In a landmark address marking the bicentenary of the Supreme Court of NSW, Chief Justice Andrew Bell highlighted generative AI as a pivotal challenge facing the justice system. Speaking to an assembly of senior judges from Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, Bell emphasised the evolving complexities that AI introduces to the work of the courts….
Lawyers say Alberta government’s failure to sign deal threatens legal aid services
Legal Aid Alberta has issued a statement in relation to the expiry of its governance and funding agreement with the Government of Alberta on June 30 and the consequences of this for its stakeholders. Legal Aid Alberta, a non-profit organisation, has traditionally received funding through a governance agreement that involves the federal government, the provincial…
SRA Board gives go-ahead for CILEX change
On July 1, 2024, the Board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) approved a potential extension of its regulatory remit to cover Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) members. CILEX is one of the approved regulators designated in the Legal Services Act 2007. The SRA Board’s decision follows a 2022 expression of interest from CILEX,…
SRA Consults on updates to financial penalty regime
On 28 June, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) published a 12-week consultation on proposed updates to its financial penalty regime in response to the new powers granted under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These updates aim to ensure the SRA’s fining approach remains robust, fair, and transparent, especially in light of its…
Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession: Challenges and Solutions
The Alameda County Bar Association, a representative local Bar Association in California has published a helpful summary on diversity and inclusion issues in the legal profession and how these can be addressed. In “Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession: Challenges and Solutions”, the ACBA highlights the urgent need for increased diversity and inclusion within…
SLCC makes recommendations for improvement to Faculty complaints process
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) has released a report on the Faculty of Advocates’ conduct complaint handling process, describing it as overly complex and difficult for lay complainers to navigate. This complexity, the report suggests, is likely to cause confusion and frustration thus undermining public confidence. The SLCC has suggested five improvements for the…
Views on the British Columbia Consultation on AI and Civil Liability
A recent survey conducted by the American Bar Association (ABA) and its Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence reveals that a significant number of law schools are actively incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into their curricula. The survey, which included 29 law schools, found that 55% of these institutions now offer AI-specific classes, and…
Irish LRSA to introduce Legal Partnerships
The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) of Ireland plans to introduce legal partnerships in the autumn of 2024, providing a new business structure that will allow barristers, or barristers and solicitors, to form partnerships. This initiative, enabled by the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 and subsequent amendments, aims to modernise the delivery of legal services…
Advocate General at the European Court of Justice considers German rules on third-party ownership of law firms
In May 2023, the Bavarian Higher Lawyers’ Court requested a ruling from the European Court of Justice on an issue which has important implications for third party ownership of law firms in Germany. The ruling relates to the question of whether an Austrian company which is not authorised to provide legal advice services is nonetheless…
Response from the British Columbia profession to a Law Institute Consultation Paper on artificial intelligence and civil liability
The British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBABC), has submitted a comprehensive response to the British Columbia Law Institute’s (BCLI) consultation paper on artificial intelligence and civil liability. In its response, the CBABC considers the recommendations of the BCLI on the application of tort law to AI software. The CBABC’s thoughtful response highlights…