On 18 January 2026, discussions around the Federal Government’s proposed Legal Practitioners Bill gained momentum within Nigeria’s legal community following its transmission to the National Assembly. The bill, which seeks to repeal the long-standing Legal Practitioners Act, proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory framework governing legal practice in Nigeria. Key elements of the proposed…
Law Society of Ontario in Canada opens new mobility pathway under Ontario Labour Mobility Act
Ontario’s law regulator has launched a new pathway to let Canadian‑licensed lawyers work temporarily in Ontario. Under amendments to the Labour Mobility Act, effective 1 January 2026, the Law Society of Ontario will accept “As of Right” mobility applications. Lawyers licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction can practise in Ontario for up to six months after…
Malaysia’s legal profession act 1976 amendment bill on track to becoming law
On 6 December 2024, the Malaysian Bar issued a press release on the Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill 2024 (“Amendment Bill”). Once enacted, the amendments to the Legal Profession Act 1976 (LPA 1976) will introduce significant reforms aimed at modernising the legal profession, improving lawyer welfare, and strengthening regulatory oversight. A key amendment will allow lawyers…
New artificial intelligence tech regulations do not need to reinvent the wheel
Brett McGrath, President of the Law Society of New South Wales (NSW), emphasized the importance of not “reinventing the wheel” in the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) during his address to a NSW Upper House Inquiry into AI. McGrath advocated for the NSW government to consider both domestic and international efforts in AI regulation, suggesting…
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission makes recommendations for the Faculty of Advocates complaints handling
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) has released a report on the Faculty of Advocates’ conduct complaint handling process, describing it as overly complex and difficult for lay complainers to navigate. This complexity, the report suggests, is likely to cause confusion and frustration thus undermining public confidence. The SLCC has suggested five improvements for the…
American Bar Association’s artificial intelligence task force releases law school survey
A recent survey conducted by the American Bar Association (ABA) and its Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence reveals that a significant number of law schools are actively incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into their curricula. The survey, which included 29 law schools, found that 55% of these institutions now offer AI-specific classes, and…
Solicitors Regulation Authority updates warning notice Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs)
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales published an updated warning notice for solicitors about Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) at the end of May, following the entry into law of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and drawing on its own casework. SLAPPs are identified as a misuse of the…
Victorian Legal Services Board 2024 Risk Outlook
The Victorian Legal Services Board’s (VLSB) “2024 Risk Outlook” outlines the major risks facing Victoria’s legal sector in 2024. Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, as the Board has noted the growth of cyber attacks over the past year. Law practices are urged to implement robust security measures like multi-factor authentication and regular software updates whilst…
European Court of Justice oral hearing on the German ban of third-party ownership of law firms
On April 30, 2024, the oral hearing regarding the German prohibition of third-party ownership in law firms took place before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The case (Halmer ./. Rechtsanwaltskammer München) concerns a decision made by the Munich Bar in 2021, when the latter revoked the admission of the law…
Warning to law firms in England and Wales working on financial compensation claims
Law firms handling financial product misselling compensation claims have been warned about potential issues in their approaches and the necessity to uphold professional obligations. Concerns have been raised about firms obtaining proper instructions from clients and supervising staff appropriately in high-volume or bulk claim processes. This warning follows discussions with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)…