Loughborough Uni general counsel and AstraZeneca senior lawyer among those to publicly criticise new assessment regime Several senior in-house lawyers have voiced concerns about the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), with one describing it as an “oppressive” and “irrational” system that…
48 out of 53 National law firm Irwin Mitchell has announced a 91% retention rate, with 48 of its 53 trainees qualifying as solicitors this year. The latest cohort of 36 trainees completed their training contracts this summer, joining 12…
More financial results A&O Shearman has reported global revenues of £2.9 billion for the past financial year — the Magic Circle firm’s first set of results since its merger completed last year. The outfit also recorded profit before tax of…
Keen to make good first impression In our latest Career Conundrum, a soon-to-be trainee solicitor asks about the key dos and don’ts for getting their training contract off to a strong start. “Hello LC. I saw you recent Conundrum on…
Incident occurred 15 years ago A judge has received a formal warning after admitting to having sex in his judicial chambers over 15 years ago. Recorder Paul Kirtley admitted the encounter, with his then partner, had taken place as alleged…
Participants paired with senior mentors from professional services firms Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has launched a new mentoring programme aimed at supporting neurodivergent lawyers at the start of their careers. The scheme, delivered in partnership with consultancy Nurturing Neurodivergence, is…
Eight years of consecutive growth Addleshaw Goddard has broken through the £500 million barrier, posting financial results for the year to 30 April 2025. The international outfit saw revenues climb 11% from £495.6 million to £550.9 million, marking the firm’s…
Unaware of anonymity protections A magistrate has been removed from office after disclosing information that risked identifying an alleged victim of sexual abuse. Magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment to be careful in their conduct and maintain the…
Bagged first-class law degree at 18 Krishangi Meshram A law graduate has qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales at just 21, making her one of the youngest ever to do so. Krishangi Meshram began her law degree at…
24 out of 28 Macfarlanes has announced a trainee retention rate of 86%. The firm confirmed this week that 24 of its 28 final-seat trainees will be staying on when they qualify next month. The Legal Cheek Firms Most List…