The post of Director of Consumer Policy and Engagement will be responsible for driving confidence and trust in legal services, engaging in key debates about consumer policy and maintaining close engagement with consumers and consumer groups, and deepening the connection between strategic objectives and policy developments. This new position will lead a new team within…
The Bar Standards Board of England and Wales issues consultation on revisions to definition of academic legal training
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has initiated a three-month public consultation to gather opinions on proposed revisions to the definition of academic legal training and handling consequential waivers and exemptions. The BSB aims to simplify the existing rules governing the academic component of Bar training to better align with objectives of maintaining high standards, flexibility,…
What measured AI looks like in today’s legal practices
UK law firms are increasingly embracing AI, with over a quarter already utilizing some form of AI and nearly half actively exploring its integration. AI’s appeal lies in its potential to enhance efficiency, particularly in contract writing, accessing case law, and reviewing precedents. However, concerns about risks associated with AI integration exist among one-third of…
The German Federal Bar Association advocates for criminal procedure reform
The German Federal Bar Association (BRAK) is advocating for comprehensive reforms to criminal law and criminal procedure to better utilize the potential of digitalization in criminal proceedings. The BRAK has presented specific reform proposals for the Code of Criminal Procedure, focusing on electronic file management, file inspection, and AI-supported investigation methods. The proposals aim to…
The Workplace Environment Survey in New Zealand has revealed Pacific lawyers face higher levels of bullying and discrimination than the profession overall
Results from the Workplace Environment Survey (WPES) in New Zealand reveal that Pacific lawyers, particularly Pacific women, face higher rates of bullying, harassment, and discrimination than the overall legal profession. The New Zealand Law Society commissioned additional reporting to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Pacific lawyers. While overall statistics for lawyers…
Women lawyers now make up the majority of associates in the USA but still face many diversity challenges
A report by the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) reveals that women now constitute the majority of associates at US law firms, making up 50.3% according to the organisation’s Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms. The report also indicates a record growth in women at the partnership level, constituting 27.8% of all partners…
Potential changes to multi-jurisdictional practice rules
The ABA Center for Professional Responsibility Working Group on ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 5.5 has released an Issues Paper to solicit feedback on potential regulatory implications related to exploring amendments to Rule 5.5, aiming to expand permissible cross-border legal practice. The Association for Professional Responsibility Lawyers has advocated for changes, suggesting that expanding…
Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales issues first fines of new fixed penalty regime
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued £750 fines to seven law firms for non-compliance with its transparency rules. This follows similar penalties issued to three firms in November 2023. The SRA introduced fixed penalties to deal with non-complex breaches more efficiently. Firms are given notices of potential fines and the opportunity to rectify the…
The Legal Services Consumer Panel voices concern about lack of implementation of key recommendations of a 2016 Competition and Markets Authority review of the legal services market
The Legal Services Consumer Panel of England and Wales has expressed concern over the slow implementation of quality indicators in the legal services market, as recommended by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in 2016. Despite some progress on price transparency and service information, the Panel notes that very little has been done to ensure…
The Victorian Law Foundation of Australia publishes report exploring costs in legal services
The Victorian Law Foundation conducted research commissioned by The Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner (VLSB+C) examining factors influencing the pricing of legal services, practitioner-client communication regarding anticipated costs, and the impact of service costs on the lawyer-client relationship. Findings indicate that time is a central measure for price-setting, even for fixed-fee services, with practitioners…