Shows
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawThe making of a BCLP partner: commercial growth behind the scenes | Commercial Awareness Compass #59This episode is part one of a two-part podcast series exploring the commercial realities of a law firm, focusing on how firms operate internally, from billables and expectations at each career stage to progression through to partnership.Today, progression as a commercial lawyer is shaped by far more than technical skill. From your first seat as a trainee to leading major client relationships as a partner, the firm expects its lawyers to grow commercially, understand how work is won and retained, and appreciate the human relationships that drive every instruction. The path is not linear. It is...
2026-02-0536 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawWhen AI goes too far: Grok, X, and the UK crackdown | Commercial Awareness Compass #58X (formerly known as Twitter) has come under government scrutiny over Grok, its integrated AI chat and image generation bot, after users generated indecent images of real people, including sexualised images of children. Ofcom and the UK government are investigating, with talk of restrictions and even a UK ban if safeguards are not put in place.The story exposes the tension between fast moving AI development and slower regulation, with platforms accused of building tools that can be misused at scale while still claiming they are only hosts.How would a ban even work? Can platforms block...
2026-01-2931 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawBid war for Warner Bros: when more money is not the better deal | Commercial Awareness Compass #57Warner Bros has agreed a binding merger deal with Netflix for its film and streaming business, offering a deal worth $72bn. Shortly after, Paramount returned with a higher bid to acquire the entire Warner Bros group at over $108bn. On paper, the numbers look compelling. In practice, the deal structure, funding, and risk profile tell a very different story. So far, the Warner Bros board has rejected Paramount’s, pointing to debt heavy financing, execution risk, and the high cost of walking away from an existing binding agreement with Netflix. This is not just about price. It is abo...
2026-01-2229 min
TheLawyerFiles#36 UK Legal Podcast: Vanessa Wilson, Real Estate Disputes Associate on Property Law and a Non-Traditional Route into LawAdditional resources mentioned in this episodeAllAboutLaw – Legal Work ExperienceWhile you’re studying, it’s important to balance academics with practical work experience to boost your employability. This resource shares guidance on how to find placements, build experience in a way that fits your schedule, and explore different routes into the profession.Explore the resources:Legal Work Experience IdeasHunting for Legal Work ExperienceLaw Gap YearLearn more at:https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/thelawyerfiles--Vaness...
2026-01-1748 min
TheLawyerFiles#38 UK Legal Podcast: From Nigeria to the UK Building a Global Career in Dispute Resolution with Femi AdeluolaAdditional resources mentioned in this episodeAllAboutLaw, the UK’s leading platform for aspiring solicitors. AllAboutLaw runs a series of virtual law career events, including their Virtual Law Fair and skill building workshops designed specifically for future lawyers. These live sessions give you the opportunity to connect with law firms, hear directly from recruiters, and gain practical insights that can strengthen your applications and interview performance.Learn more athttps://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/thelawyerfiles-Dual qualified disputes lawyer Femi Adeluola shares his journey practising law ac...
2026-01-1758 min
TheLawyerFiles#37 UK Legal Podcast: Inside Cyber Law at DAC Beachcroft - Koye Adeyeye on Crisis Response and FintechAdditional resources mentioned in this episode:AllAboutLaw’s Online Application Masterclasshttps://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/thelawyerfiles- Emerging cyber lawyer and DAC Beachcroft solicitor Koye Adeyeye shares his journey into cyber incident response, crisis management and fintech driven legal practice in this must listen episode of TheLawyerFiles.In this episode, I sit down with Koye, a U.K.-qualified solicitor specialising in Cyber Incident Response and Professional Indemnity, and currently a Litigation Counsel Secondee at Lockton. His work places him at the he...
2026-01-171h 23
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawClear for takeoff? Heathrow’s contested third runway | Commercial Awareness Compass #56Heathrow wants a third runway and says it has a shovel ready plan to expand the airfield for around £21 billion, with extra capacity arriving in roughly a decade if it gets the green light. The airport argues that more slots mean more routes, more passengers and upgraded facilities. Airlines are less convinced. They worry that higher airport charges will pay for the project and leave them flying from an expensive hub that passengers avoid.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced breakdown of a s...
2026-01-1523 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawPrice traps exposed: inside the DMCC’s fight for fair online shopping with Lewis Silkin | Commercial Awareness Compass #55The Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC 2024) has come into force with powers that reshape how online businesses operate in the UK. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) can now act faster and more decisively, targeting practices that have quietly shaped the way people shop. Drip pricing and fake reviews are no longer grey areas. They sit firmly within the CMA’s sights, backed by the threat of significant fines and direct enforcement.Consumers will feel the difference in how prices are presented, how reviews are managed and how subscriptions are handled. For businesses, this is a...
2026-01-0835 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawPatent pending: how Trump’s pharma tariff shakes global medicine | Commercial Awareness Compass #54President Trump has proposed a one hundred per cent tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports, due to take effect unless manufacturers shift production to the United States by October 2025. The measure is part of a wider plan to rebuild domestic manufacturing and reduce the US trade deficit. Officials say it will strengthen national security, but the pharmaceutical industry has warned of major disruption to global supply chains and rising drug prices across Europe and beyond. The proposal raises difficult questions for both governments and lawyers. How would a policy like this reshape pharmaceutical trade? Which countries and c...
2025-12-1842 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawThe quiet giants of the digital age | Commercial Awareness Compass #53Across Europe, data centres are consuming power on a staggering scale. By 2030, they could require as much electricity as 100 million homes—about half of all households in Europe. A far cry from the anonymous concrete monoliths on industrial estates, data centres have become a major part of commercial conversation and evolved into critical infrastructure powering everything from streaming and cloud storage to artificial intelligence.But to build these, there are new challenges over power, land, and finance. Governments want growth, operators want efficiency, and lenders want assurance. As data centres swell in number and complexity, so do th...
2025-12-1138 min
TheLawyerFiles#35 UK Legal Podcast: How a STEM Mindset and Social Mobility Mission Led Charlie Cromwell to Bird and BirdAdditional resources mentioned in this episode:AllAboutLaw’s Video Interview Masterclasshttps://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/thelawyerfiles----Emerging legal professional and future Bird and Bird trainee Charlie Suzannah Cromwell shares her inspiring journey into law, shaped by curiosity, resilience and a unique blend of technology and legal insight. A must listen episode of TheLawyerFiles. In this episode, I sit down with Charlie, a First Class Computer Science graduate whose journey spans the UK and the US, touching on algorithmic bias, data equity and the power of accessible legal co...
2025-12-061h 20
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawCompliance crunch: insurers caught between growth and trust | Commercial Awareness Compass #52The UK’s insurance sector is facing one of its most significant regulatory shifts since the 2008 financial crisis. The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are consulting on proposals to simplify rules, speed up approvals, and free up capital to make the UK a more competitive financial hub. But these changes come with risks.The regulators are juggling conflicting priorities: protect consumers or unlock growth? If capital requirements are eased, insurers could invest more freely, but would that leave policyholders exposed? And how far can regulators go without weakening market confidence?The Co...
2025-12-0439 min
TheLawyerFiles#34 UK Legal Podcast: From King’s College to LSE and Ofcom, Jess Akuffo’s Journey into International LawAdditional resources mentioned in this episodeAllAboutLaw’s Watson Glaser and assessment preparation hubhttps://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/thelawyerfiles----Emerging international lawyer and LSE LLM Candidate Jess Akuffo shares her inspiring journey through global legal education and public international law — a story defined by academic excellence, curiosity, and purpose. A must-listen episode of The Lawyer Files. 🎙️In this episode, I sit down with Jess Akuffo, a Legal Intern at Ofcom and Public International Law LLM candidate at the London School of Economics, who has built an impressive academic and profe...
2025-11-2837 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawFrom forecourt to socket: how Britain gets EVs on the road | Commercial Awareness Compass #51Electric vehicles (EVs) are shifting from curiosity to inevitability. With a planned ban on new petrol and diesel sales from 2030 and hybrids in 2035, consumer appetite is coming to terms with policy. In 2024, the UK was the largest EV market in Europe, and interest is rising as drivers weigh running costs, convenience, and the promise of cleaner travel. Yet access is uneven. Inner city infrastructure allows for the large-scale rollout of chargers and shorter journeys favour EV’s range, while rural areas remain trapped in a chicken and egg situation, with investors waiting for increased adoption of EVs before installing ch...
2025-11-2735 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawTikTok’s tug-of-war: Data, politics, and power plays | Commercial Awareness Compass #50The United States has announced a deal in principle to move TikTok’s American operations under majority US ownership as part of a wider trade agreement with China. Officials say it’s about national security and controlling where data from US users is stored and accessed. But Beijing has stayed vague, promising only to “properly resolve” the issue while avoiding details of any confirmed ownership change.This isn’t a normal corporate acquisition. It’s a geopolitical chess match disguised as a business deal. What happens when trade policy meets technology? Could this reshape global data regulation? And where do...
2025-11-2029 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawThe cost of a signature: The fallout from Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys | Commercial Awareness Compass #49A single court case has redrawn the line between supporting and conducting litigation. In Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys, the High Court confirmed that only authorised individuals can conduct litigation, a term that stretches from issuing proceedings to managing related tasks and crucially, supervision by a solicitor does not create authorisation.This ruling has shaken up the profession massively. Firms are rethinking delegation, trainees are questioning what they can sign, and clients may soon challenge bills if work was done by someone without the proper status. Could this reshape litigation teams? Will costs rise? And how will firms...
2025-11-1330 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawPower, liability and culture: Brabners shines the spotlight on sexual harassment law | Commercial Awareness Compass #48High-profile allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate workplace relationships have dominated the headlines, from the Greg Wallace investigation at the BBC to the Coldplay kiss-cam scandal involving Andy Byron and Kristen Cabot. These cases expose the messy intersection of reputation, compliance, and culture, while also underscoring the legal risks that employers face.In the UK, a statutory duty to prevent harassment in the workplace means employers must prove they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent misconduct, or risk heavy tribunal awards and reputational fallout. Which behaviours count as harassment, and where do tribunals draw t...
2025-11-0737 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawStage fright for Ticketmaster: the legal stakes behind sold-out shows | Commercial Awareness Compass #47Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, are in the crosshairs of US regulators, accused of colluding with ticket resellers to inflate prices and profit from fans eager to see their favourite artists live. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), joined by multiple US states, claims they helped brokers make billions through artificial scarcity and sky-high resale fees.This isn’t just about a few overpriced gigs. It’s a challenge to Ticketmaster’s grip on an industry it dominates, raising questions of market abuse, consumer fairness, and reputational fallout. Could this lawsuit break up a monopoly? How will regula...
2025-10-3033 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawHiring under pressure: the reform that could rewrite recruitment | Commercial Awareness Compass #46The Employment Rights Bill would reshape unfair dismissal by reducing the current two-year qualifying period and introducing an “initial period of employment” that functions like a statutory probation.The headline proposal is unfair dismissal protection from day one, although recent parliamentary debate has floated alternatives such as a shorter qualifying period (e.g., six months).How might a statutory probation affect hiring and exit practices? Could tribunals handle a likely rise in claims? Would employers turn to agency labour or fixed-term contracts to manage risk?The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your comm...
2025-10-2334 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawBehind the firewalls: the legal risk inside the Online Safety Act | Commercial Awareness Compass #45The UK’s Online Safety Act has officially come into force and with it, a sweeping overhaul of how digital platforms must operate. Tech companies are under pressure to redesign their systems and policies to comply, implementing mandatory age verification checks. Behind the political headlines lies a commercial and legal challenge that could expose platforms to multimillion-pound fines, reputational damage, and even criminal liability for senior executives.What happens when technology moves faster than regulation? Can platforms ensure compliance without weakening user privacy? And how will lawyers need to navigate this growing tension?The Commercial Awareness Co...
2025-10-1628 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawPrice tags and policy shifts: Adidas’s legal response to US tariffs | Commercial Awareness Compass #44Adidas has announced it will raise prices for U.S. consumers after new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration increased its supply chain costs by €200 million. This steep increase is owed to the fact that nearly half of Adidas’s production is based in Vietnam and Indonesia, two regions now facing higher import taxes when goods enter the U.S. The market’s reaction was immediate: Adidas shares dropped sharply, underscoring how trade policy can instantly affect global brands.But this is more than just a story about rising prices. Legal teams are being pulled into urgent strategy meetin...
2025-10-0927 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawBiscuit boom: Pladis’ £68m recipe for UK growth | Commercial Awareness Compass #43Pladis, the owner of household favourites like McVitie’s, Jacob’s and Jaffa Cakes, is investing £68 million to modernise its UK manufacturing base. The plan includes automated production lines, upgraded infrastructure, and reduced carbon emissions across sites in Liverpool, Stockport, and Carlisle. By the end of 2026, the company expects not only to boost productivity and capacity but also to create new jobs. This is more than an upgrade of snack production. It touches on themes of automation, environmental compliance, and the future of UK manufacturing under a new government. Where do lawyers fit into projects of this scale...
2025-10-0224 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawWhose line is it anyway? AI’s copyright conundrum | Commercial Awareness Compass #42Artificial intelligence is no longer a novelty. It is rewriting the rules of intellectual property. Established copyright principles are colliding with AI-generated creations, forcing governments, businesses and lawyers to question who owns what and who should bear the risk when things go wrong. Name, image and likeness rights, patents in biotech, and ownership of AI outputs are all live battlegrounds.The legal world is responding fast, with almost 1 in 10 new partners in UK law firms now working in IP. But are the rules keeping pace? And when content created by AI mirrors someone else’s work, wh...
2025-09-2531 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawInsolvency in retreat: the numbers behind England and Wales’ surprise drop | Commercial Awareness Compass #41Company insolvencies in England and Wales have taken an unexpected dip. In June 2025, the Insolvency Service recorded 2,043 cases, 8% lower than May and 16% lower than the same month last year. For a country still grappling with rising costs and fragile supply chains, the fall is striking.Yet one month of data does not guarantee a trend. Are companies genuinely becoming more resilient, or simply delaying the inevitable? Which industries remain most at risk, and how can lawyers advise clients to protect themselves from sudden shocks?The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your...
2025-09-1824 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawReputation on the ropes: when brands face public backlash | Commercial Awareness Compass #40In an era where social media can propel a complaint to millions within hours, brand reputation has never been more fragile — or more powerful. One post, one misjudged partnership, one policy misstep: that’s all it takes to send years of brand trust into spiralling. But with the right commercial and legal strategies, damage doesn’t have to mean disaster.In this episode we explore how businesses build trust, manage crises, and rebuild when things go wrong, what effective brand protection really looks like from a lawyer’s perspective and why having a strategy is essential before the stor...
2025-09-1133 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawUnderstanding public markets in flux with BCLP - Listings fade as bids multiply | Commercial Awareness Compass #39Public listings in London have plunged to thirty‑year lows even as takeover bids soar.This episode BCLP explores the forces behind stalled IPO pipelines from shifting valuations to regulatory quirks, and reveals how law firms steer clients through the rising tide of acquisitions.More about BCLP:In the heart of London, you’ll find a dynamic office where nearly 700 lawyers tackle complex projects for leading global clients. You’ll quickly become immersed in a hub for high-profile work across sectors such as real estate, financial services and corporate transactions.Working closel...
2025-09-0434 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawDigital backbone: Unpacking the data centre explosion with Clyde & Co | Commercial Awareness Compass #38From uninterrupted power supplies to rigorous cooling requirements and airtight security measures, data centre deals have never been more complex. This episode explores the legal strategies that underpin one of Britain’s fastest‑growing industries.More about Clyde & Co:Clyde & Co is a global law firm providing a complete service to clients in its core sectors of insurance, transport, energy, infrastructure and trade & commodities. We’re growing and transforming our business and accelerating our clients’ success.The prospects for taking on new challenges and pursuing your potential have never been brighter. Our distinctive strength...
2025-08-2829 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawGreen foundations: BCLP on the ESG overhaul of real estate | Commercial Awareness Compass #37With nearly two fifths of the world’s carbon output tied to bricks and mortar, investors, developers and occupiers face a new regulatory era. Our guest from BCLP examines how EPC ratings and MEE standards dictate lettability, the role of green lease drafting in aligning stakeholders, and the exemptions that could spare some buildings from costly retrofits. Hear the legal insights redefining sustainable property.More about BCLP:In the heart of London, you’ll find a dynamic office where nearly 700 lawyers tackle complex projects for leading global clients. You’ll quickly become immersed in a h...
2025-08-2131 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawThe future of buy-now-pay-later schemes | Commercial Awareness Compass #36Buy now pay later has revolutionised online spending, especially for younger shoppers seeking interest-free funding but escaped the checks that govern credit cards and loans. The FCA is closing that gap with proposals for affordability testing on even the smallest purchases, Financial Ombudsman access and lender support obligations. Legal teams will steer clients through authorisation, data-protection challenges and advertising compliance. Explore how regulation will alter the BNPL market and what law firms must do to help clients adapt and prosper.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners...
2025-08-1428 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawFollow for fallout: influencer deals and the legal risks | Commercial Awareness Compass #35The right partnership can drive sales. The wrong one can cause a PR disaster. With influencer marketing reshaping brand strategy, lawyers are managing complex reputational and contractual dynamics.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced breakdown of a story from an expert lawyer and trainee solicitor host. This story was taken from a live conversation a few months ago. If you don't want to wait for these conversations, head over to the Commercial Awareness Compass to get them straight to your inbox...
2025-08-0733 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawData compliance meets commercial risk | Commercial Awareness Compass #34Law firms, tech platforms and consumer brands are all caught in the data crossfire. With no unified global law, the challenge is staying compliant while staying competitive. Privacy has become a commercial asset—mishandle it, and the damage goes far beyond the legal department.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced breakdown of a story from an expert lawyer and trainee solicitor host. This story was taken from a live conversation a few months ago. If you don't want to wait for th...
2025-07-3130 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawWar, sanctions, stock shocks: Lawyering in volatile times | Commercial Awareness Compass #33In this episode, we unpack how politics, law, and global events collide—shaping legal practice in real-time. From the war in Ukraine to data compliance and force majeure clauses, this beginner-friendly session explores how geopolitical developments impact legal decision-making, client onboarding, deal flow, and contractual safeguards. We also dive into how lawyers use cross-practice collaboration, sanctions checks, and scenario planning to future-proof their advice. Whether you're prepping for an interview or just starting out, this is essential listening for understanding law beyond the textbook.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every we...
2025-07-2429 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawHype-speed ahead? Or is Tesla heading for a crash landing? | Commercial Awareness Compass #32Tesla once drove the EV revolution, but is the battery finally running low on the hype? With plummeting sales, a shrinking market share and Elon’s latest headlines more circus than strategy, this week we explore what Tesla’s shifting fortunes mean for the auto industry, the investors backing the ride and the legal and commercial risks ahead. From falling demand to rising competitors, it’s a tale of market dominance, public spectacle and whether a once-unstoppable brand can still keep its wheels on.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week w...
2025-07-2229 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawAnimations assemble: Disney and Universal sue AI firm Midjourney | Commercial Awareness Compass #31Entertainment giants Disney and Universal have joined forces to take legal action against Midjourney, an AI firm accused of generating unauthorised images of iconic characters including Elsa, Spider-Man, and Darth Vader. With billions at stake, this groundbreaking case will redefine the boundaries between AI creativity, copyright law, and brand protection. This episode dives into why the outcome matters for businesses, creators, and lawyers alike, and how it could reshape the future of artificial intelligence in entertainment.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced breakdown...
2025-07-1729 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawFrom start-up to sale: Hailey Bieber's $1bn Rhode exit | Commercial Awareness Compass #30Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand Rhode has been snapped up by e.l.f. Beauty in a deal worth up to $1 billion, but this story isn’t just about celebrity clout. It’s about how lawyers help startups grow smart, scale fast, and sell big. From trademarks and contracts to regulatory red flags and due diligence, this episode breaks down the legal strategy behind startup success, and what it takes to build a brand buyers actually want.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced breakd...
2025-07-1428 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawCaveat hackers: The proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill | Commercial Awareness Compass #29Cyber risk is no longer just an IT issue, it's a boardroom problem and a legal goldmine. This episode unpacks the proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, exploring how it expands regulatory scope, introduces tougher reporting rules, and creates new commercial risks and opportunities. Whether advising on compliance, crafting client briefings or mapping out digital supply chains, lawyers will play a key role. Perfect for those who want to understand the business behind the breaches and how law firms are helping clients stay ahead.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every...
2025-07-1029 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawRelationship reset: examining the new UK–EU agreement | Commercial Awareness Compass #28A new agreement between the UK and EU marks a shift toward closer cooperation, with promises of economic growth, cheaper goods and easier cross-border movement. But for lawyers and businesses, the real story lies in the detail. From contract revisions to regulatory changes, there's plenty for law firms to assist clients with across sectors like food, transport, education and manufacturing. This week’s episode breaks down what the deal includes, why it matters commercially, and how it reshapes the legal landscape post-Brexit, for clients and firms alike.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your co...
2025-07-0726 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawThe name game: the legal play behind stadium sponsorship deals | Commercial Awareness Compass #27Stadium naming rights are more than a branding exercise. Behind every headline deal is a legal minefield of exclusivity clauses, IP protections, reputational risk planning and regulatory hoops. This week’s episode breaks down the contracts that give brands their pitch-side presence, and why lawyers are key to making the whole thing work. From Premier League stadiums to more humble local grounds, we unpack how legal teams structure, protect and futureproof one of sport’s most high-stakes commercial plays.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and...
2025-07-0329 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawRising rates, tighter budgets: navigating 2025’s wage and tax hikes | Commercial Awareness Compass #26Wage rises usually sound like good news, but the 2025 increases to the UK’s minimum wage and National Insurance contributions are creating real challenges for businesses, especially those with tight margins. In this episode, we explore how the changes affect law firms both as employers and advisors, what clients in sectors like retail, care and hospitality will need help with, and how legal work is already shifting as a result. From employment contracts to automation plans, the ripple effects go further than you might expect.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness ev...
2025-06-3027 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawGarfield AI: the SRA’s green light for robot lawyering | Commercial Awareness Compass #25This week’s episode dives into Garfield AI, the UK’s first ever SRA-approved law firm run by artificial intelligence. Focused on debt recovery for SMEs, its approval marks a turning point for legal regulation, pricing models and professional responsibility. We unpack what this means for law firms, how it could change the client experience, and why aspiring (and practicing) lawyers need to understand the commercial and ethical implications.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced breakdown of a story from an expert lawyer and...
2025-06-2625 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawPrinces, payouts and class actions: unpacking legal settlements | Commercial Awareness Compass #24Legal settlements might seem like quiet agreements behind closed doors, but they’re strategic decisions that shape reputations, finances and futures. In this episode, we explore the human stories behind high-profile cases like Prince Harry’s privacy settlement, Freddie Flintoff’s Top Gear crash and Mastercard’s £200m class action payout. Discover how lawyers carefully use confidentiality clauses, timing and PR to manage risks, protect clients and control headlines. Tune in to gain insights you can confidently use in your training contract applications and interviews.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every wee...
2025-06-2333 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawFrom GenAI to general counsel: how clients are driving law firm innovation | Commercial Awareness Compass #23Corporate clients are no longer asking if law firms use AI, they’re demanding to know how. As clients begin measuring AI-readiness as a key scoring point, firms are under pressure to adopt tools that promise efficiency, value, and competitive edge. This episode breaks down the shift from hype to expectation, the real risks and rewards of generative AI in legal work, and how in-house teams are reshaping the market – all through a SWOT lens built for commercial lawyers in the making.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a be...
2025-05-2726 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawMalware in aisle five: M&S cyber attack causes chaos | Commercial Awareness Compass #22Easter brought more than chocolate eggs for M&S this year, as a cyber attack left stores without contactless payments, VPNs down, and legal teams in overdrive. From missed sales to GDPR duties, this episode unpacks how cyber attacks trigger a full-scale legal response, why in-house and external teams race to manage the fallout, and how future regulatory scrutiny and supplier disputes could keep this crisis on the commercial agenda long after the tills are back online.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced...
2025-05-2226 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawCookie crumbles – Google's ad-tech throne wobbles | Commercial Awareness Compass #21A US judge has ruled that Google’s online advertising empire is less fairground, more monopoly board, finding the tech giant guilty of anti-competitive practices across its ad-tech stack. With regulators circling on both sides of the Atlantic, this episode unpacks how competition law is being wielded against Big Tech, why Google’s grip on digital ads could be prised open, and what this means for the commercial world. The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced breakdown of a story from an expert lawyer and t...
2025-05-1926 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawA licence to thrill: inside Universal's £50bn UK theme park | Commercial Awareness Compass #20Universal’s plan to build a 476-acre resort near Bedford isn’t just a playground for James Bond, wizards and dinosaurs, it’s a six-year case study in IP licensing, land assembly, environmental compliance and employment strategy. Behind the theming lurk legal considerations scarier than a Jurassic Park dark ride. This week’s episode whips through the legal loops from ride insurance to licensing agreements, and dishes the lowdown on how the mega project could reshape UK tourism and local economies – no queue-jump pass required.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week...
2025-05-1531 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawCuthbert on trial: how supermarket IP wars make for legal drama | Commercial Awareness Compass #19From Colin to Cuthbert, supermarket shelves have become a legal battleground over copycat products. That’s because disputes over logos, packaging and lookalike cakes are dragging major retailers like M&S, Aldi, Tesco and Lidl into court. With millions in brand value, customer loyalty and reputation at stake, this episode explores how IP law is being used as a competitive tool, why some businesses embrace the risk, and what these cases reveal about legal strategy, commercial risk-taking and the surprising power of supermarket PR.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every we...
2025-05-1227 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawChampagne super-probe: CMA investigates Ticketmaster over Oasis ticket sales | Commercial Awareness Compass #18From Wonderwall to wallet woes, Ticketmaster’s handling of Oasis ticket sales has hit a sour note. That’s because the CMA is now investigating Ticketmaster following complaints about platinum pricing, unclear ticket categories and a lack of transparency. This case has raised important questions about consumer protection, pricing practices and regulatory scrutiny in the live events industry. With significant legal and commercial implications for Ticketmaster and its competitors, this episode unpacks what prompted the investigation, what it could mean for future ticketing models and how businesses and their lawyers should respond to growing pressure for fairer and more tran...
2025-05-0827 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawNot so Forever 21: Is fast fashion losing its speed? | Commercial Awareness Compass #17The world of restructuring and insolvency can be a fascinating but unforgiving space. Last week, it was fast fashion giant, Forever 21 who finally ran out of road, filing for bankruptcy and announcing the closure of its 350 U.S. stores. The company have cited various reasons, although most prominent is the intense competition from fast fashion’s rising stars, like Shein and Temu. But it’s not all doom and gloom, the brand plans to hold on to its international presence and online sales.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with...
2025-05-0527 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawFrom zero (hours) to hero: the government bill shaking up employment law | Commercial Awareness Compass #16The new Employment Rights Bill is shaking things up in the workplace. Among the most significant changes is that zero-hour and agency workers may soon have the right to request contracts that match their working hours – after 12 weeks of consistent service. Though, the details are still up in the air, much like your group chat trying to pick a brunch spot. However, the pressure is mounting for companies to rethink how they engage staff who get no guaranteed hours yet must be available at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re a student slotting agency shifts between lectures and late n...
2025-05-0130 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawUnpacking Man United's new £2bn stadium: glamour meets law | Commercial Awareness Compass #15Renowned football club Manchester United have confirmed ambitious plans for a new £2 billion stadium, aiming to build the largest sporting arena in the UK. Though touted as Britain’s answer to the French's Eiffel tower, some would argue the current designs are giving more ‘teepee’ than ‘c'est la vie’. Tent references aside, with plans to have 100,000 seats and embolden the surrounding area, the proposal is stirring excitement and questions in equal measure. The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced breakdown of a story from an expert la...
2025-04-2827 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawAI vs musicians: UK government caught offbeat? | Commercial Awareness Compass #14The UK government is striking a controversial chord with its proposed shift in copyright law, aiming to allow artificial intelligence (AI) developers to mine creative works by default unless creators explicitly opt out. Critics, including legendary musician Paul McCartney, warn this move risks diluting artistic control and eroding fundamental intellectual property rights. Not content to simply 'let it be,' he insists creators and musicians must 'come together' to protect their artistic legacy.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced breakdown of a story...
2025-04-2427 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawParking Fines, Contracts and Court Battles – The Business of Car Parks | Commercial Awareness Compass #13A parking fine might seem like an everyday inconvenience, but for private parking operators, it’s a commercial and legal minefield. Every time a driver enters a private car park, they are automatically entering into a contract – even if they don’t realise it. The terms and conditions displayed on signage dictate everything from parking fees to fines, and their enforceability determines whether a company profits or ends up in court. This may not help you fight your next parking ticket, but it will help you understand the wider context.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you bu...
2025-04-2129 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawApple's backdoor dilemma | Commercial Awareness Compass #12The UK government is pressuring Apple to create a backdoor into iCloud, sparking a privacy vs. security standoff. But this isn't just about one tech giant – this fight over encryption, data access, and corporate trust has global implications. How do companies balance legal compliance with consumer confidence? And what’s the role of law firms advising multinational tech clients?Apple has pulled its advanced data protection (ADP) feature from the UK after refusing a secret backdoor request under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. The move sets a precedent – will other companies resist or comply? Could this trigger a regu...
2025-04-1725 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawBAFTAs Spotlight: Sponsors, Scandals & Deals | Commercial Awareness Compass #11The BAFTAs recently showcased film, fashion, and a roster of influential sponsors. Why do companies such as P&O Cruises invest heavily in an awards show? How do makeup brands, paparazzi rights, and star endorsements align under one legal framework? The spotlight extends beyond red carpets.Contract clauses govern sponsor logos, publicity terms, and reputational safeguards if an unforeseen scandal breaks. At its core, a sponsorship deal merges business goals with brand protection. The story also reveals how in-house counsel, external law firms, and marketing departments collaborate long before cameras begin flashing.The Commercial...
2025-04-1427 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawHeathrow’s Third Runway: Will Noise or Growth Win? | Commercial Awareness Compass #10Heathrow Airport has a proposed third runway in the works, backed by the Chancellor’s pledge to bolster economic growth. Will it deliver faster global connections, or trigger disputes over noise pollution and environmental impact? How do local residents react when compulsory purchase orders loom?Could funding complexities delay construction and push legal teams into overdrive? This story tackles planning hurdles, regulatory frameworks, and heated public opinion. The potential clash between economic ambitions and community concerns makes it a prime case for lawyers managing contracts, financing, and the occasional courtroom battle.The Commercial Awareness Co...
2025-04-1026 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawMeta’s Misinformation Gamble: Who’s Checking Now? | Commercial Awareness Compass #9Meta is ending its third-party fact-checking programme in the United States, opting instead for user-led flagging of misinformation. Could a looser approach boost free speech, or open a floodgate of unchecked content? Platforms like Facebook and Instagram still face tighter rules in the UK, creating policy clashes that complicate cross-border operations.Will US-based decisions echo globally and shift the way businesses handle digital risks? Lawyers advising tech clients face a dual challenge: compliance with national regulations and managing reputational fallout. This story reveals how quickly content rules evolve—and how law firms respond.The Co...
2025-04-0727 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawVodafone & Three: Inside a £15bn Merger | Commercial Awareness Compass #8The spotlight is on the £15 billion merger between Vodafone and Three, recently approved by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Two smaller telecoms providers are combining forces in a market traditionally dominated by bigger players.Will their unified 5G network transform connectivity in the UK? Could new obligations to protect smaller virtual operators shift the balance in the sector? There is plenty of scope for legal teams: competition clearance, employment restructures, and wide-scale contract renegotiations. Questions also arise around data usage, IP ownership, and consumer rights—all forming part of a high-stakes telecoms deal.The...
2025-04-0326 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawUS vs TikTok: The Next Legal Battle? | Commercial Awareness Compass #7This potential TikTok ban in the United States raises serious questions beyond a simple block on a social media app. Politicians cite national security concerns, but does the real issue lie with data protection, marketing upheavals, or cross-border business risks? Influencers could scramble if key partnerships vanish overnight, and global brands might face uncertain contract terms. Will other governments adopt similar policies, or is this a unique scenario driven by US-China tensions? Businesses must decide whether to brace for an immediate shift or adjust only if the legal landscape changes for good.The Commercial Awareness Compass by...
2025-03-3130 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawSnowfall Chaos: Contract Disputes or Acts of God? | Commercial Awareness Compass #6Snowfall and freezing temperatures have captured headlines across the UK, causing widespread disruptions to travel, logistics, and day-to-day business operations. Runways have shut, rail lines have stalled, and delays have rippled through supply chains. This scenario reveals hidden legal angles and raises critical questions. Could a cancelled flight trigger breach of contract claims? Would a cargo delay lead to expensive disputes? Are we seeing a glimpse of future climate patterns that might prompt more legal work? Explore how this classically British topic ties into major legal, financial, and strategic decisions.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps...
2025-03-2723 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawBBC's investigation on the Diary of a CEO | Commercial Awareness Compass #5A high-profile podcast under fire for spreading unfounded health claims. A celebrity host accused of failing to challenge guests who insist that diets cure cancer. Could such unchecked claims spark new rules and potential legal action?What happens when hosting big names and big claims gets tangled in credibility concerns, brand reputation, and fragile public trust? Is it just free speech gone wild, or a warning sign that influential platforms need tougher oversight? And how might the fallout reshape the industry and the legal frameworks that govern content creators.The Commercial Awareness Compass by...
2025-03-2427 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawClass Action Storm: Apple & Microsoft in the Dock | Commercial Awareness Compass #4Apple and Microsoft face formidable class action lawsuits in the UK. Apple stands accused of anti-competitive practices around its App Store commissions, while Microsoft faces claims of overcharging business customers tied to rival cloud platforms. These actions test how digital giants handle mass-scale disputes.Is Apple’s signature revenue model at risk? Will Microsoft’s approach to cloud services be upended? In a climate where groups band together to challenge corporate strategies, the stage is set for financial strain, reputational damage, and a race to reimagine how products, pricing, and customer relationships must evolve under legal scru...
2025-03-2021 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawTrump's return: What it means for UK law firms | Commercial Awareness Compass #3Donald Trump has been re-elected as the 47th President of the United States, set to take office in January 2025. What does this mean for UK businesses and law firms?With Trump's penchant for deregulation and potential withdrawal from global agreements, could we see a regulatory rift between the US and UK? How will increased tariffs and shifts in AI policy affect international trade and compliance?Let's explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for UK law firms navigating this new political landscape.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial...
2025-03-1227 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawThe battle over Britain’s farms explained | Commercial Awareness Compass #2Thousands of farmers recently descended upon Westminster, some arriving on tractors, to protest proposed inheritance tax changes—dubbed the 'Tractors Tax'. The Labour government's plan threatens to tax assets that were previously exempt, potentially forcing families to sell their farms.Could this spell the end for family-run farms? How might this impact our food supply chains and the legal landscape? And why did Jeremy Clarkson join the protesters? Let's delve into the complexities behind this heated issue.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate an...
2025-03-1230 min
The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLawUnpacking Ed Sheeran’s IP dispute | Commercial Awareness Compass #1Ed Sheeran claims his vocals were used without his permission in the new Band Aid song. This raises questions about intellectual property rights and potential legal disputes. Key terms to understand include litigation, meaning a legal battle in court, and contracts, which are agreements outlining permissions and rights. The public nature of his statement on social media adds another layer to the issue.The Commercial Awareness Compass by AllAboutLaw, helps you build your commercial awareness every week with a beginners, intermediate and advanced breakdown of a story from an expert lawyer and trainee solicitor host. T...
2025-03-1023 min
The Career Happiness PodcastEpisode 213 - Three Home truths about why a career in Law isn’t for everyone?1. Why I choose to talk about this subject 2. A career in a law and what that could look like 3. Three Home truths about Why is a career in Law notfor everyone 4. Further reading and resources 5. How can I help you Useful links mentioned in this episode - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/browse-sector/law- https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/law-sector/areas-of-law- https://www.lawcareers.net/- https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/- https...
2024-05-0329 min
Reimagine LawDiversity and the SQE – featuring Aspiring SolicitorsThis podcast explores the SQE regime and the impact it is having on diversity in the legal profession. We have recently seen another SQE 1 intake sit their exam, Kerry Jarred talks with Chris White (Founder of the leading legal diversity platform "Aspiring Solicitors ) and Jonny Hurst (Head of Outreach and the Law Marketing lead at BPP) about what are the stats telling us about the success rates so far. Useful links:SRA | SQE training options | Solicitors Regulation AuthorityChoosing the Best SQE Training Provider for You | AllAboutLaw...
2024-04-2436 minReimagine LawSecondments as part of a solicitor apprenticeshipIn this episode you'll hear:What are they, how long do they last?What do you learn and how do they benefit the apprentice and the firm? Useful links:· Benefits of secondments (in general): https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/secondments/benefits-of-secondment· Benefits of secondments for early career stage lawyers (as trainee): https://www.shoosmiths.co.uk/careers/careers-early/early-careers-blog/blog/why-secondments-are-beneficial-to-trainee-solicitors· Solicitor apprenticeship example, including reference to secondment: https://www.shlegal-futuretalent.com/opportunities/apprenticeships
2023-05-3008 min
Commute | The PodcastThe Bermuda Triangle. | Sleepwalking Crimes. | Happy Little Accidents.The Bermuda Triangle. Need we say more? If you do the crime, you do the time. What about if you didn’t know you did the crime? Can you be held accountable for what you do while you’re asleep?Some of the most extraordinary things in life happen purely by accident. A few world-changing inventions actually came about while trying to do something else.Sources:https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/bermuda-trianglehttps://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/commercial-awareness/legal-spotlight/ask-an-expert-could-sleepwalking-lead-to-jail-https://www.history.com/news/accidental-inventionshttp://www.c...
2023-05-0820 min
LegalTeaEp. 35: Legal Recruitment with Tom CaplanSend us a textAccording to the Law Society’s 2020 Annual Statistics Report of the average 23,000 people that held a law degree between 2011-2019, only 5,000 secured a training contract (AllAboutLaw). Whilst here at LegalTea we’ve discussed the plenty of other career paths law graduates take, it does show the competitiveness of obtaining a legal training contract.So to help us explain the movements and the competitiveness of the legal market, we decided to call an expert in. This week we’ll be sitting down with Tom Caplan, Managing Director at Hatton Search, a legal recrui...
2022-03-2244 min
BPP University Diversity & Inclusion PodcastEpisode 5, Part 2: International Women's Day, Female Networking and MentorshipMohini Kotecha and Eirini Efstathiou present Part 2 of Episode 5, in celebration of International Women's Day. Thank you to our guests Sofia Gottgens (Trainee Solicitor at Marriott Harrison and Mohini's mentor), Sarah Simpson (Senior Associate at Katten and Eirini's mentor), and Laura Simpson (Recruitment, Learning and Development Manager at Katten). Tune in to listen to us demystify networking and share our own experience with mentoring. Keep an ear out for our quick fire questions, where we celebrate our favourite female artists, authors and more. Mentoring has played a significant part in our legal careers to date, if...
2021-03-2852 min
More From LawEp. 54 - What happens during a Training Contract induction?Beginning a Training Contract marks the commencement of (usually) two years of learning, legal practice and development as a Trainee Solicitor. You'll be expected to rotate between different departments, interact with clients/your colleagues and pick up new concepts along the way. So how does it all get started?
Like almost any other role, you'll likely commence and introductory induction period full of training and onboarding when commencing a TC. In this episode, I reflect on my own experiences, talking about what I learned in that period, elements of the Professional Skills Course I had to complete, as well as...
2020-09-2215 min
The Pupillage PodcastMini-PupillagesIn today’s episode we are talking all things mini-pupillage. Mini-pupillages are short periods of work experience in barristers’ chambers and are essential for anyone seeking pupillage or considering a career at the Bar. They are the best way to see inside a set of chambers and to understand what a barrister’s practice – and life – really entails. They are also an excellent way to improve your CV.
Mini-pupillages can be hard to come by so we hear from our guests how to apply
and, when you land that precious mini, the secrets to impress and the pitfalls to
avoid. We kick of...
2019-01-0234 min
LawPodStudent Focus - Episode 3 - Study Choices with Niamh HarganNiamh Hargan a media lawyer joins QUB final year law student Alana Hughes on this podcast. Together they discuss Niamh’s fast paced, exciting and interesting career in the media, film and TV industry.
Together they discuss Niamh’s fast paced, exciting and interesting career in the media, film and TV industry. Niamh discusses the nature of her work, the highlights of her career and most importantly, the reasons why she would encourage any student with an interest in IP or media law to pursue this line of work.
Participants
Niamh Hargan
http://smithdehn.com/people/niamh-hargan
Alana Hughes
https://www...
2018-04-0924 min
Reinventing ProfessionalsAllAboutLaw and Empowering Career DecisionsI spoke with Paul Harris, founder of AllAboutLaw and AllAboutCareers, to talk about how he and his team are making career advice more accessible to students across the globe. We discussed why he founded AllAboutLaw in September of 2008 and its growth to about 25,000 members, who regularly access a wealth of information about law schools, courses, internships, jobs, and firms in the UK.
2012-01-0901 min