The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner’s Legal Services Research Centre draw on the first annual Victorian Lawyer Census to examine uncivil behaviours in legal workplaces. The research defines uncivil behaviours as demeaning verbal and non-verbal conduct, including ignoring colleagues’ contributions, speaking over colleagues, disparagement, snide remarks, professional discrediting, sarcasm and ostracism. The report found…
Law Society of Northern Ireland launches AI guidance for solicitors
The Law Society of Northern Ireland’s guidance is framed as practical support for solicitors and staff who are considering or already using AI in professional practice. The Law Society says AI can assist with tasks such as notetaking, drafting emails, summarising documents, eDiscovery and simplifying complex legal issues, but stresses that its use must be…
UK House of Lords report calls for clearer direction on regulators and growth
The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee report examines the UK Government’s regulatory growth agenda and argues that the policy needs clearer translation into day-to-day regulatory practice. The Committee says regulators, including legal regulators, can support investment and growth by improving the pace, clarity and predictability of regulatory processes, but warns that a stronger…
Scottish Legal Complaints Commission publishes Regulatory Statement to guide implementation of new Act
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) says the statement is intended to explain how the Commission will apply the new regulatory objectives as Scotland implements the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025. The SLCC is named in the Act as a regulatory authority and says the reforms will affect its existing complaints functions as…
New Zealand Law Society highlights succession and retirement planning
The New Zealand Law Society has published a LawTalk article on succession and retirement planning, focusing on what is required to close a practice or hand over work in an orderly way. The article draws on the experience of retired solicitor and sole practitioner Sue Styants, who closed her Auckland office after 43 years in…
Law Institute of Victoria launches AML/CTF Hub for legal practitioners
The Law Institute of Victoria has made available an Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) Hub to support legal practitioners preparing for the new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime. The hub includes practical learning opportunities, including an AML Kickstarter Workshop and an ACAMS Certificate in AML General Awareness for Law . The hub itself…
Law Council of Australia says equitable briefing targets for barristers met for first time
The Law Council of Australia has reported that both targets under its Equitable Briefing Policy have been achieved for the first time since the policy was introduced a decade ago. The policy sets targets for women barristers to receive at least 30 per cent of all briefs and at least 30 per cent of the…
SRA consults on proposals to strengthen continuing competence requirements
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is consulting on proposals to strengthen continuing competence requirements for solicitors in England and Wales. The proposed changes are intended to provide greater assurance that practicing solicitors are maintaining the competence, that are needed to meet both their professional and ethical obligation. The proposals would require all solicitors to record…
State Bar of California consults on AI amendments to professional conduct rules
The State Bar of California is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct addressing lawyers’ use of artificial intelligence. The proposals were approved for a 45-day public comment period by the Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct on 13 March 2026, ending close to two weeks from now on…
SRA chief executive sets out priorities for change in 2026
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has set out a renewed set of priorities for 2026, following remarks by Chief Executive Sarah Rapson to a meeting of the Law Society Council on 18 March 2026. The priorities are framed around fixing the regulator’s foundations and rebuilding trust with both the public and the profession. Rapson acknowledges concerns…