Access CCTV A solicitor who impersonated a police officer in an attempt to obtain CCTV footage of his ex-partner from a Nando’s restaurant has been given a 12-month community order. Legal Cheek reported last month that Conor Johnstone, a solicitor…
Solid City alternative? The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has recently expanded its legal trainee numbers from 80 places to 120. In a media landscape which is rife with talks of AI reducing graduate intakes, cut backs to entry level roles,…
Denies speculation of third-party investment Following the finalisation of its merger in June, Ashurst Perkins Coie has confirmed it will operate as an alternative business structure (ABS) but denies suggestions that the move is to enable third-party investment. ABS’s were…
150+ members 42BR Barristers has united with 4 Brick Court to create one of the largest single-site chambers in the country, with over 150 members. Legal Cheek reported back in April that the two sets were poised to join forces,…
The top legal affairs news stories from this morning and the weekend The talent raid that shook New York’s most prestigious law firm [Financial Times] (£) Boozy lunches still on the menu: Law firms bankroll juniors to schmooze clients in…
34 of 44 A&O Shearman has held onto 34 of its 44 newly qualifying trainees this autumn, working out at a retention rate of 77%. All the NQs staying on are in permanent roles. The result follows a similar showing…
Many are calling it the legal version of the Coldplay kiss cam scandal A screenshot of the viral TikTok What a week it’s been for Nathaniel Cullerton. Cullerton, a partner at BigLaw US firm Wachtell Lipton, was due to join…
More rises Eversheds Sutherland has increased the pay of its newly qualified (NQ) solicitors in both London and the regions. London salaries will enjoy a 9% boost to £120,000 from £110,000 and regional rates will rise around 10% from £72,500…
‘Satisfactory outcome’ Macfarlanes has reported static partner profits in its latest financial results, despite revenue continuing to climb. The Silver Circle firm posted revenue of £389.5 million for the 2025-26 financial year, up 5% on the previous year. Operating profit…
Career changers Over the years, Legal Cheek has reported on dozens of ex-lawyers who have left the profession for something completely different: heading into the arts, opening restaurants, moving into content creation and, in one case, becoming a clown?! But…