‘Moving From a Magic Circle Law Firm to a US Law Firm: What Should I Expect?’
A junior solicitor near two years post‑qualification is weighing a move from a Magic Circle firm to a US‑based firm’s London office. Contributors note that US firms typically offer higher base salaries and larger bonuses, but cultural fit varies widely. Smaller US offices provide more autonomy, client contact and business‑development freedom, yet they often operate with leaner teams and inconsistent deal pipelines. Promotion timelines and partner compensation may not match the higher associate pay, making career trajectory a key consideration.
SRA Warning After LinkedIn User Claims to Be HSF Kramer CEO
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) issued a public warning after a LinkedIn profile falsely claimed to be the chief executive of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. The impersonator, using the name Awais Mahar, listed himself as CEO and offered legal services...
Trainee Solicitors Among Record Number Seeking Mental Health Support
LawCare’s 2025 Impact Report shows the charity supported a record 753 legal professionals, surpassing pandemic levels. Trainee solicitors accounted for 13% of contacts, second only to private‑practice solicitors at 42%. Stress, career concerns and anxiety were the top reasons callers...
What Does Being a Disputes Lawyer Actually Involve?
The Legal Cheek podcast episode delves into the daily reality of disputes lawyers, highlighting the blend of courtroom advocacy and behind‑the‑scenes negotiation. Hosts Julia Szaniszlo and Ryan Scott outline the tasks that trainees typically face, such as document review and...
Solicitor Who Bombarded Legal Blogger with Emails, Voicemails and Birthday Gift Convicted of Stalking
Andrew Jonathan Milne, a 63‑year‑old solicitor, was found guilty of stalking after sending roughly 124 emails, voicemails and a birthday gift to legal blogger Daniel Cloake over five months. The court described the communications as aggressive, including threats of litigation...
Monday Morning Round-Up
Legal Cheek’s Monday round‑up highlights a wave of high‑profile legal developments across the UK and beyond. Key stories include the chief barrister’s warning that Lammy jury reforms will not ease case backlogs, the UK prosecutor’s reminder that no one is...
Solicitor Struck Off After Faking Attendance Note to Hide Court Lateness
A solicitor arrived about 30 minutes late to a Wandsworth County Court hearing in August 2023 and fabricated an attendance note to claim he had requested an adjournment. The false note was discovered when LPC Law’s client received the actual...
Former Latham & Watkins Secretary Barred After Stealing £53k From Top Lawyer
Aminata Pungi, a former legal secretary at Latham & Watkins, was convicted of stealing £53,000 from partner Thomas Forschbach and received an 18‑month suspended prison sentence. The Solicitors Regulation Authority subsequently barred her from practising law under a Section 43 order, requiring prior written permission...