The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) of England and Wales has intensified its scrutiny of the high-volume consumer claims (HVCC) market, where law firms handle mass claims such as housing disrepair, data breaches, and motor finance complaints. While the HVCC model can enhance access to justice, the SRA’s thematic review has revealed widespread compliance and transparency…
Washington becomes latest state to test legal practice reforms
Washington State has become the latest U.S. jurisdiction to experiment with regulatory reform in the legal sector by relaxing restrictions on who can practise law. Beginning as early as October 2025, the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) will accept applications from law firms, nonprofits, and technology-driven organisations seeking to participate in a 10-year pilot programme…
Proposed amendments to Colorado’s rules of professional conduct to address artificial intelligence
The Colorado Supreme Court has invited public comment on proposed amendments to the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs) to explicitly address the ethical and professional implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in legal practice. The amendments aim to clarify lawyers’ duties of competence and diligence in an era of rapid technological change….
A New Era for Qatar’s Legal Profession: Key Reforms Under Law No. 19 of 2025
Qatar’s Law No. 19 of 2025 marks a major milestone in the modernisation of its legal sector, amending the Legal Profession Law of 2006 to enhance transparency, professionalism, and international alignment. The reforms, introduced by the Ministry of Justice, aim to strengthen the legal profession’s role in upholding justice, protecting rights, and contributing to Qatar’s…
Texas plans to end American Bar Association’s role in state’s law school oversight
The Texas Supreme Court has signalled its intention to end the American Bar Association’s (ABA) longstanding role in accrediting law schools for bar admission purposes, marking the first such move by a U.S. state. In a preliminary order issued on 27 September 2025, the court stated its “tentative opinion” that the ABA should no longer…
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…
Guidelines for creating reciprocity between allied legal professional programs
With seven U.S. states now operating Allied Legal Professional (ALP) programs, momentum is building for greater reciprocity across jurisdictions. Building Bridges, a report released on June 18, 2025, by IAALS and authored by Michael Houlberg, Courtney Petersen-Rhead, and Kristy Clairmont, outlines a strategic framework to guide states in creating reciprocity rules that support the growth…
Progress in rule of law in European Union but further action needed, finds report
The European Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report highlights notable progress across EU Member States and four enlargement countries—Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—while also calling for continued reform. The report evaluates developments in four key areas: justice systems, anti-corruption, media freedom, and institutional checks and balances. It confirms a positive trajectory in many countries,…
New Zealand Law Society – law reform and advocacy update
The Law Society has continued its strong engagement in law reform and advocacy over the past quarter, making 12 submissions on Bills and 24 on government discussion documents. These efforts reflect their ongoing commitment to ensuring that legislation is principled, proportionate, and responsive to the needs of both the profession and the wider public. Recent…
Annual report of the committee on alternative business structures to the Arizona Supreme Court
In its 2024 annual report to the Arizona Supreme Court, the Committee on Alternative Business Structures (ABS) highlighted significant developments in Arizona’s evolving legal service landscape. Key milestones included the licensure of the 100th ABS entity, the approval of 51 new licenses (more than double the previous year), and the relaunch of an improved online…