Career focus

Kerry Phillip, lawyer at The Legal Director, reflects on her 30 years of experience in regulated multinationals, small companies and law firms, and discusses the struggles of transitioning from lawyer to leader

Law firms and legal departments may need to do more to bring their workforce up to speed on artificial intelligence (AI), according to the Future Lawyers Report 2025, published last week.

Early-stage career and recently qualified solicitors and barristers should have their laptops at the ready this Valentine’s Day, when the much-sought-after High Court Judicial Assistant Scheme opens for applications. 

The government is considering cutting funding for level 7 apprenticeships, which could ‘seriously impact social mobility in the legal profession’, Rhicha Kapila, partner and chief operating officer at Bolt Burdon Kemp, writes in this week’s NLJ. Level 7, the highest level of apprenticeships, ‘create a qualification path for graduates’ that allows them to be paid while they train.

Cutting apprenticeships is a step backwards for the profession & for social mobility, says Rhicha Kapila

The responsibilities of paralegals have expanded considerably, as have their career options, Amanda Hamilton, Patron of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals, writes in this week’s NLJ. Some use the experience as a stepping stone into a career as solicitor or barrister, while others develop a specialism in a particular area.

From finding a niche to going freelance, Amanda Hamilton sets out the increasing range of career options available to paralegals

Celebrations were taking place across the Bar last week as 105 new silks received the good news.

Submissions have opened for the 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales.

Fancy a life in crime? The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is currently looking for trainee solicitors and pupil barristers.