The New Zealand Law Society has highlighted proposed amendments to AML/CFT legislation currently awaiting second reading in Parliament. In its latest advocacy update, it notes that two Bills would amend the AML/CFT Act and make a range of changes affecting reporting entities. The Society also says it has been pleased to see some of its…
Ireland to host new international arbitration hub
Ireland has been selected to host a new international arbitration hub, ICDR Ireland, as part of a wider effort to strengthen its position in cross-border dispute resolution. Announced by the Irish government together with the American Arbitration Association-International Centre for Dispute Resolution, the hub will handle international commercial arbitration matters across Europe, the Middle East…
AI yet to deliver cost savings, according to Wells Fargo Data
A new survey from Wells Fargo’s Legal Specialty Group highlights that while U.S. law firms are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), the technology has not yet delivered measurable financial savings. Spending on generative AI and related technologies pushed law firm overhead costs up by 8.6% in the first half of 2025, excluding employment costs….
New independent research centre to boost access to justice for Victorians
The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) has launched the Legal Services Research Centre, an independent body dedicated to strengthening access to justice and ensuring more equitable outcomes for Victorians. The Centre will enhance VLSB+C’s strategic goals of protecting consumers, supporting ethical legal practice, and improving accessibility, while operating with full research independence to…
Artificial Intelligence action plan for justice
On 31 July, the UK Ministry of Justice published an AI Action Plan for Justice – a landmark strategy to integrate artificial intelligence across the justice system in England and Wales. The plan is designed to deliver “faster, fairer and more accessible justice” while maintaining public trust, protecting human rights, and preserving judicial independence. The…
More legal services offered remotely, but prices continuing to increase in England and Wales
Consumers in England and Wales are increasingly able to access legal services remotely, but prices continue to rise, according to a new report by the Legal Services Board (LSB), published on 17 June 2025. Based on input from over 1,500 providers, the study covers commonly used legal services such as conveyancing, divorce, probate, estate administration,…
Royal stamp of approval for ‘CILEX chartered lawyers’
On 12 May 2025, Law Society Gazette journalist Michael Cross reported that the Privy Council has approved an amendment to the Royal Charter of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), enabling legal professionals to adopt the title “CILEX Chartered Paralegal”. According to CILEX, the change marks the first formal recognition of paralegals as a…
American Bar Association release new survey on legal tech trends
On 3 March 2025, the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Resource Center released its 2024 Legal Technology Survey Report, providing a comprehensive analysis of how attorneys in private practice are leveraging technology. Now in its 20th year, the survey remains a leading resource on tech adoption in the legal sector, capturing responses across five categories: online…
Australia and United Kingdom develop legal services regulatory dialogue
A development has been reported by the Law Council of Australia in its statement dated 11 April 2025, welcoming the continued progress of the Australia–United Kingdom Legal Services Regulatory Dialogue, established under the Australia–UK Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA). In its commentary, the Law Council highlighted the importance of this Dialogue in advancing cooperation on legal…
Big Four accounting company gets Arizona approval to operate firm, plans to use AI to transform legal services
The ABA Journal has published an article titled “Big Four accounting company gets Arizona approval to operate firm, plans to use AI to transform legal services” by Debra Cassens Weiss, highlighting a significant development in the U.S. legal industry. KPMG has become the first of the Big Four accounting firms to own a law firm…