The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has today published new guidance that aims to encourage barristers to follow good practice when they receive feedback from their clients. It has also published a guide for the public about using and leaving feedback about barristers’ services. Along with the other legal regulators, the BSB was asked by the Competition and Markets Authority…
Bar Standards Board explains how it assures competence at the Bar
Following its decision last year not to implement the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA), the Bar Standards Board (BSB) has today published more detail about how it assures the competence of barristers. The approach reflects the BSB’s move in the last few years to become a more risk- and evidence-based regulator that takes better targeted action to maintain…
ABA issues formal guidance to lawyers on limits of blogging and representation
The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility has issued Formal Opinion 480 explaining the limitations the Model Rules of Professional Conduct place on lawyers who blog or engage in other social commentary related to a representation. Under Model Rule 1.6(a) a lawyer has a duty of confidentiality. Supporting language to the model rule, known…
SRA consultation – Looking to the future: phase two of our Handbook reforms
Following the SRA’s ‘Looking to the future‘ consultation in summer 2016, they are now consulting on further changes to their Handbook and their proposed revised Enforcement Strategy. This consultation also includes the transitional arrangements for the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Through the Looking to the future programme, the SRA are: simplifying regulations…
Event: NOBC 2017 Annual Meeting
Join the National Organisation of Bar Counsel (NOBC) in New York on 9-12 August 2017 for its Annual Meeting. You’ll get the opportunity to meet and learn from others who face the same issues. Session topics include: ‘A discussion about “attacks” on regulatory counsel (and how to deal with them)’, ‘Interplay Between Disciplinary Agencies and Client…
A review of the ABA’s National Conference on Professional Responsibility
From May 31 through June 2, 2017, the American Bar Association Center for Professional Responsibility held its 43rd ABA National Conference on Professional Responsibility. The National Conference has long been the premier event of its kind in the U.S., bringing together legal scholars, jurists, regulators, and specialists in the professional responsibility field for two days…
Illinois becomes first US State to adopt proactive management based regulation
The Illinois Supreme Court has announced today the adoption of certain new rules governing the legal profession in Illinois. The changes are intended to help minimize many of the risks that lawyers face in the private practice of law. In doing so, Illinois becomes the first state in the nation to adopt Proactive Management Based…
Singapore protocol adds non-regulatory approach to tackle inappropriate conduct in court
Following an increase in lapses of courtesy and inappropriate conduct in court, a new protocol for providing judicial feedback was introduced on 1 September 2016. It seeks to plug the gap between taking no action and making a formal disciplinary complaint. In this article, Thio Shen Yi, Senior Counsel, President of the Law Society, explained the…
Canada discipline process
These materials were presented at the 2016 International Conference of Legal Regulators. Session title: Attorney Discipline System Intake and Investigation Procedures From Around the Globe: Comparative Analysis and Best Practices Canada national discipline standards Canada national implementation guide
Zimbabwe discipline process
These materials were presented at the 2016 International Conference of Legal Regulators. Session title: Attorney Discipline System Intake and Investigation Procedures From Around the Globe: Comparative Analysis and Best Practices Zimbabwe discipline process