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…
Canadian Government passes new regulations in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine
New regulations brought in by the Canadian government have seen individuals and entities have their assets frozen and further dealings prohibited in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Lawyers in Alberta have a regulatory obligation to comply with these and to not assist anyone in conducting illegal activities, including future dealings with prohibited Russian entities…
Law Council of Australia’s 2016 policy to improve equity in the profession hits milestone
The Law Council of Australia’s 2016 policy to improve equity in the legal profession has achieved its central aim. The Equitable Briefing Policy 2016 aimed to have female barristers receive instructions in 30% of all matters by 1st July 2020. A recent report states this goal has been achieved, with 31% of all instructions going…
Law Society of Ontario cancels licensing examinations to protect public interest
The Law Society of Ontario has cancelled its licensing examinations to protect the public interest and the integrity of the examination process. This comes in the wake of information that suggests a number of examinees had improper access to examination material. This decision affects approximately 1100 candidates who were set to write online examinations, beginning…
Close Contact Scheme for critical justice sector workers in close contact with COVID patients rolled out in New Zealand
The Ministry of Justice and Courts New Zealand has outlined a Close Contact Scheme for critical justice sector workers in close contact with COVID patients. Workers who cannot execute their work remotely will be allowed to continue their work if they apply for the Close Contact Exemption Scheme as long as they: are fully vaccinated…
Mandatory use of the Civil Online platform for simple procedure claims now permanent in Scotland
The system makes it mandatory for agents or party litigants to file their simple procedure claims directly via the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (“SCTS”) Civil Online platform, or by using the internet interface to the SCTS case management system. This process was brought in to mitigate the risk of face-to-face contact throughout the COVID-19…