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…

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