Since the German Legal Tech Act came into force in October 2021, allowing lawyers to charge success-based fees and cover clients’ legal costs in certain cases, these opportunities have been rarely used. A recent survey conducted by the Federal Bar Association (BRAK) as part of the law’s three-year evaluation found that most lawyers have not…
How artificial intelligence is transforming the legal profession (2025)
Thomson Reuters has published its 2024 Future of Professionals Report, offering a comprehensive analysis of how AI is reshaping the legal profession. This global study surveyed 2,200 senior professionals across 50 countries, spanning legal, tax, accountancy, and other professional services. The findings reveal a growing, yet cautious, acceptance of AI within the legal sector. While…
Launch of the International Bar Association’s 50:50 by 2030 interim report on gender representation in the legal profession
On 3 December 2024, the International Bar Association (IBA), in collaboration with the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation, launched its Interim Report on the 50:50 by 2030 – gender disparity in the law project. The event brought together senior and emerging female leaders to discuss gender representation at the highest levels of the legal profession….
European Court of Justice rules that the German prohibition of investing in a law firm for purely financial purposes is justified by the regulatory objective to ensure the independence of lawyers
In the long-awaited judgement in the case Halmer ./. Rechtsanwaltskammer München (Case C-295/23) delivered on December 19, 2024, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that a national law prohibiting the participation of purely financial investors in a law firm does not contravene against EU-law. The Court concluded that this restriction of the freedom of…
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…
Special bulletin on the use of the legal profession in money laundering and sanctions evasion in Canada
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) has issued a Special Bulletin in October 2024 highlighting the role of the legal profession in facilitating money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions evasion. While most legal professionals conduct legitimate transactions, their specialized knowledge and services, such as managing trust accounts, facilitating real estate transactions,…
Legal Services Board unveils interactive map and research to drive action to enhance legal sector diversity
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published an interactive map along with two comprehensive reports aiming to break down barriers within the legal profession that hinder individuals from diverse backgrounds from achieving successful legal careers. These initiatives pinpoint critical stages in legal careers where barriers such as elitist perceptions, undervaluation of non-traditional entry paths, workplace…
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…
Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession: Challenges and Solutions
The Alameda County Bar Association, a representative local Bar Association in California has published a helpful summary on diversity and inclusion issues in the legal profession and how these can be addressed. In “Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession: Challenges and Solutions”, the ACBA highlights the urgent need for increased diversity and inclusion within…
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…