On the 31st January, the Bar Standards Board of England and Wales (BSB) published its annual report on diversity at the Bar. The report demonstrates that there has been some progress, with increased diversity and representation across the profession. However, the report also demonstrated that whilst the direction of travel was positive, there is still…
Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan to launch new skills course with CPLED
A new skills course designed by the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) will be launched for articling clerks in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan. The course, known as The Practice Readiness Education Program or PREP is designed to equip students with the necessary practical skills to pursue a career in law in the future. The…
FLSC launches anti-money laundering and terrorist financing risk advisory for the legal profession
The Federation of Law Societies of Canda (FLSC) has launched a series of risk advisories and risk assessment case studies, designed to help legal professionals adapt to the new anti-money laundering rules. The rule changes are based on an FLSC model rule and have been adopted by Nova Scotia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. The…
Law Society of Alberta piloting part-time membership
The Law Society of Alberta is currently piloting a part-time membership programme, which would be the first of its kind in Canada. In order to be eligible for the part-time membership, a lawyer must be in private practice, work fewer than 20 hours a week, and average fewer than 750 billable hours per year (not…
The future of legal services in England and Wales – regulation, consumer protection and responding to innovation
Morning, Tuesday, 25th February 2020 Cavendish Conference Auditorium 22 Duchess Mews, Marylebone, London, W1G THIS EVENT IS CPD CERTIFIED This conference focuses on the future regulation of legal services in England and Wales. It will be an opportunity to discuss the recently published interim report of the Independent Review of Legal Services Regulation and look ahead to the…
Law Society of New South Wales launches free legal assistance to those impacted by bushfires
The Law Society of New South Wales, in partnership with Legal Aid NSW, community legal centres, Justice Connect and the NSW Bar Association has launched the NSW Government’s Disaster Response Legal Service, which will provide free legal assistance to those affected by the tragic bushfires in NSW. Richard Harvey, the President of the Law Society said: “In…
Law Society of Australia issues guidance on crowdfunding
The Law Society of Australia has released a guidance document over the professional and ethical risks for lawyers when navigating issues around crowdfunding. The guidance noted the rise in the use of crowdfunding for litigation, and the questions this raises over discrediting the profession if used for revenue raising. However, the guide also highlighted the…
WTO and World Bank launch new services trade policy database
A joint initiative between the World Bank and the WTO has led to the release of the Services Trade Policy Database (STPD), which provides information on the services trade policies and regulations applied by 68 jurisdictions in financial services, telecommunications, distribution, transport, and professional services. At the same time, the group launched the updated Services…
Law Society of Ontario approves AML amendments
In November 2019 the Convocation (Board of Directors) of the Law Society of Ontario approved in principle amendments to by-laws designed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The amendments which build on existing regulation include: a requirement that licensees identify and record the source of client funds for a transaction clarification with respect to…
LSB launches consultation on ongoing professional competence in the legal services sector
The Legal Services Board has launched a consultation on “ongoing professional competence in the legal services sector”. The aim of the consultation is to review how regulators ensure that the legal professionals they regulate remain competent over the course of their careers. LSB Chief Executive Matthew Hill said: ‘Ensuring legal professionals remain competent throughout their careers will…