Commercial Awareness: Seeing the Bigger Picture
A reflection on what commercial awareness really means for future lawyers
Everyone says you need to be “commercially aware”, but no one really explains what that actually means. It isn’t about quoting headlines or pretending to love the Financial Times. It’s about understanding what’s actually going on in the business world and why it matters to clients.
At its core, its about cause and effect. When interest rates rise, when new tech changes how people work or when new regulations come in, someone is always impacted: companies, employees, investors and even consumers. Lawyers are a big part of that chain, helping clients manage risk and make decisions that keep them ahead of those changes.
That's why firms care about it so much. They want trainees who understand context; those who can see how legal issues fit into what’s happening in the wider world. When regulation shifts or markets move, clients look to lawyers who can translate that change into clear, practical advice.
That’s what firms mean when they talk about commercial awareness, awareness that helps clients act, not just analyse.