Ohio has become the third U.S. state, after Texas and Florida, to consider dropping the requirement that lawyers must graduate from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school to qualify for admission to the bar. The Supreme Court of Ohio announced on July 18, 2025, that it has established an advisory committee to evaluate its…
Canadian Bar Association on measuring diversity
The article Measuring Diversity highlights the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion (D&I) within Canadian law firms, reflecting the increasingly diverse nature of the national workforce. In recognition of this shift, many firms are integrating D&I considerations into their talent management strategies to foster more inclusive and high-performing work environments. To support these efforts, the…
Federation of law societies of Canada releases landmark report on anti money laundering regulation ahead of Financial Action Task Force review
On May 1 2025, the Federation of Law Societies of Canada released a landmark report detailing how Canadian law societies meet international Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards, ahead of Canada’s scheduled review by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This report is the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive technical compliance analysis of how…
“Without fear or favour: the independence of the legal profession at risk?” by CLA President Steven Thiru
In this powerful piece, CLA President Steven Thiru warns of the growing threats to the independence of the legal profession globally. He underscores that an independent Bar is essential to upholding justice and the rule of law, serving as a safeguard against executive overreach and ensuring access to justice for all—particularly in contentious or politically…
Contingency fees in small claims: The majority of German lawyers do not use opportunities offered under 2021 legislation
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
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…
Senior England and Wales judge urges legal professionals to embrace AI
Sir Geoffrey Vos, the Master of the Rolls, the most senior Civil judge in England and Wales, delivered a speech at the LawtechUK Generative AI Event held in London on 5 February 2025. He urged legal professionals to embrace AI rather than resist its integration, emphasizing that AI is already transforming industries worldwide, and the…
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…