On 28 June, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) published a 12-week consultation on proposed updates to its financial penalty regime in response to the new powers granted under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These updates aim to ensure the SRA’s fining approach remains robust, fair, and transparent, especially in light of its…
Response from the British Columbia profession to a Law Institute Consultation Paper on artificial intelligence and civil liability
The British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBABC), has submitted a comprehensive response to the British Columbia Law Institute’s (BCLI) consultation paper on artificial intelligence and civil liability. In its response, the CBABC considers the recommendations of the BCLI on the application of tort law to AI software. The CBABC’s thoughtful response highlights…
California State Bar publishes responses to its consultation on the licensing of a new paraprofessional.
In 2021 the California State Bar published a consultation on a potential new paraprofessional license designed to ease the access to justice problem being experienced in the state. This new type of legal paraprofessional is intended to be a cheaper alternative to a fully licensed lawyer and would only be able to offer a very…
State Bar of California’s consultation on new paraprofessional licence closes
The consultation, which closed on 12th January, focused on the potential licensing of a new legal service provider, the paraprofessional. It is hoped this new legal qualification will improve access to justice by creating a new professional to provide routine legal services at a more affordable rate. Read the full article here.
The Scottish Government is beginning a consultation aimed at reforming legal services regulation
The Consultation has been launched with the aim of ensuring that consumer interests are at the heart of Scottish legal services moving forward. The Scottish Government are seeking views on developing a system of legal services regulation that would promote a flourishing legal sector and place consumer interests at its heart. Ministers want to ensure…
New Zealand Law Society consultation on lawyer behaviour rules
The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is calling for feedback on new draft guidance designed to support the legal profession to comply with new rules governing the behaviour of lawyers. The amended rules clarify the standards of behaviour expected of lawyers when engaging with clients, colleagues and others, with an…
Legal Services Board of England and Wales consultation on new processes for changing regulatory arrangements
The Legal Services Board of England and Wales (LSB) has launched a consultation examing proposed new rules and guidance for alterations to regulatory arrangements. The LSB is considering the rule changes as part of its statutory functions in assessing applications from the nine different regulatory bodies in England and Wales to alter their regulatory arrangements….
Law Society of Alberta consultation on model code of conduct amendments
The Law Society of Alberta has extended the deadline of a consultation on an updated model code of conduct to the 30th June. The amendments to Model Code Rule 6.3 are centred around discrimination and harassment. The draft amendments aim to provide clearer guidance on prohibitions against discrimination, harassment and bullying. This is following feedback…