Career focus

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.

Legal professionals looking to get more out of their LinkedIn profiles are invited to a special event in Leeds at Eversheds Sutherland, hosted by TBD Marketing.

Labelled an ‘average boy’ by his school headmaster, Howard Dean has now risen through the ranks to become a partner at Keoghs and president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers for 2025: he discusses defying expectations, changing careers & getting outside of his comfort zone.

A judicial academy has opened, with the aim of helping up to 500 legal executive lawyers become judges in the next five years.