Reuters has reported that Arizona’s Alternative Business Structures (ABS) programme, which allows non-lawyers to co-own law firms, has reached 101 approved entities as of September 2024. The Arizona Supreme Court recently approved seven more applicants, including an accident law firm and Rocket Lawyer. Arizona was the first U.S. state to legislate to remove non-lawyer ownership…
New York will adopt NextGen bar exam, considers shifts in state-law tests
The American Bar Association (ABA) Journal reports that the New York Court of Appeals has announced the adoption of the NextGen bar exam, making New York the 30th jurisdiction to implement the new format. While transitioning to NextGen, the state is also considering modifications to its state-specific law component, potentially introducing an in-person examination. The…
11th Circuit concurrence makes ‘modest proposal’ for use of AI-powered large language models in legal interpretation
In a recent concurrence from the 11th Circuit’s decision in Snell v. United Specialty Ins. Co., Judge Kevin Newsom explored the potential for AI-powered large language models (LLMs) to aid in legal interpretation. While the case itself concerned an insurance dispute over whether a ground-level trampoline project counted as “landscaping” under the policy terms, Judge…
New paths for licensure: California confirms Kaplan bar exam, Arizona launches second chance program
California and Arizona are pioneering new approaches to lawyer licensure. California, which has always taken a different approach to other US states on many lawyers regulatory issues, has decisively moved away from the uniform system of examinations run by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The State Bar of California has contracted with Kaplan North…
Lawyers say Alberta government’s failure to sign deal threatens legal aid services
Legal Aid Alberta has issued a statement in relation to the expiry of its governance and funding agreement with the Government of Alberta on June 30 and the consequences of this for its stakeholders. Legal Aid Alberta, a non-profit organisation, has traditionally received funding through a governance agreement that involves the federal government, the provincial…
Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession: Challenges and Solutions
The Alameda County Bar Association, a representative local Bar Association in California has published a helpful summary on diversity and inclusion issues in the legal profession and how these can be addressed. In “Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession: Challenges and Solutions”, the ACBA highlights the urgent need for increased diversity and inclusion within…
American Bar Association’s artificial intelligence task force releases law school survey
A recent survey conducted by the American Bar Association (ABA) and its Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence reveals that a significant number of law schools are actively incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into their curricula. The survey, which included 29 law schools, found that 55% of these institutions now offer AI-specific classes, and…
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…
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…
Auto clubs and the lost origins of the access-to-justice crisis
Engstrom, N. F., & Stone, J. (2024). Auto clubs and the lost origins of the access-to-justice crisis Yale Law Journal, Forthcoming. In the early 1900s, the country’s 1,100 automobile clubs did far more than provide the roadside assistance, maps, and towing services familiar to AAA members of today. Auto clubs also provided, free to their…