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Legislating FGM: a recent conviction for conspiring to commit FGM is a memorable first for the CPS in England and Wales:
In her article, Leanne Wylie explores the recent Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)’ landmark conviction in a case involving female genital mutilation (FGM) in England and Wales. This case marks a significant step in the fight against FGM, highlighting the CPS’s commitment to prosecuting such crime.
SUPREME COURT’S VERDICT ON ELECTORAL BONDS
In his article Vibhor Maloo explores the latest Indian Supreme Court ruling, which declares the electoral bonds as illegal according to the constitution, highlighting a landmark in Indian politics. This ruling brings to light important issues of financial transparency and the democratic spirit that the Indian constitution embodies.
The Decline of the UK’s Capital Markets
In this article Sameer Chowdhry analyses the reasoning for the UK capital markets and considers how the government may address the industry’s challenges.
Knights’ Bold Moves and Strategic Growth in the Legal Sector
In her article, Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores Knights’ acquisition of Thursfields Solicitors, a high-end, full-service law firm based in Kidderminster and Worcester. By strategically selecting firms that align with its values, Knights ensures smooth integration, retaining key talent and enhancing capabilities. This latest acquisition bolsters Knights’ expertise in private wealth and supports its ambitious growth plans.
Thousands of Bolt Drivers Fight for Worker Status and Compensation Over Unpaid Holiday Pay and Wage Discrepancies
Olga Kyriakoudi in her article explores the legal battle of thousands of Bolt drivers to be recognised as workers rather than self-employed contractors. Represented by the law firm Leigh Day, over 12,500 drivers are seeking compensation for unpaid holiday pay and discrepancies in their wages, specifically shortfalls in the National Living Wage. This case highlights the ongoing struggle for gig economy workers to secure fair treatment and proper compensation for their labour.
Overcrowding in Prisons: A Growing Crisis
In her article, Sofia S. Gagliardi explores the issue of prison overcrowding. Following the racist riots Keir Starmer introduced new legislation aimed at temporarily alleviating the overcrowding crisis. Overcrowded prisons have profound implications for both the legal industry and society at large.
Reforming cohabitation laws: Resolution’s current campaign
In her article, Leanne Wylie explores cohabiting couples rights in England and Wales. Cohabitation has become more common in recent years, however, the legal framework in England and Wales has lagged behind. Family lawyers advocate for reforms to provide adequate protections for cohabiting couples.
Autonomous Vessels and Maritime Law: Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Regulation
In her article, Divya T examines the influence of artificial intelligence within the maritime law sector, highlighting the multifaceted and essential role of maritime lawyers in adapting our legal and regulatory frameworks to keep up with the pace of innovation.
The UK Tax Gap: Understanding the Tax Collection
Divya T explores in his article the concept of ‘Tax Gap’, which refers to the difference between the amount that would normally be taxed and the amount that is actually paid to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and how lawyers play a critical role in closing the tax gap.
Navigating Conflicting Protected Characteristics in the Workplace: A Legal Analysis
Olga Kyriakoudi explores in her article the extent to which the 2023 Employment Tribunal ruling in the case brought by Denise Fahmy and the decision in Phoenyx against the Open University made in January 2024, achieve a proper balance in terms of safeguarding the conflicting rights of various protected characteristics.
Review on the billable hour
Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores in her article the latest report of Lexis Nexis on the billable hour.
The highest paying law firms for trainees in 2022
Jonathan Tsang in his article explores the salaries of Magic, Silver Circle, and White Shoe law firms for trainees in 2022.
The Erosion of High Street Law Firms
Karissa Onye discusses the erosion of high street law firms in light of government cutbacks and subsequent financial hardship. What is the High Street? Most readers […]
A Correlation Between Global Warming and Human Rights
In her article, Laetitia Ponde Nkot examines the recent verdict of the European Court of Human Rights, which determined that Switzerland had not implemented sufficient measures in line with its pledge to combat climate change. This landmark decision establishes, for the first time, a direct link between the endeavour to address global warming and the protection of human rights within a nation.
AI in the legal field – An inevitable takeover?
In her article, Alia Hussain explores the intricate world of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sector, shedding light on the risks involved and the potential for misuse of its capabilities.
April 2024 – Employment Law Updates
In her article, Demi Akande explores the new employment law legislations that companies are required to implement as of this April.
The Conveyancing Protocol as outlined by The Law Society
Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores in her article the changes to the Law Society’s Conyeyancing Protocol, and the upcoming law to help lawyers draw up their sales contracts digitally.
Negotiating Charter Parties: Construction and Interpretation of Contracts or Parties’ Intentions?
Divya T explores in her article the case of Trafigura Maritime Logistics Pte Ltd (“Trafigura”) in respect of the mv ‘Aquafreedom’ (‘the Ship’). The case joins recent decisions, recalling certain principles of contract law such as negotiations ‘subject to contract’, and the cancellation of an offer by a counteroffer.
Custodial sentences for climbing memorial statues: a step in the wrong direction
Sofia S. Gagliardi examines in her article the British government’s bill to sanction the desecration of war memorials, following the events during the pro-Palestinian demonstration in London in November.
How could someone ever defend them?
Sofia S. Gagliardi explores in her article the new rule The Cab Rank Rule (the Rule), incorporated after the Just Stop Oil event. The rule demands that a barrister accept instructions on a case if they are available, regardless of their personal beliefs.
No Justice Without Lawyers—The Myth of an Inquisitorial Solution
Olga Kyriakoudi analyses in her article the efficacy of conditional fee agreements, alternative dispute resolution, and litigants in person. The article considers both practical and theoretical implications, acknowledging the impact of reduced civil legal aid, and proposes reforms to enhance accessibility to justice.
Navigating Personal Injury Litigation: Training, Risk Mitigation, and Ethical Considerations
In her article, Olga Kyriakoudi explores the complex legal landscape of the personal injury litigation industry and the importance of training programs to minimise the challenges.
National Security Act 2023
Olga Kyriakoudi explores in her article on the new National Security Act 2023 and its effect on the UK.
ESG lawsuits are increasing
In her article, Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores into the surge of litigation related to ESG matters.
Breaking the Speed Limit Penalties in the UK
Speed limit laws are a major safety issue on the roads of the UK. Exceeding the speed limit risks everyone, from pedestrians to other drivers sharing […]
A New Legal Support Scheme Launches for Tenants and Homeowners
Demi Akande examines in her article the New Legal Support Scheme launched for Tenants and Homeowners in the UK. The scheme affords people to obtain legal advice and representation when they are at risk of losing their home, regardless of their financial situation.
An innovative digital mentoring scheme to enhance Black individuals’ representation in law
Laetitia Ponde Nkot in her article explores the new digital mentoring scheme recently introduced by The Stephen James Partnership to amplify Black individuals’ representation in law.
Drought in Panama Paradise
Divya T explores in her article the challenge of the water level of the Panama Canal that continues to impact global supply chains in various areas.
Expectation and reality (mini-pupillage)
Jonathan Tsang in his article examines mini-pupillage.
The World Trade Organisation Dispute Settlement
Olga Kyriakoudi examines in her article the specific problems that the appellate body faces since 2018/2019 when the United States refused to approve judges for the appelate body thereby impeding the function of the WTO-dispute settlement.
Well-being in law firms
Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores in her article how law firms support the wellbeing of their employees.W
Companies House: Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill
Jessica R. Dhodakia in her article explores the Companies House Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill 2022 (ECCT). The ECCT Bill aimed at preventing corruption in corporate structuring, and tackling economic crime. The bill particularly aims to change the Companies House’s role, by allowing new powers to check, remove and decline certain information.
LEGALITY OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGES IN INDIA: CONTEMPORARY OVERVIEW
Vibhor explores in his article the rights of same-sex couples in India. Although same-sex marriage is still not legalised, there have been significant advances for LGBTQ+ human rights.
Review of the Life at the Employed Bar
Laetitia Ponde Nkot in her article examines the 2023 barristers life survey report at the Bar.
Development of Legal Aid Scheme – 10 Years Since the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act
Tammy Ho explores in her article the development of legal aid since the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of offenders Act (LASPO) 2012.
The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022
Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores in her article The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 which came into force in February 2023, raising the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales instead of 16 previously.
A New Way of Training
Demi Akande explores in her article the opportunities of training contracts part-time.
Use of Wikipedia by judges erodes judgments
Laetitia Ponde Nkot examines in her article the use of Wikipedia by judges, leading to bad judicial decisions.
India allows foreign qualified lawyers to practise and set up firms in country without permission to appear before courts and tribunals: A Game Changer move for next-gen lawyers
Divya explores in her article an advance in the Indian legal system, allowing foreign lawyers to practise law in the country.
Tracking Development in the SQE
Tammy Ho examines in her article the evolution of the SQE since its introduction.
The O Shaped Lawyer
Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores in her article the O Shaped Lawyer initiative founded by Dan Kayne. The enterprise aims to improve the legal profession by focusing more on the human side.
Talking about DE & I: Allen & Overy x Barclays Event
Jessica R. Dhodakia in her article explores the event organised by Grow Mentoring addressing unspoken challenges about diversity in the legal profession.
Criminal Legal Aid Funding Plan rejected by Government
Laetitia Ponde Nkot examines in her article the recent government decision to reject criminal legal aid funding.
An Insider’s Guide to Ship Broking and Chartering: What You Need To Know
Dyvia T in her article examines the legal aspects of the maritime sector.
Sentencing powers of magistrates increased
Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores in her article the recent increase in the sentencing power of magistrates in England and Wales.
UK Supreme Court Set to Sit in Manchester 2023
Tammy Ho explores in her article plans for the Supreme Court moving out of London to across England.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on specific legal sectors
Simmi Kaur examines in his article the impacts of COVID-19 on certain legal sectors.
Competition law in development
Laetitia Ponde Nkot in her article examines an expected rise in demand for competition lawyers and the decline in demand for corporate lawyers,
Is the Shipping Cycle in its collapse stage?
Divya explores in her article the current state of the shipping industry and its impact on lawyers in the field.
Free legal advice increased
Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores in her article an increase in the legal aid fund to support access to justice for victims of domestic violence, and those threatened with eviction from their homes.
Rise of Fee-Share Law Firms
Tammy Ho in her article explores the likely rise of lawyers working in fee-share law firms.
How to become a self-employed solicitor
Self-employment is becoming a more attractive prospect for professionals in almost every industry – and solicitors are no exception. Not only does self-employment allow you to […]
Tightening the links on the blockchain: The regulatory advances on cryptocurrency
Kevone Morris explores in his article UK Government Bill to Amend The Proceeds of Crime Act (‘POCA’) 2002 to regulate Crypto Asset Fraud.
Diversity in Law Firms
Udemeobong Udoeyop in her article explores the current situation of diversity in law firms.
Nationality and Borders Act and the Legal Implications of the Rwanda Asylum Partnership
Demi Akande explores in her article the impact of the Nationality and Borders Act on the UK Asylum system and the legal implications.
Crown Courts Sentences Televised
Laetitia Ponde Nkot examines in her article the British criminal cases now allowed to be reported live on television under the Crown Court (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2020. Several actors in the field give their views.
Future of Criminal Bar at Stake
Tammy Ho in his article explores the criminal bar situation, highlighting the importance of government financial support to the future of the bar.
Mediation made compulsory in the civil justice system in England & Wales
In her article, Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores a potential reform of the civil justice system in England & Wales, rendering mediation compulsory in certain civil affairs.
The New ‘No Fault Divorce’: The Advantages and Disadvantages
In this article, Nicole Ergis considers the advantages and the disadvantages of the new no fault divorce, as reformed by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2022.
BPP BRIDGE PROGRAMME COURSES
Ella Bromwich in her article explores the new course of the BPP University School of Law ‘ The Bridge Programme’, a free career development course to guide aspiring solicitors and barristers into their future careers.
A brief overview of ESG and COP26 including the legal framework
Demi Akande explores in her article ESG following the recent COP 26 climate change conference and its implications for the legal industry.
The benefits of Brexit for the legal industry
Olga Kyriakoudi examines in her article the release of ‘the Benefits of Brexit Document’ and the opportunities for the legal industry.
‘Immoral’ Swiss Secrecy Laws: Credit Suisse Data Leak
In this article, Hannain Osama analyses the Credit Suisse data leak and the implications of the allegations. Also, previous Credit Suisse scandals are explored, along with what happens next for the Swiss bank.
Women in Law who have Shattered Glass Ceiling
Demi Akande in her article pays tribute to women who paved the way for women in the legal industry and examines the journey of two exemplary women who contributed to change in the field.
Oil and gas prices are soaring – and so are our fears
Article by Julia Bąk. The already strained global oil and gas market is sent spiralling again as Russia wages barbaric war against Ukraine. The cost of […]
Data privacy: how the year has started and what to expect next
Article by Ralitsa Stancheva. Data privacy is anything but a stale and slow-moving area! Companies pay increasingly close attention to it, and it is thus an […]
UK’S Legal Reviews of 2021
In this article, Olga Kyriakoudi explores the challenges facing the UK legal sector as 2022 begins.
CILEx Regulation launches new Equality, Diversity & Inclusion strategy
How Translation Services Can Support Those Struggling with Language Barriers in Understanding the Law
Legal Sector Apprenticeships
Demi Akande explores in this article an alternative path to the traditional qualification paths for certain professions in the legal sector, legal apprenticeships.
Shakespeare Martineau accomplishes its first merger
Shakespeare Martineau has just completed its first merger in its business development strategy. Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores in her article the course of the cabinet Shakespeare Martineau since its creation until today.
Intervene Project: Striving to Plug the Exponentially Increasing Legal Aid Gap by Providing Free Representation to Prisoners
Abuse, neglect and injustice run through UK prisons. However, the relentless wave of legal aid cuts, including those brought about by LASPO 2012, has seriously obstructed […]
Are you keeping track of the latest UK trade agreements?
Ralitsa Stancheva outlines the recent trade agreements that the UK has established and analyses the impact of these developments.
Which One? SQE or LPC?
Demi Akande examines in her article the differences between the LPC and SQE.
Virtual law firms
Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores the expansion of virtual law firms in the UK. The article talks about the development of virtual law firms, the differences between traditional firms and virtual firms, and the solicitors’ points of view concerning the virtual law firms’ system.
The takeover of Arm by Nvidia posing a national security threat
Article by Christina Hajisotiris A deeper review into Nvidia’s acquisition of Arm by UK’s competition authorities has raised national security concerns. Nvidia, the largest US tech company, […]
What are the chances of another lockdown happening in England?
Olga Kyriakoudi explores the current situation of COVID-19 in the UK and how law firms deal with their employees in the face of these circumstances.
Criminal justice is at breaking point
Laetitia Ponde Nkot investigates the backlog of cases in the criminal justice system and the uncertainty of managing to reduce the load, despite the opening of temporary courts. The article reports the plans considered by the Department of Justice to re-enable the criminal justice system in England and Wales.
The Law Society welcomes I. Stephanie Boyce as President
Demi Akande recounts an interview from I. Stephanie Boyce, the new and first President black female of the law society, in which she talks about her will to continue the efforts for a diverse legal industry.
The Relaunch of Simply Law!
Simply Law has announced that the legal job site has undergone the biggest transformation in its 18 year history. Based on in-depth research into the industry, […]
Cybersecurity: Attack on Law Firms
Dilara Devin outlines the threat of cybercrime and the challenges that it poses for law firms using modern technology in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic […]
British Inter-University Commercial Awareness Competition – the largest commercial awareness competition for law students in the UK !
BIUCAC 2021 BIUCAC 2021 is a major national competition seeking to highlight what is seldom taught in the lecture room – Legal Commercial Awareness. Legal Commercial […]
The Legal Industry in the Third Lockdown
Trinity Batt explores how the legal industry have responded and adapted to the third national lockdown in the UK and the challenges that this has brought. […]
Growing Trend of Legal Tech Subsidiaries
Dilara Devin explores the growth of legal technology subsidiaries as law firms are developing their own technology to increase efficiency within the legal sector. Legal […]
Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Industry
Aathira Prakash discusses diversity and inclusion within the legal industry, outlining the surge in efforts to combat discrimination and increase diversity within the workplace. The […]
Uncertain Future for the Bar
Laetitia Ponde Nkot explores the current working situation at the Bar and the uncertainty surrounding its future. Current bar situation Research led by LexisNexis UK […]
Virtual Law Fairs: Making a Good Impression
Zahra Javed discusses the transition from face-to-face to virtual law fairs, and explains how will students be able to make a good impression online, offering tips […]
Freelance Solicitors – The ‘Wild West’?
Dilara Devin explores the impact of freelance solicitors on the legal sector this year. From the end of November 2019 onwards solicitors have been able […]
A Return to the Office
Trinity Batt explores returning to the office post-lockdown, and how law firms around the world are addressing a phased return to office working environments. With offices […]
Climate Change and the Legal Sector
Aathira Prakash provides an overview of climate change and its links with the legal sector, delving into both the impacts on litigation and how courts have […]
Competition in the UK’s Legal Market
Aathira Prakash assesses competition within the UK’s legal market and how firms have kept afloat throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The UK’s legal market has seen […]
Desperate Times: Breaking Quarantine to Attend Court?
Sophia Gonella assesses a brief conflict that has occurred between the Bar Council and the Law Society regarding whether lawyers should break quarantine to attend court. […]
Did the Impact of COVID-19 Affect Trainee Retention Rates for Law Firms?
Zahra Javed discusses the retention rates of law firms and whether Covid-19 has impacted the future of the sector. The impact of COVID-19 has meant that […]
The Growth of Litigations & Disputes Resolutions
Dilara Devin explores litigations and disputes resolutions, highlighting the recent growth in the sector and the impact that Covid-19 may have. What is the significance […]
Seeking Legal Experience During COVID-19
Aathira Prakash offers an insight into gaining legal work experience during Covid-19. When applying for legal internships showing transferrable skills from any experience is beneficial. A […]
The Climate Crisis and the Legal Industry
Trinity Batt explores how the legal industry are addressing the climate crisis. In recent years the call for action against climate change has massively increased. A […]
Has Covid-19 Been The Push Legal-Tech Needed?
Nat Swartland explores the impact of covid-19 on the technological advancements within the legal sector. Legal tech is something that has been sitting patiently on the […]
The Future of the Legal Profession
Aleksandra Nowicka discusses the future of the legal profession, legaltech, and the importance of personal branding
The Shift to Online Law Schools from Face-to-Face Teaching – but which is better?
Zahra Javed explores the sudden shift to online teaching as a result of Covid-19, its future sustainability and the impact that this could have on students, […]
Mergers: A History and a Future
Laetitia Ponde Nkot gives an explanation of mergers within the legal industry, delving into their history and the ingredients necessary to create a successful merger. In […]
The Uberization Of The Legal Industry
Karissa Onye explores the ‘uberization’ of the legal industry, its impact on workers and the possibilities for further innovation in the future. The rapidly expanding economy […]
London is Open for (Legal) Business – The New ‘Mega’ Court
City of London have released further details regarding its plans to build a new central court complex in London, dubbed the ‘mega’ court. As the Square […]
Case Backlog at Half a Million: Time to Extend the Court Day?
Sophia Gonella explores the growing accumulation of untried cases and the potential impacts of extended court days. Since the imposed lockdown and court closures resulting from […]
The Future of Reader-friendly Policies
Dilara Devin explores how Browne Jacobson LLP and the University of Nottingham have collaborated to find out what makes a policy document more comprehensible and share […]
Allison Bailey v Stonewall
Allison Bailey, a criminal defence barrister of Garden Court Chambers, has been engaged in a discrimination row with Stonewall and her chambers. Whilst her CrowdJustice page […]
Pupillage in Lockdown – the Challenges Faced by Pupil Barristers
Neide Lemos writes about pupillage in lockdown, the new ‘second six’ experience and the challenges that budding barristers may face. For years we have seen […]
Lockdown, Mental Health and Remote Working – The Future of the Legal Industry
Trinity Batt explores the impact of lockdown and remote working on the mental health of lawyers and the productivity of the legal industry. The disruption caused […]
Artificial Intelligence and the Law
Andrew Chan discusses Yuval Noah Harari’s description of lawyers as a “useless class” of workers that will eventually be taken over by artificial intelligence. A thought-provoking read!
Here Come The Girls: ‘Ivy & Normanton’, The First Female Legal Outfitter
Following over one hundred years of women in the legal profession, a clothing company dedicated to female lawyers has finally been launched – set up by […]
BLM and the Legal Profession: Tackling Racism and Increasing Cultural Diversity
The Black Lives Matter movement has radically resurged in 2020, as a result of a viral video capturing the death of George Floyd at the hands […]
Litigation in the Future – Virtual Trials and Internet Courts
Mayank Tripathi looks at the development of virtual trials and what this could mean for the future.
The Legal Tech Race: How Law Firms are Harnessing the Latest Innovations
As any student lawyer will know, legal tech is an increasingly important area for law firms looking to stand out in the competitive legal services market. […]
Stonewall ranks 2020’s most LGBT-inclusive law firms
Camilla Uppal reports on the fifteen law firms that have made Stonewall’s list of top 100 LGBT-inclusive employers for 2020.
The role of artificial intelligence in the legal sector
Mayank Tripathi explains the impact of AI on the legal sector and explores the different ways that firms are adopting new technology.
Linklaters – increasing accessibility by changing the application process for training contracts?
Linklaters is a highly regarded, magic circle firm, with twenty-nine offices in over nineteen countries. With over five thousand staff worldwide, is there any wonder it […]
The Most Diverse Law Firms in 2019
When researching firms as potential employers, you may have noticed some buzzwords that are commonly being by law firms to describe their culture. This article takes […]
The highest paying law firms for trainees in 2019
With September now upon us, many students and graduates are likely to be thinking about which law firms they want to apply to for vacation schemes […]
The Art of the Deal – Corporate Update Summer 2019
As we approach training contract interview season, commercial firms will want to see that applicants know what is going on in the city. Here is an […]
Fieldfisher Continues To Expand with Italian Merger
Fieldfisher opens fifth office in Italy as the firm merges with Bologna firm Lucchini Gattamorta & Associates (LGA), continuing its global expansion spree for 2016-17. The […]
Clifford Chance advises Imagination Technologies as the Apple supplier puts itself up for sale
Clifford Chance advises Imagination Technologies, as the UK chip designer puts itself up for sale in the midst of a dispute with Apple.
Berwin Leighton Paisner Launches Manchester Training Contracts
Earlier this month, international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) announced its decision to commence training contracts in its Manchester office. BLP is an award-winning, leading […]
Slaughter and May’s First Ever London Lateral Hire
Slaughter and May has made its first ever London lateral hire in its 125 year history, recruiting Herbert Smith Freehill’s (HSF) head of pensions, Daniel Schaffer. […]
Clifford Chance and Dechert Advise on $3 Billion Shell Deal
Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance, along with Dechert, White & Case, and Watson Farley & Williams have each won roles on Shell’s $3 billion disposal of […]
Blind CVs Open the Eyes of the UK’s Top Firms
Natalie Williams takes a look at the new trend of recruiting through a ‘blind CV’ process, discussing the impact so far.