The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is set to expand its powers to protect the public by introducing rule changes following a consultation. The proposed changes involve giving the Disciplinary Tribunal the authority to impose interim restrictions on a barrister’s practising certificate or withdraw practising rights on an interim basis when a finding of misconduct has…
We need to talk about mental health in the Scottish legal sector
Scotland’s legal sector, while making progress in addressing mental health issues, is facing an accelerated crisis that demands urgent support. Mental health problems, affecting one in three people annually, have worsened in recent years, requiring comprehensive support across sectors, particularly in the legal profession. The demanding nature of legal work, long hours, high workloads, and…
New report highlights the need for an increase in legal aid funding in Australia
A new report commissioned by National Legal Aid (NLA) entitled “Impact Economics Justice on the Brink” highlights the urgent need for increased funding for legal assistance services in Australia. The report emphasizes that current under-resourcing of legal aid services creates a significant justice gap, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged Australians. Law Council of Australia President Luke Murphy…
Law Society of New South Wales, Australia, develops form allowing sole practitioners to nominate a personal representative
The Law Society of New South Wales has developed a form to help sole practitioners safeguard their practice. Law Society President, Cassandra Banks, has urged the approximately 6,600 sole solicitor or single principal practices in New South Wales to plan for the future by nominating a personal representative and an alternate through a new online…
The Netherlandse Orde Van Advocaten (Dutch Bar Association) brings in new regulation around annual lawyer testing
Each year lawyers in the Netherlands must comply what the NOvA calls ‘quality tests’ to ensure they maintain their level of expertise. This means that lawyers must participate annually in the form of structured feedback: Intervision (a structured and periodic form of discussion within a peer group of professionals), peer review or structured peer consultation…
The Legal Services Board of England and Wales launches consultation on consumer-focused regulation
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has initiated a consultation on its draft business plan and budget for 2024/25, aiming to enhance regulation’s role in shaping a legal services market aligned with societal needs. The plan focuses on strengthening direct oversight of regulators, ensuring their effective performance and resilience in conducting regulatory reviews. Anticipating resource demands,…
New legal tools required to mitigate the risk posed by AI
Jason Matheny, who served as President and CEO of RAND Corporation, asserted that the swift progression of artificial intelligence (AI) hastened global existential risks. During a keynote address at the 33rd Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law conference, Matheny underscored the democratization of perilous capabilities, citing the potential for a single individual…
Solicitors Regulation Authority report looks at the risks and opportunities of AI in the law
A recently published report in the Risk Outlook series sheds light on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) within the legal services sector. The document underscores potential opportunities, such as the streamlining of administrative tasks through AI, enabling firms to allocate resources more efficiently for intricate assignments. Automation, in this context, offers cost reduction…
Law Society of Ontario hosts 8th annual access-to-justice week
The eighth annual Access to Justice Week (A2J Week) in Ontario, held from October 23 to 27, marked the “10th anniversary of Canada’s Justice Development Goals.” The event showcased over 30 virtual and in-person programs, attracting more than 3000 participants nationwide. Focused on reviewing a decade of progress and setting goals for the future, the…
Illinois Supreme Court to hold public hearing on proposed rule amendments
The Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee is set to conduct a public hearing on November 15, where feedback on five proposals will be sought. The hearing will encompass proposed amendments to Rule 8.4, addressing attorney misconduct, and Rule 794, outlining the 6-hour professional responsibility MCLE requirement. For those interested in providing comments on the proposals,…