While the number of lawyers nationally has grown faster than the U.S. population, this growth hasn’t been spread evenly across races and ethnicities, according to the American Bar Association’s 2020 Profile of the Legal Profession. (PDF) The ABA Profile of the Legal Profession is a compilation of the latest statistics in the legal profession. In an…
The Bar Standards Board Race Equality Taskforce publishes case studies
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) Race Equality Taskforce has published two case studies to promote racial diversity and inclusion at the Bar. This marks the launch of a series of case studies that will focus on encouraging barristers’ chambers to adopt equality and diversity best practice from across the sector in order to foster a…
Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner: lawyer well-being project
In 2019 the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner interviewed people working across all parts of the legal profession to gain a deeper understanding of lawyers’ experiences of mental health and wellbeing over their careers. These interviews were analysed and the resulting report ‘VLSB+C report on legal professionals’ reflections on wellbeing and suggestions for future reform’…
Law Society of Scotland COVID-19 impact surveys and COP26 working group
COVID-19 impact In April/May 2020 the Law Society of Scotland undertook a telephone survey with private practice firms to understand the financial impact the Covid-19 outbreak and subsequent restrictions were having on the sector. 90% of firms surveyed reported a downturn in new business, with the majority also reporting reduced turnover and cashflow. Read analysis…
Federation of Law Societies of Canada approves recommendations towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
The Federation has adopted an overarching framework to guide it on the path to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada. Laid out in a report from the Federation’s TRC Calls to Action Advisory Committee (“Advisory Committee”), the framework is rooted in the recognition of the significance of Indigenous legal orders, legal principles, and the perspectives and experiences of…
SRA: Solicitors Qualifying Examination updates
The SRA have confirmed that the candidate fee for the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) will be £3,980. The costs are in line with £3,000-£4,500 figure set out in the SRA’s original 2018 fee range estimates. The fees do not include training costs, which will vary depending on a candidate’s choices. They also confirmed that they…
LSB tells regulators to develop better understanding of diversity data
In her recent blog, the Chair of the Legal Services Board, said that the regulatory bodies in England and Wales should do more to get a grasp on diversity data. The blog was published after the latest Board meeting and notes that in January the Board agreed with regulators to assess their performance on gathering…
ABA study reveals that disabled and LBGTQ+ lawyers face discrimination
A study carried out by the ABA in collaboration with the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University has found that lawyers who either identify as having disabilities or who identify as LGBTQ+ commonly report experiencing both subtle and overt forms of discrimination at their workplaces. The study surveyed 3,590 lawyers, including individuals from every state…
ABA issues new guidance on lawyer misconduct
On the 15th July, the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility released guidance that expands on a model rule that covers a lawyer’s conduct related to harassment and discrimination. ABA Formal Ethics Opinion 493 outlines how ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(g) addresses actions by a lawyer beyond the courtroom…
Legal Services Consumer Panel shows that consumers are shopping blind
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has published a report on consumer decision making. The research shows that consumers indicators such as length of practice and website design when making their decisions. The Panel has called for independent information to be provided to consumers, with information including transparent costs and previous client reviews and testimonials. Sarah Chambers,…