The top legal affairs news stories from this morning and the weekend Plan to reduce jury trials an ‘irremediable error’, lawyers say in MoJ letter [The Guardian] Lammy says justice reforms will reduce victims’ suffering — as right to jury…
Cuts traditional pathway by two years The College of Legal Practice (CoLP) has unveiled a new four-year solicitor apprenticeship, a move that could see school leavers qualify a full two years faster than under the traditional six-year route. Launching in…
Threats linked to live cases and media-fuelled controversies Threats and abuse aimed at solicitors are on the rise, according to new survey findings that paint a troubling picture of life on the frontline of the justice system. In a poll…
New report lays bare gender pay gap Junior male barristers are earning almost a quarter more than their female counterparts, according to a new Bar Council report that highlights persistent gender earnings gaps across the self-employed bar. The 2025 Gross…
Curveball In our latest Career Conundrum, an aspiring solicitor wants to hear from viewers about the trickiest questions they’ve faced in training contract interviews. “Hi Legal Cheek. This isn’t strictly a career conundrum but more just something that interests me,…
Fast-track Esme House, QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright A solicitor barely a year into her career has already stepped up to partnership. Esme House, 27, reached the milestone at QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright, where she now uses her legal skills to support victims…
Justice Sec poised to take extreme action on soaring court backlog Jury trials for the majority of criminal cases could soon be scrapped under sweeping proposals drawn up by Justice Secretary David Lammy. Under the plans, only murder, rape, manslaughter…
Magic Circle giant in major tech push Magic Circle giant Linklaters has launched a team of 20 ‘AI Lawyers’ (yes, that is their actual job title) as it ramps up its commitment to artificial intelligence across its global offices. The…
Wanted to ‘relax litigants’ A US judge has left the building after a disciplinary panel discovered he had been presiding over a case while wearing an Elvis Presley wig and occasionally playing the singer’s music during hearings. Judge Matthew EP…
Meet 40+ chambers before application season begins Prospective pupil barristers should take note that today — Monday 24 November — marks a major moment in the pupillage calendar, with the Pupillage Gateway opening for applicants to begin browsing vacancies ahead…