The Legal Cheek Podcast

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thatcher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/ Training contract numbers across 100 Legal Cheek Most List firms have fallen by 2% this year, but what is really driving this decline, and why is it not as dramatic as we may have expected?In this episode, Legal Cheek founder and publisher Alex Aldridge sits down with events co-ordinator Hannah Thompson to dissect the latest figures and what they mean for future lawyers.Everyone is talking about AI as a disruptive force in the graduate recruitment market but is its influence being overstated? To what extent is the rapid growth of solicitor apprenticeships behind the 2% decrease? And how do these figures fit into the wider graduate jobs market?Together, they discuss the trends behind the data and why the outlook for aspiring solicitors may be brighter than headlines suggest.

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/Starting the PGDL this September? Here's everything you'll need to know!Legal Cheek writer and PGDL graduate Lydia Fontes sits down with events co-ordinator Molly Jamieson to talk all things law conversion -- from what your weeks will look like as a PGDL student, to the best strategies for staying on top of the (copious!) reading. Molly, who will be embarking on her conversion this September, discusses her anxieties about starting the course as well as what she's most looking forward to.The pair talk about what makes law conversions different to an undergraduate degree and share study schedules and revision techniques that will give you the best chance of success.

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/Should you start the SQE if you do not have a training contract lined up?Legal Cheek writer Nadia Ismail sits down with events coordinator Hannah Thompson to discuss her experience of self funding the SQE before securing a training contract, from why she decided to start straight after university to the realities of balancing studying with applications, interviews and assessment centres.How much should the financial commitment factor into the decision? Does completing the SQE make any difference when applying for training contracts? And what other routes to qualification are available if you do not have a TC?We discuss the pressures of taking the SQE without a training contract, qualifying work experience, the traditional training contract route and the circumstances in which self funding might, or might not, be the right choice.

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/Last year 3,912 aspiring barristers applied for pupillage. Only 287 got it.Entry to the bar has never been more competitive, so what can aspiring barristers do to improve their odds?Applying for pupillage takes more than a strong CV: candidates need knowledge, grit, and a healthy dose of luck. So, what should first-time applicants (or those going again) bear in mind?Legal Cheek’s Lydia Fontes is joined by fellow LC writer and future pupil barrister Saul Agar-Ward, who talks through his own path to pupillage: what worked, what didn’t, and the advice he’d give to anyone else taking the plunge.--------------------------------------------------------------------📣 Meet 40 top chambers at our Virtual Pupillage Fair on Thursday 8 October (2-5pm)! Sign up now: https://www.legalcheek.com/fair/the-legal-cheek-virtual-pupillage-fair-series/

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/As the new SQE intake approaches, so do the inevitable nerves about what lies ahead.Legal Cheek writers Nadia Ismail and Ryan Scott sit down to discuss what students can expect from SQE1, with Nadia sharing her experience of preparing for and sitting the assessment.How do you manage the sheer volume of content? What does studying for SQE1 actually look like week to week? And what should you expect from the exam itself?We talk study techniques, practice questions, mock scores, last-minute revision, exam-day stamina and the advice Nadia would give to anyone feeling anxious about getting started.---------------------------------------------------------📣 Meet 50+ leading law firms at our September Virtual Law Fair on Wednesday 2 September (2-5pm)!! Sign up now: ⁠https://www.legalcheek.com/fair/the-legal-cheek-uk-virtual-law-fair-series/

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/ As the autumn approaches, so does the 2026-27 training contract application cycle.Legal Cheek publisher, Alex Aldridge, and writer, Lydia Fontes, share the tips and tricks that will give you the best chance at securing an elusive training contract this year.How many firms should you apply to? When should you start applying? What does commercial awareness actually mean and how do you acquire it? We have the answer to all these questions and more!We talk playing the graduate recruitment game, standing out in applications, understanding how law firms work to give you the edge in your applications this year.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📣 Meet 50+ leading law firms at our September Virtual Law Fair on Wednesday 2 September (2-5pm)!! Sign up now: https://www.legalcheek.com/fair/the-legal-cheek-uk-virtual-law-fair-series/

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have just expanded their trainee solicitor numbers by 50% from 80 places to 120.The pay is some way off global law firm levels, and the office will no doubt be less slick than the City’s glass and steel palaces, but many future lawyers may find the opportunity enticing – particularly at a time when AI is threatening to eat into graduate jobs.Legal Cheek’s Alex Aldridge and Julia Szaniszlo weigh the pros and cons of starting your career with the CPS vs a conventional law firm training contract. In particular, they consider how the CPS would be perceived on rookie lawyers' CVs and whether the experience could be used as a launchpad to a City firm.

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/Andy Burnham’s newly announced Cabinet features three lawyers, a former trainee solicitor who didn’t finish his training contract and a non-lawyer who’s been given the role of Lord Chancellor (aka Secretary of State for Justice).What do their backgrounds tell us about the way the new Prime Minister will govern?Legal Cheek editor Tom Connelly and publisher Alex Aldridge draw upon their experiences covering the legal market in depth over the last decade and beyond to answer this question.They consider how Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and new Attorney General Ellie Reeves both started out at the same chambers as rookie barristers. And they delve into the controversy around new Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who previously claimed to be a solicitor despite never actually qualifying.The pair also explore why the Lord Chancellor job – traditionally the preserve of legal professionals – has gone to a non-lawyer.

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/Over the years, Legal Cheek has reported on dozens of ex-lawyers who have left the profession for something completely different -- heading into the arts, opening restaurants, moving into content creation and, in one case, becoming a clown?!But this week, a story in The Times about former legal director Richard Wetherell leaving his career as a personal injury lawyer to become a lime plasterer got us thinking about why lawyers walk away from a profession that is so often associated with prestige, security and high salaries.Legal Cheek’s Ryan Scott and Tom Connelly are back to discuss Wetherell’s unusual career change, alongside other examples of lawyers who have quit law to run an independent publishing house, set up their own bakeries, become classical painters and pivot into lawtech.They also explore the bigger questions behind these career changes: why do some lawyers leave law after spending years trying to get in? Is it burnout, work-life balance, a lack of fulfilment, or the pull of doing something more creative and meaningful?And, on the flip side, the pair consider why ex-lawyers are often well placed to succeed in other fields — from their work ethic and dedication to their ability to perform under pressure and win over clients.Ultimately, this week’s episode asks whether leaving law should really be seen as walking away from success, or simply redefining what success looks like.

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/It's been well reported in the UK media that Prince Harry has been waging war on Britain's press establishment in a series of protracted legal battles fought out in the High Court and beyond.Whilst he's had a few victories along the way, namely a settlement in 2025 against the Sun's publishers, News Group Newspapers, and a win against Mirror Group Newspapers in 2023, his latest action against the press (or as he puts it “slay the dragon”!) has been unsuccessful. In 2022, Harry, alongside seven fellow claimants, accused the Associated Newspapers Ltd, publishers of the Daily Mail, the Mail Online, and Mail on Sunday, of “clear, systematic and sustained use of unlawful information-gathering”. Four years and an eleven-week High Court trial later, all 97 allegations were dismissed by Mr Justice Nicklins, who found that the claimants failed to prove any unlawful conduct on the part of ANL. What's more, this ordeal has reportedly racked up legal costs of £50 million!Given everything at stake, is litigation really effective enough at holding the press - or anyone- accountable to outweigh the costs of such a lengthy, expensive process? Alex Aldridge and Julia Szaniszlo are back to discuss the nuances of this story, what the true cost of litigation can be, who really wins and loses in the process, and why, ultimately, it can be a very costly mistake.

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/Law firm mergers are often presented as a neat equation: bigger platform, bigger clients, bigger profits. But behind the slick press releases and carefully worded announcements, the reality of combining two major firms is usually far more complicated.And with Winston Taylor going live on 1 June, Ashurst Perkins Coie launching on 29 June, and Hogan Lovells Cadwalader following on 1 July, mega mergers are again dominating the legal headlines. These are some of the biggest law firm tie-ups in history — but what actually happens when (as the Spice Girls would say) two become one?Legal Cheek’s Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott are back to unpack the hidden challenges behind the merger hype. From partner politics and pay structures to client conflicts, office overlaps, tech headaches, rebrands, redundancies and culture clashes, this week’s episode asks whether law firm mergers really create stronger firms — or whether “better together” is sometimes easier said than done.

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/Stereotypes are rarely fair or accurate. However, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the stereotype of a barrister (charismatic, well-spoken, intelligent beyond compare) is an accurate one. For professionals who spend their lives advocating before judges and juries in high-stakes public fora, you'd think that would make them some of the most capable leaders imaginable.However, Keir Starmer (in the eyes of the British public, at the very least) seems to have dodged that particular reputation. In fact, given his high-profile legal roles, why is it that his tenure as prime minister has been marred by ridicule over his communication style and public presentation? Whilst not here to comment on the particularities of his politics, Alex Aldridge and Julia Szaniszlo are back to discuss what it really means to be a barrister, whether the above stereotypes ring true, and why it is that so many barristers seem to end up in politics.

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/Currently, the legal press and beyond is full of doom-mongering of a staggering scale — the advent of AI means one thing for sure: your shiny legal career is no longer a dead cert.And as law firms and other professional services companies scramble to respond to an alleged jobpocalypse, the graduate class are the ones appearing to suffer the most, with most responding by cutting graduate scheme classes and entry-level positions. Unsurprisingly, law firms across the globe are reacting in kind — recently, Aussie firm MinterEllison axed its 2025-26 graduate intake by a third, from 100 places to just 72.However, Legal Cheek‘s Julia Szaniszlo and Alex Aldridge are here to tell you that this might not be the whole story. Some of the world’s largest law firms are actually boosting their numbers. Latham & Watkins recently expanded their summer associate programme across the pond in the US, from 122 to around 170 in 2027. The picture in the UK doesn’t seem too different, with exclusive research at Legal Cheek revealing that, despite talks of a grad job apocalypse, City TC numbers have in fact remained stable for the past half a decade. So what’s with all this mixed messaging?

The Legal Cheek Podcast is proudly independent. Thanks to our sponsor Simpson Thacher, home of the private equity training contract, for making that possible: https://ukearlycareers.stblaw.com/Commercial awareness. Two words likely to send any self-respecting law student into either psychosis or an interview-induced breakdown. But what if we told you it's really not as complicated as it looks? Legal Cheek's Alex Aldridge and Julia Szaniszlo are back this week to talk through what commercial awareness really means and why so many students tend to overcomplicate it. Whether it's going back to basics, understanding what role lawyers play in the broader financial ecosystem, or recognising that law is ultimately a service industry, Aldridge and Szaniszlo give their tips on how to approach this daunting task.Szaniszlo started at Legal Cheek with little to no legal, let alone commercial, understanding, but within nine short months she's managed to secure a TC at a top US firm. Building on that experience, she talks through what worked for her, what insights she's gained from hosting events with law firms across the City and beyond, and why sometimes it's actually better to "ignore the law".

With summer vac scheme season fast approaching and thousands of solicitor hopefuls gearing up to storm law firm offices across the City and beyond, how can you make the most of the opportunity and secure that coveted TC offer? Legal Cheek brings you the answers…When candidates are so evenly matched on paper, it's often the smallest things that determine whether you walk away with a training contract offer. This week on the Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Tom Connelly share their insights on how to succeed and stand out on your vac scheme this summer (for all the right reasons) and what to steer clear of to avoid missing out on that TC.Whilst the work you do for your supervisor is often the most important part, a big chunk of succeeding on a vac scheme has very little to do with the law. Tom and Julia cover all the main bases, from punctuality and understanding confusing dress codes to navigating small talk with senior lawyers and alcohol at firm socials.Having recently completed a vacation scheme at a US firm, Julia talks through the real practicalities of tackling the legal work you're set from a non-law perspective, whether that’s about asking the right questions or the best ways to prepare for final assessments and tasks.Follow these tips and you will be in an excellent position to succeed on your upcoming scheme!

Whether you’re a sixth-former aiming for a top university or a graduate considering a career change into law, this episode offers a clear and realistic guide to navigating the path into the profession.This week on The Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott break down how aspiring lawyers can best prepare for — and stand out in — the law school admissions process.From supercurriculars and smart extra reading to crafting a compelling personal statement, the pair share practical advice on how to demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity and develop the analytical skills that top universities are really looking for.They also take listeners through each stage of the admissions journey, including personal statements, the LNAT, and interviews, offering tips on how to approach each with confidence.Finally, the episode turns to non-law students preparing for the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), with Julia sharing her advice on how future law converts can hit the ground running and make the most of the intensive course from day one.

What exactly is the difference between the Magic Circle, the Silver Circle, White Shoe firms and today’s so-called “Global Elite” — and do any of these labels still mean anything in the modern legal market?In this episode of The Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott explore the history and evolution of elite law firm prestige, from the old Club of Nine and the emergence of the Magic Circle in the 1990s, to the origins of America’s White Shoe firms and the rise of globally dominant US players in the City of London. The pair also look at why certain firms made the cut while others did not, and how aggressive international expansion transformed the London legal scene into the global industry it is today.We also examine whether these distinctions still hold weight in an era of transatlantic mergers, lateral hiring and increasingly specialised firms, and ask whether the old hierarchy still reflects reality. Finally, they turn their attention to whether aspiring solicitors should still pay attention to labels like Magic Circle and Silver Circle when applying for training contracts, or whether factors such as culture, practice strengths, international opportunities and long-term career goals are now far more important than the prestige categorisations of the past.

The legal AI arms race is well underway. Over the past year, elite law firms have rushed to announce partnerships with the biggest names in legal tech, as firms compete to integrate generative AI into everything from drafting and due diligence to knowledge management and workflow automation. Some firms are partnering with specialist legal AI platforms like Harvey and Legora, while others are pursuing different strategies — building bespoke in-house tools or leaning on enterprise systems like Microsoft Copilot.At the centre of this race are a handful of AI companies whose valuations have exploded into the billions. Harvey’s valuation jumped to $11 billion earlier this year, while rival Legora has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s fastest-growing legal AI startups. And as competition intensifies, these companies are increasingly turning outward with flashy brand campaigns and celebrity partnerships — from Harvey teaming up with Suits actor Gabriel Macht to Legora hiring Jude Law.On this week’s episode of The Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott discuss the biggest players in legal AI, the partnerships reshaping the legal industry, and what firms are actually hoping to achieve through AI adoption. They also explore the increasingly aggressive marketing strategies emerging in legal tech, the risks surrounding rapid AI implementation, and whether the current frenzy reflects genuine transformation — or something closer to an AI bubble.

With the SQE ushering in alternate pathways to qualification, and the non-law graduate to solicitor pipeline becoming increasingly common, there is no longer a single standard route into the legal profession.On this week’s Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott share their perspectives on whether aspiring solicitors should study law at university or pursue another subject and convert later. Ryan took the more traditional path, studying law at Cambridge before securing a training contract, while Julia studied languages at Cambridge and is now preparing to take the law conversion route, sponsored by her future firm.Together, they explore whether a law degree really gives future lawyers an advantage, considering the increasingly competitive training contract market, the cost of postgraduate legal study, and the new qualification landscape under the SQE.From the value of STEM backgrounds in IP and tech-focused practices to the soft skills and international perspective that languages graduates can bring, the pair reflect on their own degree choices and ask whether passion, employability or “commitment to law” should matter most when choosing what to study.

This week on the Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott break down how to succeed in the most demanding parts of the training contract application journey. Drawing on their firsthand experience navigating what can often be a gruelling five-, six-, or even seven-stage process, they share practical insights into what firms are really looking for beyond the written application.The pair discuss how to approach interviews with confidence and structure, the best ways to prepare for online tests, and how to stand out at assessment centres. They also lift the lid on the vacation scheme — often described as a two-week interview — offering tips on how to perform well, make a strong impression, and convert it into a training contract offer.Along the way, they reflect on the common pitfalls that trip candidates up at this stage, from underestimating the importance of commercial awareness to failing to engage fully with trainees and partners during the process. They also share practical strategies for maintaining energy and focus across multiple rounds, handling rejection, and building the resilience needed to see the process through to the end.

Securing a training contract at a top firm can feel a bit like a lottery: countless applications, limited offers, and for many aspiring solicitors, the process can seem like luck of the draw.This week on the Legal Cheek Podcast, Tom Connelly puts future Magic Circle trainee Ryan Scott in the hot seat to unpack how he successfully navigated the application process and landed a role at his dream firm.They discuss the importance of planning your time effectively during the intense application season, as well as why a well-researched and carefully curated application is essential to standing out in a crowded field. The pair also explore the value of shortlisting firms strategically, going deeper than other candidates in your research, and clearly articulating your motivations.Drawing on practical insights and experience — including lessons learned from working closely with graduate recruiters — they break down what separates successful applications from unsuccessful ones, alongside tips on building commercial awareness and performing at the later stages of the process.

Exam season is looming and, for law students, that usually means one thing: stress levels are rising and notes are piling higher by the day. But as with most things in law, success often comes down to getting the basics right.This week on the Legal Cheek Podcast, Ryan Scott and Tom Connelly discuss seven practical revision tips to help you not just survive, but thrive this exam season.From planning your time effectively and avoiding burnout, to using knowledge trackers, refining your study methods, and getting to grips with what examiners are really looking for, they share tried-and-tested strategies drawn from their own experiences of law school. They also dive into the importance of past papers, mark schemes, and why practising under pressure can make all the difference on the day.

This week on The Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Tom Connelly dig into why aspiring lawyers should be paying close attention to this often overlooked stat at their target firms.Retention figures are one of the few hard data points that cut through polished recruitment marketing. High attrition can signal that the reality of working at a firm doesn’t match what was sold during the application process, and it has real consequences for both trainees and firms alike.But headline figures need probing. Were trainees kept on permanently, or on a fixed-term basis? Retained into their preferred practice area, or wherever a spot existed? Transparency varies enormously between firms, and so does what the numbers actually mean for your career.

The numbers don't lie and when you're earning more in two days than most people make in a year, they don't need to.This week on The Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Tom Connelly dig into the headline-grabbing financial results of Kirkland & Ellis, the first law firm in history to break the $10 billion revenue barrier, with profit per equity partner hitting a staggering $11.1 million (£8.2 million).Julia and Tom break down what profit per equity partneractually means in practice, from the "eat what you kill" pressure that comes with it, to the eye-watering daily earnings that put even Premier League footballers to shame. They also explore the mechanics behind such extraordinary profitability: from the dominance of private capital to the growth of the non-equity partner tier that has turbocharged US firms’ margins across the City.

The trailblazer apprenticeships have done exactly what it says on the tin – they've set a new standard for routes into the legal profession, and the numbers speak for themselves.This week on the Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott discuss the meteoric rise of the solicitor apprenticeship route, its merits and what kinds of students may thrive in this environment.Since its launch in 2016, the solicitor apprenticeship has grown from a niche alternative into a mainstream pathway now embraced by Magic Circle giants and US firms alike. Julia and Ryan break down how the scheme works, explore the financial and professional benefits, from competitive salaries to zero tuition fees, and weigh up who this route is really suited to, and who might be better off heading to university first.

This week on The Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott are back to take a look at the SQE. First introduced in 2021 as a way to democratise a historically inaccessible profession, the SQE has had a rather bumpy ride, marred by controversies surrounding pass rates, exam difficulty and administrative errors. We take a look at how the SQE came to be, the key differences it has to the LPC route, and why so many candidates have "lost confidence" in the exam. From the promise of flexible qualifying work experience to the reality of cut-throat TC conditions, a 41% all-time low pass rate, and the Kaplan grading scandal that saw 175 students wrongly told they had failed, we ask whether the SQE has truly opened up the profession or simply swapped one set of barriers for another.

The latest episode of the Practice Area Deep Dive series turns the spotlight on employment law! Legal Cheek's Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott walk you through what employment lawyers actually get up to, from handling unfair dismissal claims to the role they play in corporate transactions. They also explain the key trends shaping the area right now, including what the Employment Rights Act’s incoming reforms mean for employers, employees, and the lawyers advising them.https://www.legalcheek.com/lc-journal-posts/legal-takeaway-whos-who-for-deliveroo/https://www.freshfields.com/en/our-thinking/campaigns/employment-rights-act-2025-whats-changing-when-and-why-does-it-matter

As we begin to approach the tail end of this application cycle, many of you may be feeling discouraged by the slew of rejections clogging up your inbox. You feel like you've done everything right, so where is that acceptance email? Ryan Scott and Julia Szaniszlo are back at The Legal Cheek Podcast to give you some tried and tested tips for making your application stand out, from understanding the 'why' behind the 'what' to learning how to write like a lawyer. So, whether you're still sending out applications or gearing up to make the next cycle your best one yet, there's something in here for everyone. 

The second episode of the new Practice Area Deep Dive series is taking a look at Corporate M&A! Legal Cheek’s  Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott take you through the lifecycle and key documentation of an M&A deal, the kinds of work trainees and lawyers can expect to get involved in and the key trends shaping the area, from deal volume to regulatory scrutiny.

As part of the new Practice Area Deep Dive series, this episode of The Legal Cheek Podcast takes a look at the world of dispute resolution. Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott explore what the practice involves, the kinds of work trainees and lawyers can expect to get involved in and the key trends shaping the area, from litigation funding to class actions.

When preparing for law firm interviews, most candidates rehearse the classics: Why law? Why this firm? But every so often, you’re thrown a curveball that makes you wonder why you bothered preparing at all. In this episode of The Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott unpack some of the weirdest and wackiest interview questions our listeners have faced, from “What kind of tree would you be?” to “What gets you out of bed in the morning?”

What key commercial themes should every aspiring solicitor know about? Legal Cheek’s Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott return to break down some of the major commercial trends shaping the legal and business world in 2026. Whether you’re still drafting applications or preparing for interviews, this episode explores the topics future lawyers need to understand, from geopolitical volatility and the growth of private capital to the evolving hiring landscape of Big Law in the UK.

Legal tech is the buzzword on every firm’s lips — and for good reason. From automated contract drafting to AI-assisted doc review, legal tech is rapidly reshaping how legal work gets done. In this episode, Legal Cheek’s Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott cut through the hype to explore how firms are actually using legal tech, what it means for trainees and junior lawyers, and whether robots are really about to steal your jobs.https://www.legalcheek.com/lc-journal-posts/will-legal-tech-doom-the-billable-hours-model-for-law-firms/https://www.legalcheek.com/lc-careers-posts/6-reasons-why-future-trainees-need-to-engage-with-legal-tech/https://www.legalcheek.com/lc-careers-posts/legal-tech-what-aspiring-lawyers-really-need-to-know/

Before you even start writing that next law firm application, you need to do your research! With plenty of vac scheme and training contract deadlines still open, Legal Cheek’s Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott sit down to discuss the importance of law firm research and talk you through the whole gamut of approaches, from just starting out, to navigating firm webpages  and the good old LinkedIn reach-out.

Ever since its introduction in 2021, the SQE has been nostranger to controversy. Originally conceived as a way to simplify the pathway to qualification, one of the SRA’s key pledges was a commitment to disclosing the pass rates of individual course providers. However, this promise has been plagued by delays, with disclosure initially set for ‘late 2023’. Legal Cheek’s Julia Szaniszlo and Tom Connelly sit down to discuss what this means for students, as well as some of the other issues the SQE has faced since its rollout.Read more here:https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/12/data-collection-flaw-leaves-sra-unable-to-publish-sqe-provider-pass-rates/https://www.legalcheek.com/2023/12/sra-misses-deadline-for-publishing-sqe-provider-pass-rates/https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/12/student-confidence-in-sqe-takes-a-hit-despite-rising-law-firm-support/

Big Law is no stranger to major mergers -- many of the most prestigious City firms were formed through international tie ups and partnerships. However, in the past month legal headlines have been hit by a wave of major law firm tie-ups with a distinctly transatlantic flavour. In this episode, Legal Cheek’s Julia Szanislo and Ryan Scott sit down to discuss the proposed deals between Ashurst and Perkins Coie, Taylor Wessing and Winston & Strawn, and Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader and what they mean for the legal market and beyond. Read more here:https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/11/ashurst-to-merge-with-perkins-coie-to-create-global-megafirm/https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/12/taylor-wessing-and-winston-strawn-to-form-new-transatlantic-giant-winston-taylor/https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/12/hogan-lovells-and-cadwalader-gear-up-for-3-6bn-mega-merger/

The Legal Cheek podcast is BACK! This week we kick off by discussing the recent rises in salaries for newly qualified lawyers. We dig into what this means for the legal industry as well as addressing complaints of "salary bunching" from lawyers further up the food chain.And is this continual rise in NQ pay having an affect of the amount of qualifying trainees that firms keep on? We examine reports that retention rates are dropping and discuss the figures which firms have released so far.Finally, we touch on a student-led petition to reform the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE) which has garnered attention from mainstream media outlets as well as from former home secretary Suella Braverman. Is this an example of Gen Z snowflake culture (as Braverman suggests) or valid criticism of a flawed set of exams?Read more about these stories on Legal Cheek:https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/08/im-not-a-wet-lettuce-trainee-solicitor-behind-sqe-petition-hits-back-at-bravermans-snowflake-jibe/https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/07/beyond-nq-whats-the-salary-progression-like-at-your-firm/https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/08/clifford-chance-retains-49-of-57-qualifying-trainees/https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/07/mayer-brown-matches-magic-circle-nq-pay-at-150k/

The Legal Cheek team discuss the aspiring barrister who went viral on LinkedIn for taking his job search back to basics. Is this the new strategy in an increasingly competitive job market? And what is this first-class AI and computer science graduate doing becoming a lawyer in the first place?We also discuss the news that the "Godfather of AI", Geoffrey Hinton, told the Diary of a CEO podcast that AI spells trouble for paralegals. How often are these sorts of predictions true? And is the legal market as vulnerable to AI replacement as is often made out?

Legal Cheek publisher Alex Aldridge and writer Lydia Fontes discuss the news that corporate law firm Hill Dickinson will sponsor Everton Football Club's new stadium. While critics might call it a waste of money, we explain why it could be a genius bold marketing move.

Legal Cheek writers Lydia Fontes and Angus Simpson discuss the mixed messaging around AI, asking whether law students should view the technology as a necessary tool or a risky liability?Articles we discuss:Judge fury after ‘fake’ cases cited by rookie barrister in High Court: https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/05/judge-fury-after-fake-cases-cited-by-rookie-barrister-in-high-court/SRA approves 'AI-driven' law firm: https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/05/sra-approves-ai-driven-law-firm/Shoosmiths offers £1 million bonus pot to encourage AI use among staff: https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/04/shoosmiths-offers-1-million-bonus-pot-to-encourage-ai-use-among-staff/‘Silly examples of bad practice’ are no reason to shun AI, says top judge: https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/02/silly-examples-of-bad-practice-are-no-reason-to-shun-ai-says-master-of-the-rolls/

Legal Cheek publisher Alex Aldridge and writer Lydia Fontes discuss the law firms who have struck deals with the Trump administration following the President's hostile executive orders. We explore the options facing associates and partners at these firms and what this will mean for US law firms in the UK.

Legal Cheek publisher Alex Aldridge and writer Lydia Fontes discuss the Bar Council's decision to ban the use of AI tools likes ChatGPT and DeepSeek in pupillage applications. We ask how effective these tools really are for law applications and offer some advice for aspiring lawyers considering using AI to secure their dream career. Read the story here: https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/01/budding-barristers-barred-from-using-ai-in-pupillage-applications/

The Legal Cheek team discuss the news that Simmons & Simmons are raising their Bristol NQ salary to £96k, setting a record for regional junior pay. We explore how the salary increase will affect the Bristol legal market and what it means for those pursuing training contracts. Read the story on Legal Cheek: https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/01/simmons-sets-record-with-96k-salary-for-bristol-nq-solicitors/

Legal Cheek publisher Alex Aldridge and writer Lydia Fontes discuss a recent Reddit thread which reveals the longest days that lawyers have worked. We talk about how common these crazy working days are, the culture that encourages them and what you need to know about yourself before embarking on a career in corporate law.

Legal Cheek publisher Alex Aldridge and writer Lydia Fontes discuss a recent LinkedIn post in which a law graduate vented their frustration after being rejected from a paralegal position. We ask how law students should approach posting on LinkedIn while trying to break in to the legal profession. Read more about this story on Legal Cheek: https://www.legalcheek.com/2025/01/law-graduate-rejected-for-a-paralegal-role-vents-frustration-on-linkedin/

What effect will AI have on junior lawyers? How many trainees will firms take on? Will we see another high-profile law firm merger? Legal Cheek publisher Alex Aldridge and writer Lydia Fontes discuss what's coming for the legal profession in 2025.

Legal Cheek publisher Alex Aldridge and writer Lydia Fontes discuss Dr Charlotte Proudman's victory over the Bar Standards Board as all five charges against her are dropped, the news that three of the allegations against Jo Sidhu have been proved, and the astonishing earnings of first year commercial barristers at top sets. Read more about these stories on Legal Cheek: https://www.legalcheek.com/2024/12/top-feminist-barrister-blasts-bsb-after-boys-club-tweet-charges-dropped/ https://www.legalcheek.com/2024/12/top-kc-guilty-of-professional-misconduct-over-inappropriate-sexual-behaviour/ https://www.legalcheek.com/2024/12/first-year-barristers-at-elite-commercial-chambers-can-earn-twice-as-much-as-us-firm-nqs/

Legal Cheek publisher Alex Aldridge and writer Lydia Fontes discuss growing salaries for newly qualified solicitors, the upcoming independent review of the SQE and the news that the UK's legal services sector turnover has reached £44 billion. Read more about these stories on Legal Cheek: https://www.legalcheek.com/2024/12/big-billables-bigger-salaries-are-junior-lawyers-paying-the-price-for-their-principles/ https://www.legalcheek.com/2024/12/regulator-commissions-independent-review-of-sqe/ https://www.legalcheek.com/2024/12/uk-legal-sector-turnover-hits-44-billion/

Legal Cheek publisher Alex Aldridge and writer Lydia Fontes discuss potential funding changes for solicitor apprenticeships, Herbert Smith Freehills' proposed merger with Kramer Levin and why criminal barristers are leaving the bar.

Saad Khalil and Samantha Wong from Legal Cheek discuss application basics ahead of the law firm application cycle 2024/25, including what 'vacation scheme' means, how to choose the right firms for you and what to look for when researching firms.