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.
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Insight: A commercial training contract in the Government Legal Department
When you imagine yourself on a training contract, you’re probably picturing yourself being overseen by senior solicitors and cutting your legal teeth at a law firm, working for a range of clients that could be individuals, groups, private companies or public sector organisations. But governments need lawyers too, and it’s possible to do a training contract serving the interests of the entire nation.
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Jack Townsend: from phone shop sales to Scotland trainee
Demonstrating how vacation schemes can kickstart a legal career, Jack Townsend is now a trainee solicitor at Addleshaw Goddard. He tells us about the experience.
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‘A fantastic opportunity’: A Day in the Life of Anna McAlpine, third seat trainee at Addleshaw Goddard
Anna McAlpine is a third seat trainee in Addleshaw Goddard's (AG) Edinburgh office, in the Litigation team. She actually started out studying English Literature and Philosophy but then took her studies in a different direction, completing the Graduate LLB then the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. Anna began her training contract in September 2020, and she’s giving us a glimpse into the experience.
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‘My time is now’: Addleshaw Goddard’s Edinburgh training contract
After a few attempts Sarah Buzuk finally landed the training contract she wanted at Addleshaw Goddard. She tells us how she managed it, and why the programme means she's so optimistic about her professional future.
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The inside story on Clifford Chance’s SPARK scheme
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A deep dive into Clifford Chance’s Global Virtual Internships
Get ready to step inside an international law firm and travel the world, all from the comfort of your home: with the Clifford Chance virtual internships you can experience being a trainee with one of the world’s most successful global law firms, at the click of a button.
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Asher Mohammed: Elevate your career with Clifford Chance’s LIFT programme
As most employers will tell you, first-hand experience is often just as important as academic achievement when it comes to finding the right staff for a job. This applies in the legal sector too, and Clifford Chance have developed an industry-first internship scheme recognising just that. Their LIFT (Learning Internships for Future Trainees) programme gives future trainees first-hand business experience and the opportunity to develop applicable non-legal skills, to ensure they hit the ground running in their training contracts and to support them in their future careers as lawyers.
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‘Unmatched by any other firm’: Laura de Arroyo Garcia on the IGNITE training contract
You only need to look at the past 18 months to see that technology truly is at the heart of everything, from world-saving biotech vaccines to homeschooling via Zoom. Clifford Chance are harnessing the potential of this with IGNITE: their pioneering training contract that gives applicants with an aptitude for tech – coders, computer science students, app developers – an innovative new route to qualify as lawyers, reconsidering what tech can do for law.
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Landed a training contract? What happens next?
Landing a coveted training contract at a top law firm is an accomplishment, but it’s just the beginning of an exciting journey. From welcome events and socials, to exams and liaising with clients, Amie Corry, Trainee Solicitor at Taylor Wessing, told us what to expect.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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One project, four regions: How Womble Bond Dickinson works collaboratively to tackle complex cases
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“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
The first year of university is stereotypically associated with making new friends, enjoying student life and settling into your new life, potentially living away from home. Whilst the impact of Covid-19 has undoubtedly changed that experience, your first year is also the time to be considering your career choices and how you can get ahead.
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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.
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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.
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How international law firms dealt with the COVID-19 outbreak?
The Covid-19 pandemic which ravaged the world from the winter of 2020 continues to have a major impact on industries across the professional world, not least the legal sector which experienced an upheaval as a result of the outbreak of the virus. With high levels of uncertainty, any contingency plans that law firms have had in place will have been crucial in order to navigate through these difficult circumstances.
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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.
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“The right thing to do”: An insight to pro bono at Travers Smith
Ahead of National Pro Bono Week on 1st-5th November 2021, 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.
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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.
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Life after Covid-19 – how are trainee solicitors adapting to a new way of working?
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From telephone interviews to virtual vacation schemes – How are law firms and candidates adapting to new modes of trainee recruitment?
As the legal profession has looked to adapt its working methods to the current restrictions put in place to combat the spread of Covid-19, so have its recruitment methods. In accordance with social distancing, the process of hiring trainees has moved to more remote methods, starting from this year.
There are various methods which have been adopted by firms, each accommodating a different stage of the recruitment process. Whether you’re embarking on your first long-term experience at a law firm through a training contract or getting a taste of the job through a vacation scheme, there will undoubtedly be some element of adaptation.
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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.
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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.
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Crowell & Moring's London Office Launches New Training Contract for January 2021
Crowell & Moring has launched a new training contract in London. The programme will provide the opportunity to work at a dynamic and growing international law firm representing significant and well-known clients on a broad range of matters, including in litigation, arbitration, corporate, finance, restructuring and insolvency, energy and infrastructure, international trade, and insurance. The firm will have an opening for a trainee to begin in January 2021.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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Firms opt for virtual vacation schemes during coronavirus
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Akin Gump’s vac scheme goes virtual
Akin Gump’s 2020 London summer vacation scheme will now be run on a virtual basis.
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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.
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AllAboutLaw to host Virtual Law Fair 2020 in response to long-term COVID-19 impact
Students can sign up to the event now!
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Breaking news: Skadden vacation schemes go virtual
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP have just announced that their summer vacation schemes based in the London office will proceed this year on schedule, but they will instead be delivered remotely.
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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.
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LPC students still in COVID-19 limbo on assessments
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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.
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COVID-19 Update - w/c 20th April
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Defining Foetal Rights
How should foetal rights be defined? How should they be balanced with the rights of the mother? And have the scales tipped too far in one direction or the other? We look at some illuminating examples.
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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?
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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.
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Designer plagiarism: what does fast fashion have to answer for?
The fast fashion market value is higher than $35bn, but creating cheap garments on demand has given birth to a more sinister trend—ripping off other brands, from high end fashion houses to smaller designers. Where does artistic interpretation end, and plagiarism begin?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The business of Fashion: what are the current legal trends?
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Spotlight On: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, US Lawmaker
She's the congresswoman everyone is talking about. And as it turns out, AOC has done a lot for US law, too.
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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.
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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.
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AllAboutLaw blog: the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus, the WikiLeaks trial and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog addresses the wider implications of the coronavirus, the hearing of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and a potential return to classical architecture.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Diversity & inclusion at Osborne Clarke
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AllAboutLawBlog - Brexit negotiations, a New York state lawsuit, and more
In this week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw Blog, we address the difficulties facing the upcoming Brexit negotiations, the New York state’s plan to sue the Trump administration and the emergency terror law in the UK.
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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?
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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.
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“It could be the privacy case of the century”: Meghan Markle vs the press
With the Sussexes currently navigating their step back from royal duties, we take a look at their ongoing legal battle with the British press.
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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.
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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.
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Vacation scheme facts: there are opportunities across the UK
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It’s time to bust the myth of the ‘ideal’ career path: embarking on a legal career – wherever
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Vacation scheme facts: you'll figure out what interests you
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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.
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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.
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Ask a lawyer: what’s the duty of care from landowners to trespassers?
What duty of care do landowners have to trespassers? Tom Hannington, Head of Lime Solicitors, elaborates.
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Vacation scheme facts: you'll learn how to network properly
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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.
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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.
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Vacation scheme facts: you can get involved in numerous subject areas
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Ask an expert: Could sleepwalking lead to jail?
Mark Thomas, a senior lecturer at Nottingham Law School, sheds some light on the use of sleepwalking as a defence in criminal cases.
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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
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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.
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Vacation scheme facts: some firms recruit entirely from their vacation schemes
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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.
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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.
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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?
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The American opioid lawsuits: One down, 2,399 to go?
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AllAboutLaw blog: Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, India’s citizenship law, and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog looks into the current hearings at the International Court of Justice regarding the Rohingya persecution, the discontent surrounding the newly enacted citizenship law in India, and Prince Andrew’s involvement with Jeffrey Epstein.
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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.
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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.
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#InstaLaw: what are the best law accounts to follow?
Take everything you know about Instagram and set it aside. Scrolling through your feed doesn’t need to be procrastination—thanks to a new spate of law accounts out there, you can boost your commercial awareness, get application tips and narrow down your firm options—all from visually interesting, perfectly-filtered posts.
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“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.
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IBM Watson: Oracle or Debacle?
For better or for worse, IBM’s latest AI miracle is expected to revolutionise the working environment.
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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.
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Vacation scheme applications with Mayer Brown
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AllAboutLaw blog: Gender equality in the judiciary, GDPR's impact on research and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw blog looks at Lady Hale’s prediction that the judiciary will be gender equal by 2033, the challenge of GDPR in relation to scientific research and the not-so-unusual case of Picasso’s electrician.
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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!
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“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.
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AllAboutLaw Blog - Human rights abuse in the Xijiang region, war crimes in Iraq and more
This week’s edition of the AllAboutLaw Blog looks at the recent publication of the Xinjiang papers, the evidence of war crimes by the army in Iraq, and the call to publish a report on Russian interference in UK politics.
