The Gazette of the Law Society of England and Wales has featured an article by Colm Ó Cinnéide, Professor of Constitutional and Human Rights Law at University College London, warning of growing threats to the rule of law in the UK and abroad. He stresses that the rule of law—power constrained by legal norms and…
Northern Ireland to introduce new routes to solicitor qualification
On 20 August 2025, the Law Society of Northern Ireland announced plans to introduce new qualification routes for solicitors, following a consultation held between December 2024 and March 2025. The initiative aims to make the profession more accessible, inclusive, and adaptable to evolving societal and professional needs. The consultation examined nine potential options for reform,…
Solicitors Regulation Authority in United Kingdom awards £360,000 for disadvantaged candidates to take the solicitors qualifying examination
On 6 August 2025, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) announced the award of £360,000 to 11 organisations to support aspiring solicitors from disadvantaged backgrounds with the cost of sitting the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The funding, drawn from the SQE Access and Reinvestment Fund—financed through performance-based payments from Kaplan, the SQE provider—marks the fund’s first…
Report shows small firms keen to adopt technology but barriers still exist
On 19 June, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published new research revealing that while sole practitioners and small law firms in England and Wales are eager to adopt new technology, significant barriers continue to hinder uptake. A survey, conducted by Thinks Insight & Strategy, involved around 150 solicitors and eight technology providers through interviews,…
Artificial Intelligence action plan for justice
On 31 July, the UK Ministry of Justice published an AI Action Plan for Justice – a landmark strategy to integrate artificial intelligence across the justice system in England and Wales. The plan is designed to deliver “faster, fairer and more accessible justice” while maintaining public trust, protecting human rights, and preserving judicial independence. The…
More legal services offered remotely, but prices continuing to increase in England and Wales
Consumers in England and Wales are increasingly able to access legal services remotely, but prices continue to rise, according to a new report by the Legal Services Board (LSB), published on 17 June 2025. Based on input from over 1,500 providers, the study covers commonly used legal services such as conveyancing, divorce, probate, estate administration,…
Law Society of England and Wales proposes reforms for a 21st century civil justice system
The Law Society has released its final report under the 21st Century Justice project, launched in 2022 to address persistent barriers to access to civil justice in England and Wales. With only one in five people believing justice is accessible, the Society outlines six practical recommendations aimed at delivering a more inclusive, responsive and modern…
Legal services threat assessment by United Kingdom Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation
In April 2025 Legal Services Threat Assessment published by the UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI). The report provides a detailed analysis of the sanctions compliance risks facing UK legal services providers, with a particular focus on the period following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. OFSI highlights the legal sector’s critical role in…
Australia and United Kingdom develop legal services regulatory dialogue
A development has been reported by the Law Council of Australia in its statement dated 11 April 2025, welcoming the continued progress of the Australia–United Kingdom Legal Services Regulatory Dialogue, established under the Australia–UK Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA). In its commentary, the Law Council highlighted the importance of this Dialogue in advancing cooperation on legal…
Senior England and Wales judge urges legal professionals to embrace AI
Sir Geoffrey Vos, the Master of the Rolls, the most senior Civil judge in England and Wales, delivered a speech at the LawtechUK Generative AI Event held in London on 5 February 2025. He urged legal professionals to embrace AI rather than resist its integration, emphasizing that AI is already transforming industries worldwide, and the…