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…
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…
The rise of artificial intelligence in legal practice: opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations
In an article for the Colorado Technology Law Journal, candidate attorney Joely Williamson explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the legal profession—revolutionizing traditional practices, creating new opportunities, and raising urgent ethical and regulatory concerns. AI is increasingly used for document review, legal research, contract drafting, and predictive analytics. Generative AI (GenAI) tools like Lexis+…
Asylum services review highlights general good practice and areas for improvement
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published a thematic review of 25 legal firms in England and Wales providing asylum services, following up on its 2022 immigration thematic review. The review assessed how these firms handle daily asylum support, supervision, and training, aiming to highlight best practices across the sector. Key findings indicated that most…
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…
A manifesto for the judicial and legal system in Europe
On 9 June, all 27 members of the European Union held elections for the European Parliament. The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) issued its own manifesto prior to the elections which called on the Parliament to play its part in demanding adequate resources for the judicial system and a well-resourced legal…
The Dutch Government has moved to strengthen access to legal advice in criminal cases
The Dutch Government aims to enhance access to free legal assistance in criminal cases by introducing new regulations, requiring suspects to receive information from a lawyer about consequences before waiving their right to consultation assistance, a move supported by the Netherlands Bar Association (NOvA). This legislation addresses concerns where suspects could previously waive legal assistance…
New report highlights the need for an increase in legal aid funding in Australia
A new report commissioned by National Legal Aid (NLA) entitled “Impact Economics Justice on the Brink” highlights the urgent need for increased funding for legal assistance services in Australia. The report emphasizes that current under-resourcing of legal aid services creates a significant justice gap, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged Australians. Law Council of Australia President Luke Murphy…
The Ministry of Law, Singapore, has introduced the Public Defenders Bill which will establish a Public Defenders Office
The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) introduced the Public Defenders Bill for First Reading in Parliament today. The Bill, when enacted, will provide for the establishment of the Public Defender’s Office as a department under MinLaw to administer criminal legal aid. The bill provides for the appointment of a Chief Public Defender and outlines the scope…
New vision for a legal aid system in The Netherlands
NovA, the Dutch Bar, alongside the Mediators Federation of the Netherlands (MfN) and the Council for Legal Aid (RvR) outlined their vision for a new legal aid system. The three organisations are working together for a people-oriented, effective and efficient system. The new system would be one in which the citizen and his or her (legal)…