The Dutch Government aims to enhance access to free legal assistance in criminal cases by introducing new regulations, requiring suspects to receive information from a lawyer about consequences before waiving their right to consultation assistance, a move supported by the Netherlands Bar Association (NOvA). This legislation addresses concerns where suspects could previously waive legal assistance…
The Legal Services Board of England and Wales have made available recordings and resources from their recent Reshaping Legal Services Conference
On 7 March 2024, the Legal Services Board and Legal Consumer Panel organised its second annual Reshaping Legal Services Conference. The conference followed a wide range of topics, for a full programme run down follow the link here. The Legal Services Board has made available recordings of speeches and presentations as well as other resources to…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has initiated a consultation on its potential regulation of certain types of paralegals
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has initiated a consultation regarding proposed rule changes to enable the regulation of non-authorized members of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX). This follows CILEX’s proposal to re-delegate regulation to the SRA. While a previous consultation addressed regulation of authorized CILEX members, this new consultation focuses specifically on non-authorized…
The Chair of the House of Commons Justice Committee has presented eight key recommendations following their examination of the regulation of the legal professions in England and Wales
Sir Bob Neill KC, Chair of the House of Commons Justice Committee of the UK Parliament, has written to UK Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC, presenting eight key recommendations following the Committee’s examination of the regulation of the legal professions in England and Wales, highlighting the need for a review of the Legal Services Board…
The Legal Services Board of England and Wales has published its business plan for 24/25
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published its 24/25 business plan. This plan has three strategic themes, fairer outcomes, stronger confidence and better services and is underpinned by the 9 regulatory objectives of the 2007 Legal Services Act. The plan sets out the key areas and activities the LSB will focus on for the duration…
The Federation of Law Societies Canada is seeking feedback on draft amendments to its model code of conduct
The Federation of Law Societies of Canada is seeking feedback on draft amendments to its model code of conduct. The proposed changes seek to implement the call from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for all lawyers in Canada to be provided with appropriate cultural competency training, covering topics such as residential schools, Indigenous rights, and…
LSRA open consultation on legal partnerships draft resolution
The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) has initiated a month-long consultation on the draft regulatory framework for new legal partnerships. This framework enables partnerships between solicitors and barristers, allowing them to offer legal services jointly, a development made possible by amendments to the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 in July 2023. These partnerships may operate…
The State Bar of California Trustees approve the 2024 budget, including measures to mitigate the impending budget deficit
The State Bar of California trustees have approved the 2024 budget. This budget is key in mitigating the impending insolvency of the State Bar of California General Fund, including utilising proceeds from the previous year’s building sale to mitigate an ongoing structural deficit. Bar-wide revenue is projected at $428.9 million, while expenses stand at $400.9…
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is removed as an approved regulator by the Legal Services Board
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…