The University of Exeter has published the results of a study commissioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales, which seeks to explore the reasons behind varying legal qualification outcomes among students of different ethnicities. The research revealed that these differences are likely to stem from a complex interaction of factors including social,…
UK Ministry of Justice reportedly explores interest on client account to support free legal advice
The UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is reportedly exploring the potential for requiring interest earned on pooled client accounts to fund legal services for those who cannot afford them. It has commissioned research from independent consultants into the practices of law firms in England and Wales in relation to the handling of interest on client…
Bar exam alternatives gain American Bar Association backing
The American Bar Association (ABA) Section on Legal Education has endorsed alternative pathways to attorney licensing that do not require taking the bar exam. This represents a significant shift in policy from its traditional stance of only recognising the Bar Exam route to qualification. The move comes in response to the growing number of states…
Solicitors Regulation Authority updates warning notice Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs)
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales published an updated warning notice for solicitors about Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) at the end of May, following the entry into law of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and drawing on its own casework. SLAPPs are identified as a misuse of the…
Victorian Legal Services Board 2024 Risk Outlook
The Victorian Legal Services Board’s (VLSB) “2024 Risk Outlook” outlines the major risks facing Victoria’s legal sector in 2024. Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, as the Board has noted the growth of cyber attacks over the past year. Law practices are urged to implement robust security measures like multi-factor authentication and regular software updates whilst…
European Court of Justice oral hearing on the German ban of third-party ownership of law firms
On April 30, 2024, the oral hearing regarding the German prohibition of third-party ownership in law firms took place before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The case (Halmer ./. Rechtsanwaltskammer München) concerns a decision made by the Munich Bar in 2021, when the latter revoked the admission of the law…
Proposal for a limited practice rule to narrow North Carolina’s access to justice gap
The North Carolina Supreme Court and State Bar are urged to explore a limited practice rule to allow certified paralegals and unlicensed law school graduates to provide limited legal services. This proposal aims to enhance access to affordable legal assistance while protecting the public interest and addressing the widening access to justice gap. The access…
Warning to law firms in England and Wales working on financial compensation claims
Law firms handling financial product misselling compensation claims have been warned about potential issues in their approaches and the necessity to uphold professional obligations. Concerns have been raised about firms obtaining proper instructions from clients and supervising staff appropriately in high-volume or bulk claim processes. This warning follows discussions with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)…
Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) of Ireland proposals to increase transparency in conveyancing services
The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) of Ireland has published a report proposing significant reforms to enhance competition, efficiency, and transparency in conveyancing services. The reforms focus on three main areas: digitalising the conveyancing system, introducing enhanced transparency requirements for solicitors regarding costs, and increasing consumer awareness to facilitate informed decision-making. The LSRA advocates for…
Law Society of British Columbia announces legal action to challenge Legal Professions Act
The Law Society of British Columbia has announced its intention to challenge the constitutionality of Bill 21, known as the Legal Professions Act, which was granted Royal Assent on May 16, 2024. This Act consolidates the regulation of lawyers, notaries, and paralegals under a single regulatory body, a move that the Law Society argues undermines…