In its 2024 annual report to the Arizona Supreme Court, the Committee on Alternative Business Structures (ABS) highlighted significant developments in Arizona’s evolving legal service landscape. Key milestones included the licensure of the 100th ABS entity, the approval of 51 new licenses (more than double the previous year), and the relaunch of an improved online…
The lawyer for hire: the new frontier of legal advice arrives in Italy. How it works, how much it costs and who it is aimed at
On 24 May 2025, Il Sole 24 Ore journalist Rossella Savojardo reported on the rise of Swot Legal, an Italian legal tech startup revolutionising how legal services are delivered through its “lawyer for hire” model. Founded in 2023 by seasoned legal professionals Ian Tully and Alessandra Del Bianco, Swot Legal offers companies and law firms…
New Zealand government – legal aid scheme review
In 2025, the New Zealand Government is undertaking a comprehensive review of its legal aid system to ensure it remains efficient, sustainable, and capable of promoting equitable access to justice. The Ministry of Justice has released a public discussion document, open for submissions from 11 June to 23 July 2025, inviting input from individuals, legal…
Law Society’s new framework empowers in-house solicitors to tackle ethical challenges
On 14 May 2025, the Law Society of England and Wales launched the first iteration of its ethical practice framework for in-house solicitors, marking a significant step in supporting legal professionals facing complex workplace ethical challenges. Developed in partnership with the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied (IDEA) Centre at the University of Leeds, the framework provides free…
Authorising the algorithm – what the first artificial intelligence law firm signals for legal practice
On 6 May 2025, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) announced that it had authorised Garfield.Law Ltd to provide regulated legal services in England and Wales—the first law firm in the jurisdiction to operate entirely through an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven platform. The authorisation marks a significant regulatory milestone, signalling the arrival of fully AI-powered legal service…
Royal stamp of approval for ‘CILEX chartered lawyers’
On 12 May 2025, Law Society Gazette journalist Michael Cross reported that the Privy Council has approved an amendment to the Royal Charter of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), enabling legal professionals to adopt the title “CILEX Chartered Paralegal.” According to CILEX, the change marks the first formal recognition of paralegals as a…
The 4R decision framework: a lawyer’s guide to using artificial intelligence responsibly
In May 2025, the Law Society of Singapore issued a practical guidance note titled The 4R Decision Framework: A Lawyer’s Guide to Using AI Responsibly, authored by Jessica Low. The framework provides a structured approach to help legal professionals evaluate when the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is appropriate in legal practice. Developed in…
Canadian Bar Association on measuring diversity
The article Measuring Diversity highlights the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion (D&I) within Canadian law firms, reflecting the increasingly diverse nature of the national workforce. In recognition of this shift, many firms are integrating D&I considerations into their talent management strategies to foster more inclusive and high-performing work environments. To support these efforts, the…
Bar council of India notifies amended rules allowing entry of foreign lawyers and law firms
On 14 May 2025, Bar & Bench journalist Pallavi Saluja reported that the Bar Council of India (BCI) has notified significant amendments to the Bar Council of India Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022. The updated rules permit the entry of foreign lawyers and law firms…
California assembly Bill 931: consumer legal funding reform
On 7 May 2025, California Assembly Bill 931, introduced by Assembly Member Ash Kalra, was referred to the Judiciary Committee following several amendments. The bill proposes comprehensive regulations under the State Bar Act concerning consumer legal funding and legal fee-sharing practices. Assembly Bill 931 defines “consumer legal funding” as a nonrecourse transaction in which a funding…