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…
New independent research centre to boost access to justice for Victorians
The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) has launched the Legal Services Research Centre, an independent body dedicated to strengthening access to justice and ensuring more equitable outcomes for Victorians. The Centre will enhance VLSB+C’s strategic goals of protecting consumers, supporting ethical legal practice, and improving accessibility, while operating with full research independence to…
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,…
Guidelines for creating reciprocity between allied legal professional programs
With seven U.S. states now operating Allied Legal Professional (ALP) programs, momentum is building for greater reciprocity across jurisdictions. Building Bridges, a report released on June 18, 2025, by IAALS and authored by Michael Houlberg, Courtney Petersen-Rhead, and Kristy Clairmont, outlines a strategic framework to guide states in creating reciprocity rules that support the growth…
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…
Annual report of the committee on alternative business structures to the Arizona Supreme Court
In its 2024 annual report to the Arizona Supreme Court, the Committee on Alternative Business Structures (ABS) highlighted significant developments in Arizona’s evolving legal service landscape. Key milestones included the licensure of the 100th ABS entity, the approval of 51 new licenses (more than double the previous year), and the relaunch of an improved online…
New Zealand government – legal aid scheme review
In 2025, the New Zealand Government is undertaking a comprehensive review of its legal aid system to ensure it remains efficient, sustainable, and capable of promoting equitable access to justice. The Ministry of Justice has released a public discussion document, open for submissions from 11 June to 23 July 2025, inviting input from individuals, legal…
“Without fear or favour: the independence of the legal profession at risk?” by CLA President Steven Thiru
In this powerful piece, CLA President Steven Thiru warns of the growing threats to the independence of the legal profession globally. He underscores that an independent Bar is essential to upholding justice and the rule of law, serving as a safeguard against executive overreach and ensuring access to justice for all—particularly in contentious or politically…
Regulatory leadership on access to justice
The Legal Services Consumer Panel has issued a report titled “Regulatory Leadership on Access to Justice”, prepared by Nottingham Law School. This report discusses how legal services regulators in England and Wales can play a more active and strategic role in addressing the ongoing challenges surrounding access to justice. It emphasises that access to justice…