On 14 May 2025, the Law Society of England and Wales launched the first iteration of its ethical practice framework for in-house solicitors, marking a significant step in supporting legal professionals facing complex workplace ethical challenges. Developed in partnership with the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied (IDEA) Centre at the University of Leeds, the framework provides free…
The 4R decision framework: a lawyer’s guide to using artificial intelligence responsibly
In May 2025, the Law Society of Singapore issued a practical guidance note titled The 4R Decision Framework: A Lawyer’s Guide to Using AI Responsibly, authored by Jessica Low. The framework provides a structured approach to help legal professionals evaluate when the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is appropriate in legal practice. Developed in…
California assembly Bill 931: consumer legal funding reform
On 7 May 2025, California Assembly Bill 931, introduced by Assembly Member Ash Kalra, was referred to the Judiciary Committee following several amendments. The bill proposes comprehensive regulations under the State Bar Act concerning consumer legal funding and legal fee-sharing practices. Assembly Bill 931 defines “consumer legal funding” as a nonrecourse transaction in which a funding…
Artificial intelligence and ethics in the legal profession
By Nathaniel M. Glasser, Frances M. Green, Gretel Zumwalt, and Isabel Wolf – March 11, 2025 In this comprehensive article published by Epstein Becker & Green for the American Bar Association, lawyers at a US healthcare and life sciences law firm explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming legal practice and the ethical responsibilities that…
“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…
New regulatory proposals to strengthen lawyers’ ethical standards
On March 6, 2025, the Legal Services Board (LSB) of England and Wales proposed new regulatory measures to enhance ethical standards within the legal profession, marking a significant shift in how lawyers’ ethics are taught, monitored, and supported. Aimed at ensuring lawyers uphold their ethical duties throughout their careers, these proposals respond to evidence of…
Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner statement on the use of AI in Australian legal practice
The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSBC), alongside other legal bodies in Australia, has issued a new statement on 6 December 2024 on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal practice, outlining critical guidelines to ensure the ethical and professional application of AI tools. This statement highlights the evolving role of AI in…
LSB annual report shows progress in driving up standards and ensuring regulation increases public trust
The Legal Services Board (LSB) released its Annual Report for the financial year ending March 31, 2024. The report outlines the LSB’s efforts to ensure that legal regulation adapts to serve societal needs more effectively. Key developments in 2023-24 were the LSB’s first assessment of legal regulators against its new performance framework, which revealed the…
Solicitors Regulation Authority consults on updates to financial penalty regime
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…
The Malaysian Bar’s ongoing fight against dishonesty in the legal profession
The Malaysian Bar has issued a statement on its ongoing fight against dishonesty in the legal profession. This statement seeks to correct recent comments made by the Director of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) of the Royal Malaysia Police, which linked a case leading to a RM4.8 million loss on a fraudulent land transaction…