On February 29, 2024, the Lord Chancellor accepted the recommendation from the LSB to approve The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)’s application to cancel its designation as an approved regulator under the Legal Services Act (2007). This decision followed a recommendation made by the LSB in July 2022, which came after ACCA confirmed that…
The Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS) produces report exploring civil justice reform
In Autumn 2021, IAALS launched the Paths to Justice virtual summit series, focusing on challenges and opportunities for systemic change in the justice system. The series fostered conversations among stakeholders and led to the publication of various white papers corresponding to key discussions. These papers have now been consolidated into a single report titled “Paths…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority seeks views on new resources specifically for in-house lawyers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has developed new resources to support the over 34,500 solicitors working in-house in England and Wales. These materials, created in collaboration with the regulator’s virtual in-house solicitor reference group, address issues identified in the SRA’s 2023 thematic review and feedback from in-house solicitors. When asked for comment, Juliet Oliver, General…
Germany sees another decline in the number of concluded lawyer, legal assistant and notary assistant training contracts
In 2023, the number of newly concluded contracts for legal training or legal and notary assistant positions decreased, according to statistics published by BRAK. These figures, based on feedback from bar associations to the Federal Institute for Vocational Training (BIBB), account for contracts finalised between October 1st of the previous year and September 30th 2023….
The Parliament of New South Wales holds inquiry into the use of AI
The parliament of New South Wales, Australia, is holding a wide ranging inquiry into the use of AI. There is a particular focus on a) the current and future extent, nature and impact of AI in New South Wales b) the social, economic and technical opportunities, risks and challenges presented by AI to the New…
The Law society of Hong Kong publishes an issue paper on the use of AI in the legal sector
The Law Society’s Position Paper underscores the pervasive influence of AI on society and acknowledges that it is presenting both challenges and opportunities. Urgency is emphasised, urging proactive collaboration to address challenges and harness opportunities beneficially. The paper stresses the choice between proactive engagement or passive acceptance of AI’s impact. By issuing this paper, the…
March Feature – Anti-Money Laundering
On 23 February the fifth Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary session concluded with some important outcomes for the legal industry. Three days of discussions on key money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing issues have produced new risk-based guidance for the implementation of Recommendation 25 on the beneficial ownership and transparency of legal arrangements. This…
The Law Society of New South Wales to establish a taskforce to help solicitors navigate AI
The Law Society of New South Wales, under new President Brett McGrath, will establish a taskforce of legal and tech experts to aid 40,000 solicitors in navigating AI opportunities and challenges while guiding government regulations. This initiative, announced during the 2024 Law Term opening, underscores the society’s commitment to supporting the profession amid technological advancements…
The State Bar of California seeks to address projected budget shortfall with license fee increase
The State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees addressed significant budget challenges during their January meeting, planning to request a licensing fee increase for 2025 from the Legislature. With a projected deficit in the General Fund, discussions highlighted the need for sustainable funding to maintain operations and implement necessary reforms. The Board approved a cost-reduction…
The Bar Council of India’s proposal to permit practice by foreign lawyers and law firms in India hits a roadblock
In February, the Delhi High Court accepted a petition challenging the BCI’s March 2023 rules published in the India Law Gazette permitting limited practice by foreign lawyers and law firms in India. The petition, filed by advocate Narendra Sharma and others, challenges the BCI’s authority to make these regulations under the Advocates Act of 1961….