In a revolutionary moment for the legal profession, the deregulation of legal services is taking hold in many parts of the country. Utah and Arizona, for instance, are experimenting with new regulations that permit nonlawyer advocates to play an active role in assisting people who may not otherwise have access to legal services. In addition,…
The future of law firms (and lawyers) in the age of Artificial Intelligence
This article explores the future for lawyers and law firms in the light of the changes that Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is already bringing to the universe of legal services. Part I briefly describes some of the ways AI is already in use in ordinary life – from facial recognition, through medical diagnosis to translation services….
Evidence-based lawyer regulation
The legal profession is losing its authority over the regulation of legal services. Recent changes in antitrust law have put state bar associations under a spotlight. Competition from technology companies and concerns about access to justice have increased political pressure for market liberalization. Independent research is challenging the unique value of lawyers’ services, even in…
A study by The National Association of Law Placement in the US has found black and Latina lawyers remain unrepresented at partner level
The National Association of Law Placement has conducted its 2022 Report on Diversity in Law Firms. The report highlights the “excruciatingly slow” progress for black and Latina lawyers at partner level across the US. Currently these two groups each make up less than 1% of all partners in 2022. Conversely, women in general now make…
Recommendations made following Canadian study into well-being of the legal profession
The original report showed the Canadian legal profession had significantly high levels of psychological distress and depressive thoughts. These came from a number of different causes, including violence and incivility in the workplace as well as organisational risk factors such as emotional demands of the job, lack of resources, job insecurity, compassion fatigue and workload….
New accreditation launched in Scotland for paralegals working in immigration law
The Law Society of Scotland has launched a new accreditation for paralegals working in immigration law. The new accreditation is in response to the expanding need in immigration law and recognises the increasing speciality of the area of law. The accreditation is voluntary and the process involves demonstrating the Law Society’s General Competencies and Standards…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales publishes the Legal Choices Report 2022
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales has published the Legal Choices report for 2022. Legal Choices is a website that helps consumers make informed decisions when choosing a legal professional, as well as offering information on a range of legal topics such as legal aid, no win no fee and legal insurance. The…
The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society has amended its Model Code of Conduct
The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society has amended its Model Code of Conduct relating to discrimination, harassment and ex parte communication. These amendments are in line with amendments made by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada to its Model Code of Conduct. This is part of a wider move to harmonise, as much as possible,…
Bar Standards Board of England and Wales sets out plan to assure competence of barristers
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) of England and Wales has responded to the Legal Services Board statement on ongoing competence. The response comes with an action plan for ensuring the competence of barristers. Currently the BSB employs a number of measures to ensure competence including: The Professional Statement, which describes the knowledge, skills and aptitude that…
American Bar Association propose amendments to Model Rules of Professional Conduct
The Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Committee on Professional Regulation has produced a third discussion draft of possible amendments to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. These possible changes aim to clarify lawyer’s obligations on client due diligence. This comment period has been influenced by the previous two drafts and the public comments…