On the 5th November, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) published new analysis surrounding its data on barristers’ income by gender and ethnicity. The research demonstrates that female barristers are likely to earn less than male barristers and that those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups are likely to earn less than White barristers….
Law Society of Hong Kong pairs up with university for ‘future of law’ project
The Law Society of Hong Kong has partnered with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (“HKSTP”) Global Acceleration Academy (“GAA”) to launch a 12-month pilot initiative called the “Future of Law” project. The project aims to find technology solutions and co-create impactful and practical solutions with selected innovation providers that best-fit law society members’…
Victorian Legal Services Board announced $1m to improve access to legal services
On the 22nd October Victorian Legal Services Board CEO and Commissioner Fiona McLeay announced seven grant recipients who would receive shares of a $1 million fund, aimed at helping ordinary and vulnerable Victorians to access simple and affordable legal support services. Projects include a scheme to provide women in regional Victoria with a pathway out…
Singapore law firms sign anti bullying and harassment pledge with Law Society of Singapore
Twenty-one of Singapore’s largest law firms have signed the Law Society of Singapore’s Law Firm Pledge on Preventing Bullying and Harassment in Singapore’s Legal Profession, in a virtual signing ceremony. Demonstrating a strong commitment to combatting these issues in the profession. The pledge seeks to: i) promote and maintain professionalism; (ii) respect human dignity; and…
The Netherlands introduces digital litigation in civil and administrative law
New plans unveiled by the Council for the Judiciary (Rvdr) which are designed to enable digital litigation in civil and administrative law have been approved by the ICT Testing Office (BIT) and Sander Dekker, the Minister for Legal Protection. The new approach, known as the Basisplan digitaal procederen civiel en bestuursrecht (basic plan for digital…
American Bar Association report details impact of debt on law students
A new study conducted by the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association has revealed substantial and widespread levels of student debt and demonstrated a harmful effect on junior members of the profession in the US. The survey has found that: Over 75% of respondents had at least $100,000 in student loans at graduation…
New solicitor qualification regime approved in England and Wales
The SRA’s new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has been formally approved by the Legal Services Board (LSB). The new examination will be officially introduced in September 2021, with the first assessments for SQE1, the first part of the qualification, taking place in November 2021, and the first assessments for SQE2 taking place in April 2022….
Event: IBA 2020
2-27 November 2020 Online The International Bar Association is currently hosting its annual conference online. Organisers have said “The IBA 2020 – Virtually Together Conference will be the central event of the international legal community’s 2020 calendar as it presents a remarkable opportunity to exchange knowledge and to create and renew a global network of…
Law Council of Australia publishes webinar on implementing the ALRC’s pathways to justice roadmap
The Law Council of Australia has published a recording of its latest online webinar, entitled “Closing the Justice Gap: Implementing the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Pathways to Justice Roadmap”. Over the course of the event, the panel discussed a number of issues around access to justice, and the justice gap, including discussion around access to…
New York State Bar Publishes Independent Review of the New York State Court System’s Response to Issues of Institutional Racism
The New York State Bar has published the findings by the special adviser on equal justice, Jeh Charles Johnson. Over the course of the review Mr. Jonson conducted 96 interviews involving 289 individuals from across the state. This included interviews with judges, court clerks a range of practitioners within the system, and others involved in…