86% Magic Circle law firm Clifford Chance has reported an autumn retention rate of 86%, with 49 of its 57 final-seat trainees staying on as newly qualified (NQ) solicitors this September. The firm confirmed it received 56 applications for NQ…
Involved two pupils and mini-pupil A barrister removed from the profession for multiple instances of sexual misconduct has failed in his attempt to overturn the disbarment. Robert Michael Kearney, called to the bar in 1996, had been disbarred following a…
New plan aims to transform courts system with AI-powered tools, reduce backlogs and boost efficiency The Ministry of Justice (MoJ has unveiled an ambitious new strategy to roll-out AI across courts, prisons, and probation services in England and Wales, aiming…
Amid the hype and hyperbole, one Legal Cheek reader wonders what real impact technology is having on the day-to-day working lives of trainees and associates In our latest Career Conundrum, a curious reader reaches out to probe how firms are…
The top legal affairs news stories from this morning and the weekend Blow to consumers as supreme court hands partial win to car finance firms over loans [The Guardian] Legal aid cyber-attack has pushed sector towards collapse, say lawyers [The…
83% Magic Circle law firm Linklaters has confirmed it will retain 33 of its 40 London-based trainees qualifying this autumn. The firm made 34 offers, with 33 accepted, resulting in a retention rate of 83%. All offers were for permanent…
From 96% success to less than 50% The number of aspiring barristers is climbing fast, but new figures from the Bar Standards Board (BSB) reveal a stark divide in pass rates — with some law schools seeing success rates as…
New training regime slammed by TC holder An individual claiming to be a future trainee solicitor has launched a public campaign calling for reform of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), citing the “severe toll” it has taken on her mental,…
‘Fair and transparent structure’ Shoosmiths has joined the summer salary surge, announcing a bump to £105k for its London newly-qualified solicitors (NQs). Meanwhile, the firm has also taken the opportunity to reflect on how NQ pay rises affect more senior…
Spill the (chambers) tea… Last week, Legal Cheek launched an open thread exploring solicitor salaries after the training contract — aiming to shed light on an area often shrouded in secrecy. Over 160 comments later, the thread has become a…