The Law Society of Alberta has published a new Professional Development Profile as part of an overhaul of the system of Continuing Professional Development in the province. In 2020, the Benchers of the Law Society of Alberta set out to enhance its approach to continuing professional development (CPD). One key goal is to make the…
The State Bar of California accepts revised paraprofessional recommendations
At its meeting May 19–20, the State Bar Board of Trustees accepted final amendments to the recommendations of the California Paraprofessional Program Working Group (CPPWG). Following a robust public comment period that generated more than 2,000 comments, approximately 70 percent from attorneys, the Working Group adjusted their initial proposal, including: Eliminating the ability of paraprofessionals to jointly…
The Law Society of Scotland launches the Innovation Cup 2022 to find the latest idea in risk management
The search for the latest idea in risk management within the Scottish legal profession was launched on 13th June. The Law Society of Scotland launched the Innovation Cup 2022 and has invited Scottish solicitors, paralegals, trainees, cash-room staff and student associates to submit their ideas for risk management products, tools or strategies. The winning idea…
The American Bar Association provides some expert tips for practicing ethically
Theresa Gronkiewicz writes that after a career of representing lawyers in complaints issues there are a number of issues that come up time and again which could be avoided by implementing a strong practice management system and common-sense approach to law. There are 12 tips including: Implement strong law office management procedures Learn to identify…
New vision for a legal aid system in The Netherlands
NovA, the Dutch Bar, alongside the Mediators Federation of the Netherlands (MfN) and the Council for Legal Aid (RvR) outlined their vision for a new legal aid system. The three organisations are working together for a people-oriented, effective and efficient system. The new system would be one in which the citizen and his or her (legal)…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales outlines new online threats in Risk Outlook Report
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s new Risk Outlook report shows that email remains a significant vulnerability for law firms, involved in more than four out of five of all reported cybercrime incidents. The report outlines new threats as criminals look to exploit new technology. It shows that 83 per cent of cybercrimes reported in 2021 involved email…
LawCare, a mental health charity for the UK legal sector, has issued advice to employers to combat loneliness
LawCare has issued advice to the beginning of mental health week in Scotland. This year mental health week was focused on combating loneliness. LawCare has encouraged individuals and employers to: Reach out to a colleague an informal chat about how things are going; Share experiences about the challenges they have faced working in the law…
The Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education is engaging with stakeholders to identify potential skill gaps in those recently called to the bar.
The Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) is attempting to enhance and evolve the Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) so as to be recognized as a “best-in-class” Bar admission program. To achieve this, CPLED is engaging with key stakeholders to gather information on potential skill gaps in lawyers who have been called to the Bar in the last…
NOvA, the Dutch Bar, has extended the subsidy for trainee lawyers working in social law firms
NOvA, the Dutch Bar, has extended the subsidy scheme for trainee lawyers working in socially- minded law firms. The scheme was first introduced in 2020 and reached its full allocation, with 175 lawyers making use of it. The scheme finances the training costs of lawyers seeking to work in a socially based law firm. The…
Check My Legal Fees wins informed consent court case against Slater & Gordon
Solicitor/own client claims entity Check My Legal Fees (CMLF) has won its case against Slater & Gordon, opening the door to millions of former personal injury firm clients to recover deductions. Mr Justice Ritchie ruled that Slater & Gordon had to make significant disclosures to CMLF, including of the phone calls in which it signed…