The New Zealand Law Society has commissioned an independent review of the regulatory framework governing legal services to examine the regulation and representation of legal services in Aotearoa New Zealand, including the structure and functions of the Law Society. This review has been described as a ‘once in a generation’ review. The Independent Review will…
The Independent Review of Legal Services Regulation has released a supplementary report on consumer harm and legal services
The catalyst for the Review was the market study carried out by the Competition and Markets Authority in 2016. The CMA concluded that the legal sector was not serving the consumer well. This supplementary report fills in some of the gaps left by the final report. Chiefly, the final report assumes the nature of consumer…
The Canadian Bar Association has released a report into gender pay equity in the legal market
The Canadian Bar Association has released Pay Equity in the Legal Profession, a report outlining the results of a roundtable held by the CBA Women Lawyers Forum in 2021. The goal of the roundtable was to gather qualitative data on Canadian lawyers’ experiences, perceptions, and opinions about gender and pay equity in the profession. The…
NOvA, the Dutch Bar, is using the DilemmApp to increase awareness of ethics and compliance issues amongst lawyers
The Dutch Bar is using an app called DilemmApp as a tool for increasing awareness and insight into ethics and compliance issues for its members. The App confronts the user with a dilemma in which they have to make a judgment call about the best course of action. After 2 weeks, NOvA posts its final…
The Legal Services Regulatory Authority of Ireland have issued guidance on EU sanctions regarding Russia
The Irish Legal Services Regulatory Authority has issued guidance in accordance with new EU sanctions on Russia relating to the invasion of Ukraine. The guidance is to ensure Irish barristers are up to date on issues relating to anti-money laundering and sets out the obligation on legal practitioners relating to sanctions on Russia and Belarus….
The US National Conference of Bar Examiners holds consultation on exam content for the new bar entrance exams
The National Conference of Bar Examiners has sought the input of the US legal market as it continues its plans to implement a new bar entrance exam. The new exam will place greater emphasis on essential lawyering skills while decreasing the number of legal subjects tested. The proposed changes are the result of an effort…
The Legal Services Board of England and Wales publishes statement for regulators to empower legal services consumers
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published a statutory statement of policy on empowering consumers to better access information about the service and quality of legal services providers. Developed following a consultation and engagement with legal services regulators and others across the sector, the statement outlines how the regulators should ensure that individuals and small businesses who…
The Legal Services Board of England and Wales launches consultation on a new framework for regulation in the legal services sector
The Legal Services Board has begun a consultative exercise on how best to create more efficient regulation of legal services. The new system places greater emphasis on leadership, delivering the regulatory objectives and running effective operations. The proposed new framework comes after several years of the existing one, feedback from the regulators, and research into…
The California Bar adopts new five year strategic plan
The Board of Trustees of the California State Bar Board of Trustees has agreed a new five year plan, setting the Bar’s strategic direction until 2027. The plan includes four strategic goals: Protect the Public by Strengthening the Attorney Discipline System: Administer an attorney discipline system that is efficient, accountable, and transparent. Protect the Public…
Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales launches consultation on annual ‘keeping of the roll’ exercise
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales has launched a consultation on the possible reintroduction of the requirements for non-practising solicitors to complete an application to remain on the roll. The need to reintroduce an application process for those without practicing certificates comes from a change in the law on the handling of personal…