD’s lawyers to tackle complex cases and advise government organisations, wealthy individuals and many of the largest businesses in the country.
Curious to delve deeper into how this approach works, we spoke to Tom Ewings, an Associate in the Planning and Infrastructure team at Womble Bond Dickinson. By pinpointing a recent project that Tom and his team had worked on, we were able to unpack the practicalities of multi-office teamwork and better understand how a trainee solicitor would fit into this dynamic…
-
“Dedicating time in your first year to a firm shows great commitment”: how a First Year Insight Scheme at Taylor Wessing can kickstart your career
-
Clifford Chance pioneer future trainee development with LIFT programme
Clifford Chance is pioneering an innovative programme called LIFT (Learning Internships for Future Trainees) that provides future trainees with personal and professional development in areas such as technology, marketing and business operations. By going further to invest in their future talent, Clifford Chance is revolutionising legal training.
-
Innovation in Law: How Taylor Wessing utilise legal technology
Innovation in law and legal technology is more important than ever. In a fiercely competitive market, law firms are expected to, at the very least, develop innovative solutions for their client’s business needs and challenges.
-
Global Mergers & Acquisitions of Consumer Brands in 2020: Makeup, mobile gaming & multiplexes
Advising on mergers & acquisitions is part of a commercial law firm's offering to its clients. Companies from all industries seek to merge with or acquire other organisations for a variety of reasons, often in order to expand market share or increase their competitiveness amongst their consumer base.
-
Stonewall Top 100: why is it important to legal graduate recruitment?
The Stonewall Top 100 ranks the best employers across the UK in terms of LGBT+ inclusion at the workplace. Specifically, it examines companies’ LGBT+ policies, how it empowers allies and senior leadership to create an inclusive environment, and how it commits to changes in the wider community.
-
“The right thing to do”: An insight to pro bono at Travers Smith
Ahead of National Pro Bono Week on 2nd-6th November 2020, AllAboutLaw caught up with Sam Cottman and Chris Edwards. Sam is the Director of Pro Bono and Senior Counsel at Travers Smith, and Chris is the CSR & Diversity Director at the firm.
-
Empowering Women in Law: commercial law firms’ approach to gender equality
Commercial law firms have made active efforts to pursue gender equality in the workplace, whether that’s focusing on equal representation at all levels of the company or democratising opportunities for advancement across the board.
-
Life after Covid-19 – how are trainee solicitors adapting to a new way of working?
The advent of working from home has impacted a wide range of sectors, and law firms have not been spared. The Covid-19 pandemic has altered the way we think about work for the foreseeable and long-term future, as an increasing number of industries switch to remote working as a permanent arrangement. Although it was quickly put in place to deal with social distancing measures, many companies have found that these methods increase productivity and are often more convenient for their employees.
-
From telephone interviews to virtual vacation schemes – How are law firms and candidates adapting to new modes of trainee recruitment?
-
How to get ahead and secure a training contract in your first year
It’s now more important than ever to get hands-on experience at the start of your undergraduate degree, and Clifford Chance has the perfect opportunity for you to do so.
-
Law Firms & Black Lives Matter: why diversity is more important than ever for commercial law firms
Diversity in the legal profession is crucial and more important than ever in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.
-
Global Virtual Internships with Clifford Chance: A work experience opportunity for all
Clifford Chance’s new Global Virtual Internships and Events Hub widens access to top-level legal work experience, offering free programmes and online events to all those interested in pursuing law as a career.
-
ULaw guarantees September study start date
University tells students "We're focusing on your safety, so you can focus on your studies" as UK campuses set to open in September.
-
Digital emancipation: What are the rights of children of the Instagram age?
Babies born today will, most likely, make their Instagram debuts from being just a few hours old. But what happens when they realise a traceable archive of their childhood exists on their parents’ social media?
-
An in-depth look at the UK's proposed points-based immigration system
With “freedom of movement” a relic of the past due to the UK’s exit from the EU, there is a need to construct a new immigration system¬—one that will equalise opportunity for immigration between EU and non-EU residents alike. The UK has responded by creating a new points-based immigration system that will take effect in January 2021.
-
Firms opt for virtual vacation schemes during coronavirus
-
Akin Gump’s vac scheme goes virtual
-
The best podcasts for aspiring solicitors
The world has reached ‘peak podcast’, with lots of content out there serving niche audiences and legal careers is no exception. There are lots of beneficial podcasts out there for aspiring solicitors, and we’ve highlighted the best.
-
AllAboutLaw to host Virtual Law Fair 2020 in response to long-term COVID-19 impact
Students can sign up to the event now!
-
Manchester Metropolitan University - Interview with Sport and Olympic Law expert Professor Mark James
We spoke to Professor Mark James about Sport and Olympic Law, and the sports law opportunities available at Manchester Metropolitan University.
-
Why does the CPS pursue cases even without victim support?
Last month, British TV presenter Caroline Flack committed suicide amid a media storm about her upcoming trial. Flack was accused of beating her boyfriend, who has been vocal about his lack of support for the Crown Prosecution Service going ahead with the case. This prompted a number of public explanations from notable barristers about why the CPS does pursue cases even when victims change their minds.
-
LPC students still in COVID-19 limbo on assessments
-
Solicitor Apprenticeship at Kennedys - An interview with Jenny Chapman
Jenny Chapman is currently working as a Solicitor Apprentice for the global law firm, Kennedys. Speaking to Jenny we were able to gain a fascinating insight into her life as a solicitor apprentice. She also explained the advantages of doing an apprenticeship and shared her tips on entering the legal profession at the age of 18.
-
COVID-19 Update - w/c 20th April
What is the latest when it comes to COVID-19 and your law career?
-
Defining Foetal Rights
-
Clifford Chance buck the trend with a virtual vacation scheme
Lockdown continues! Boris is in hospital. The nation works from home. But how does this all affect this year’s spring and summer vacation schemes?
-
AllAboutLaw Blog - the LPC and BPTC under Covid-19, the Windrush scandal and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog looks at the response of the legal industry to the spread of the Coronavirus, the projected development of the UK legal market, and the response to the publication of the Windrush scandal.
-
COVID-19: “Junior lawyers cannot be left in limbo”, says JLD
With the COVID–19 virus having repercussions across all sectors and levels, the Junior Lawyers Division has outlined its concerns in a letter to the SRA.
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: Coronavirus, the Uncensored Library and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog addresses the coronavirus and its impact on the economy, the Uncensored Library of Minecraft and the live-streaming of UK court hearings.
-
Business law goes global: an introduction to the international legal services landscape
Law, like business, has gone global. Although each jurisdiction enacts its own laws, in some cases the laws of various jurisdictions have been harmonised by treaty (intellectual property law is a prime example). In other cases, the laws of various jurisdictions must be taken into account before a transaction can take place. Conflicts among the laws of different jurisdictions are frequently in need of resolution.
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: International Women’s Day, the aviation industry and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog looks at the events held last Sunday to mark International Women’s Day, the necessity of innovation in the aviation industry, and Mexico’s disregard for mangroves in pursuit of oil.
-
The business of Fashion: what are the current legal trends?
In this article, Simra (who you may know better as @theLondonLawStudent on Instagram) looks into the various trends and preoccupations of the fashion sector.
-
Spotlight On: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, US Lawmaker
-
All About Law Blog: Heathrow expansion, period poverty and more
In this week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog, we discuss the Court of Appeal’s Heathrow expansion decision as well as Scotland’s passing of a bill to end period poverty. We also touch on a corruption scandal originating from the 2008 financial crisis.
-
International Women’s Day 2020: 5 Trailblazing Women Leading The Way
The legal sector and the commercial world have not historically been welcoming of women, and the fight to be given a seat on the table is far from over. Here are five women to watch in 2020 who are working to transform the sectors in which law operates.
-
Ask an expert: how to have no regrets in your legal career
Matthew Kay, who heads up Vario from Pinsent Masons, knows a thing or two about building a career that is regret-free. Here, he shares his expertise on choosing the right legal path, and sticking to it.
-
The Extinction Rebellion ban on protesting was deemed an abuse of power—will it make us see the law differently?
In light of the recent Extinction Rebellion (XR) protests, Jan Hill reflects on attitudes towards the law when it comes to the right to protest.
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: Islamic marriages, EU data protection and Trump’s tweets
In this week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw Blog, we address the recent Court of Appeals’ decision to only offer English marriage law protection to registered UK marriages, the EU’s privacy concerns in relation to Facebook and a call to question the legality of Trump’s tweeting.
-
Undocumented Deaths: Who’s Accountable?
The deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants in the back of a lorry in Essex highlights the tragic human dimension of global migrant smuggling.
-
Diversity & inclusion at Osborne Clarke
Diversity & inclusion is becoming ever more important at law firms, and Osborne Clarke is no exception. We caught up with them to find out what’s in place at the firm.
-
AllAboutLawBlog - Brexit negotiations, a New York state lawsuit, and more
-
Delays on government infrastructure projects: what’s the deal?
The UK has been grappling with a number of huge infrastructure projects across the country, including the HS2 railway and a number of hospital new builds. What are the implications when these projects get delayed?
-
All the details of White & Case’s virtual work placement
Traditionally, legal work placements are competitive, London-centric and difficult to find. Programmes like White & Case’s virtual work placement are changing the game and making law careers more accessible. Yohanna Wilson, Graduate Resourcing and Development Specialist at White & Case, elaborates on this innovative new offering.
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: coronavirus, Airbus and more
Is the coronavirus discourse fuelling discrimination? Plus the largest settlement with a corporate malefactor and the judiciary’s diversity record, all in this week’s AllAboutLaw blog.
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: ICJ orders imposed on Myanmar, a series of phone-hacking scandals and more
Standfirst: In this week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw Blog, we cover the unanimous decision of the UN’s highest court regarding Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya people, the alleged Saudi Arabian phone hacking scandals and the concerns of achieving a cashless society.
-
RPC’s role in the diversity & inclusion space
We spoke to Ellinor Davey, Early Talent Lead, and Rachel Pears, Inclusion & Diversity Lead, about the diversity and inclusion initiatives at law firm RPC.
-
Vacation scheme facts: there are opportunities across the UK
-
It’s time to bust the myth of the ‘ideal’ career path: embarking on a legal career – wherever
Jennifer O’Connell sheds some light on her experience of entering the legal sector via a less common route.
-
Vacation scheme facts: you'll figure out what interests you
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: the Flybe rescue deal, a televised Crown Court and more
In this week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw Blog we look at the government’s intervention to save Flybe from insolvency, the decision to allow televised coverage of Crown Court judgments and the controversy of New York’s new bail reform law.
-
Why small is beautiful: making the case for smaller firms
Linda Lamb is a solicitor and director of LSL Family Law. Here, she makes the case for training and working at a small firm, highlighting some of the benefits of small-office life.
-
Vacation scheme facts: you'll be paid
-
Vacation scheme facts: you'll learn how to network properly
-
It’s not too late! Tips for a last-minute vacation scheme application.
If you are planning to apply for a vacation scheme in 2020, the earlier you get your application form completed, the better. But inevitably, life gets in the way sometimes. Here are some tips for the last-minute applicants among you.
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s shock statement, the implications of a changing high street and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog addresses a potential trademark conflict over ‘Sussex Royal’, what a changing high street means for the legal profession and the continued growth of Africa’s start-up culture.
-
Vacation scheme facts: you can get involved in numerous subject areas
-
Ask an expert: Could sleepwalking lead to jail?
-
Are law partnerships in decline?
Although the partnership model remains dominant, change is in the air. We look at what this means for law firms in the UK and US
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: the legality of US drone strike, pressure on the Cypriot judicial system and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog addresses the legality of the U.S. drone strike in Iraq, which killed the Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, the controversy of the alleged rape trial in Cyprus and the former boss of Renault-Nissan’s escape to Lebanon from Japan. Plus, the latest ruling that veganism is subject to legal protection as a belief system.
-
Vacation scheme facts: you don't have to be a law student to apply
-
Law students: three real-talk tips for managing your mental health
Studying for a degree (law or otherwise) as well as applying for law opportunities is difficult enough—add in social life, money matters and any other hobbies, and it’s not surprising that students are struggling with mental health issues. We certainly don’t have all of the answers—but here are some practical tips to tide you over.
-
Interview: Jonathan Turnbull, IP partner in the litigation practice at Herbert Smith Freehills
Interested in going down the IP route, or practising in litigation? Johnathan Turnbull is a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills with experience that spans both of these areas. Here’s what he has to say about his career.
-
The Internet of Things: will it transform connectivity as we know it?
If you’ve been keeping up to date with tech news and business press, you’ll perhaps have encountered something called the Internet of Things. You’re also more likely than not to have used a device that’s connected to it. So what is it? Why is it important? And what do you need to know?
-
The American opioid lawsuits: One down, 2,399 to go?
The opioid crisis in the US is reaching unprecedented levels. Get the legal insight here.
-
AllAboutLaw blog: Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, India’s citizenship law, and more
-
Libel law: past, present and future
Defamation occurs when someone damages the reputation of another by publicising a false statement. It is generally classified as “slander” when it is delivered in spoken form, and “libel” when it is delivered in written or recorded form (including a recording of speech that would otherwise be classified as slander). UK libel law has been criticised as being so plaintiff-friendly that overseas litigants are flocking to the UK to engage in “reputation laundering” in UK courts.
-
How can the law deal with Deepfake?
The 21st Century is awash with innovative technologies that evolve faster than anyone could have anticipated. They aren’t always developed for the right reasons. Elizabeth Hurst looks into Deepfake, and its potential repercussions in terms of misinformation, misinterpretation and more.
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: a legal perspective of the impeachment inquiry, the unexpected consequence of Disney’s success and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog looks at the impeachment enquiry against Trump, the double-edged sword of “Frozen 2”’s success, and the trafficking of Pakistani brides to China.
-
“The firm appreciates you for you” - Life at Ashfords
Are you curious about life at national law firm Ashfords? We spoke to a partner, associate and trainee at the firm to find out what the firm is like, from preparing to qualify right up to making partner.
-
IBM Watson: Oracle or Debacle?
For better or for worse, IBM’s latest AI miracle is expected to revolutionise the working environment.
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: A call to end Black Friday, an unusual ode to thanksgiving and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog looks at the damaging effects of Black Friday and the ensuing discontent of the shopping event in France, how the signing of a new bill lead to a display of thanks by Hong Kong protesters, and a legal action launched by British athletes against the British Olympic Association.
-
Vacation scheme applications with Mayer Brown
The vacation-scheme application form is your first impression on a graduate recruiter—so it’s vital that you get it right. We spoke with Mayer Brown to find out exactly what they’re looking for, from firm research to commercial awareness.
-
AllAboutLaw blog: Gender equality in the judiciary, GDPR's impact on research and more
-
7 facts you need to know about vacation schemes
Everyone knows that vacation schemes are the most important step you can take in securing a training contract at a law firm. But a lot of people don’t fully understand a) just how important they are and b) what exactly you’ll learn on them. To help out, we’ve put together seven simple facts about vacation schemes, to get you even more excited about applying!
-
“Osborne Clarke doesn't expect anyone to be a robot—personality and passion are encouraged”
What’s it like to do a training contract at Osborne Clarke? Three aspiring solicitors shared their experiences with us.
-
In-house law: how I did it
Sometimes, it can feel as though a training contract with a law firm is the only option. But many lawyers work in-house in legal departments, often from the start of their legal careers. Here, Emma Lilley shares her account of training and working as an in-house lawyer.
-
Spotlight on: Penelope Warne
Penelope Warne, the first female senior partner at CMS, has helped to expand the firm as far afield as Brazil, Mexico and Dubai, as well as managing the growth and consolidation of CMS in Scotland.
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: a high-profile property dispute, a ban on cockfighting and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog takes a look at a property dispute in India, the ban on cockfighting in Puerto Rico, and the new hurdle facing the proposed Solicitors’ Qualifying Exam (SQE).
-
Laura, the AllAboutLaw Chatbot: your most common Facebook chat questions answered
We know that getting into law can be a confusing process. That’s why Laura, the dedicated AllAboutLaw Chatbot, is on hand to give you instant answers to a lot of questions about law (don’t worry—she passes on the more complex questions to her human colleagues). We had a word with Laura to find out the most common questions asked by aspiring lawyers.
-
A Day in the Life – Matt Finnie, second seat trainee at Addleshaw Goddard
Matt is a second seat trainee in Addleshaw Goddard's (AG's) Edinburgh office, currently sitting in the Construction, Engineering and Environment Disputes team. He studied the Scots Law LLB (with Honours) and the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Aberdeen and began his training contract in September 2018.
-
Sex and censorship: Dissecting the UK’s now-abandoned “porn ban”
-
AllAboutLaw Blog: Remember, remember the 5th of November and more.
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw Blog looks at the history of Guy Fawkes Night and the growing discontent around the topic of fireworks, a case brought by WhatsApp against a cybersecurity firm, and the implementation of a new internet law in Russia.
-
Social-media platforms and fake news
Recent scandals and allegations about misuse of data, election interference and misinformation has led to a surge in reviews, policy and regulations.
-
The Next 100 Years: Women at the Bar
It’s a whole century since the barriers to women practicing law were finally lifted. Here we take a look at some of the professionals celebrating what’s happened in the industry since then, and look forward to the next 100 years.
-
The "gig" economy vs employee ownership
Welcome to the future: two disparate forms of economic organisation are vying for supremacy in the 21st century.
