Law firm mergers have been a significant trend throughout the last decade – and there is a range of commercial reasons why two or more firms may decide to merge. Understanding these reasons is a key part of building your commercial awareness and appreciating that law firms are businesses above all. This weeks’ Feature provides an introduction to mergers and why they happen. Meanwhile, the LCN Says explores the options available when returning from a career break and there is News on Dentons’ new-look training contract and the discrimination still faced by disabled lawyers and candidates.

PS Want to get hands-on experience with one of the world's largest law firms? Apply to become a campus ambassador with Clyde & Co before 31 March.

PPS Open days at Latham & Watkins are a great way to gain insight into its culture and the way the firm works. The deadline to apply is 9 February.

Meet the Lawyer

Maeve Keenan – Kingsley Napley LLP

From “hands on” days spent in police stations to afternoons reviewing complex documentation for white-collar criminal cases, there is always a human element to working in Kingsley Napley’s crime team. Maeve Keenan explains the appeal of the job and provides an introduction to what the firm is really like.

Brochure Focus

Burges Salmon LLP

Burges Salmon prides itself on its top quality work, high profile clients and cutting edge training. Find out why you can expect more from your training contract with this brochure.

Meet the Recruiter

Eleanor Beattie – Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Eleanor Beattie offers valuable insights on how to stand out during the application process and secure a training contract at international firm Trowers & Hamlins.

LCN Says

Is returning to work difficult for lawyers?

Linda Lamb

From taking care of a new child to recharging your batteries in a sabbatical, taking extended leave is an increasingly common part of many lawyers' professional journeys.

LCN Awards winner

Mills & Reeve LLP | Best Work Placement Scheme – Regional Firm

What you see during a vacation scheme always reveals much about what a firm is really like, so it’s no surprise that Mills & Reeve’s work experience programme is so well regarded – the firm has been named in The Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work For for 16 years running.

COMMERCIAL AWARENESS case study - arts & culture sector | LawCareers.Net

Commercial Question

Employment rights for athletes

What are the commercial implications for national governing bodies if funded athletes are given employment rights? Sponsored by DWF Group Plc

Features

A guide to law firm mergers

The reasons that firms decide to merge are as varied as the firms themselves, but there are usually some key drivers – namely, the desire to expand, geographically or in terms of expertise, or to stay afloat.

The Oracle

I’m interested in criminal law but don’t want to defend criminals

I am interested in a career in criminal law, but not sure how I would feel defending a client who I knew was guilty of a serious crime such as murder. Should I consider a different area of law?

LCN Blogs

The top 4 things I've learned from applying to vacation schemes

Juliet

As a penultimate year non-law student, it is only in the last few months that I have been able to make my first forays into the daunting world of vacation scheme applications.

Solicitors' practice areas

Professional negligence – Walker Morris LLP

Jennifer Allum

Professional services providers - solicitors, barristers, surveyors, accountants, independent financial advisers, insurance brokers, architects, engineers and others - all run the risk of giving negligent advice to clients.

Jobs

Norfolk

nplaw, Norfolk County Council | Trainee solicitor - three positions

nplaw are looking for three new trainee solicitors to start training contracts with us in 2021. One post commences 1 March 2021; two posts commence 1 September 2021.