Annual report of the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner

In its annual report, published on 28 October, the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C)  set out the results of its work on legal practice within the legal profession. has placed a strong focus on enhancing the experiences of both lawyers and consumers, marking a significant step forward in improving the quality and accessibility…

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…

Law Practices at risk of losing client money, and their reputation

The recent sentencing of Victorian paralegal Athena Razos to over five years in prison for embezzling $1.56 million from a prominent Australian law firm has sounded alarm bells across Victoria’s legal community. This incident underscores the critical vulnerabilities within law practices regarding the hiring and oversight of non-legal staff. The Victorian Legal Services Board and…

American Bar Association’s artificial intelligence task force releases law school survey

A recent survey conducted by the American Bar Association (ABA) and its Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence reveals that a significant number of law schools are actively incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into their curricula. The survey, which included 29 law schools, found that 55% of these institutions now offer AI-specific classes, and…

Benchmarking costs of law practice in New Zealand

The Law Society’s Costs of Practice Report for March 2024 provides a detailed analysis of the expenses associated with law practice in New Zealand. It highlights the increasing overhead costs across different types and sizes of law practices, with a specific focus on staff-related costs as the primary expense driver, escalating significantly each year. The…

Potential changes to multi-jurisdictional practice rules

The ABA Center for Professional Responsibility Working Group on ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 5.5 has released an Issues Paper to solicit feedback on potential regulatory implications related to exploring amendments to Rule 5.5, aiming to expand permissible cross-border legal practice. The Association for Professional Responsibility Lawyers has advocated for changes, suggesting that expanding…

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