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…
Legal organisation pen letters to Law Society of Ontario criticizing proposed governance reforms
Organizations representing lawyers in Ontario have submitted letters to the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) opposing proposed governance reforms that they argue will dilute regional representation, hinder knowledge transfer among benchers, and undermine the democratic process. The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) and the Toronto Lawyers’ Association (TLA) submitted their concerns by the January…
New York will adopt NextGen bar exam, considers shifts in state-law tests
The American Bar Association (ABA) Journal reports that the New York Court of Appeals has announced the adoption of the NextGen bar exam, making New York the 30th jurisdiction to implement the new format. While transitioning to NextGen, the state is also considering modifications to its state-specific law component, potentially introducing an in-person examination. The…
Updates and timeline: Single legal regulator legislation
The debate on the proposal for a unified legal regulatory framework in British Columbia continues to evolve. The Law Society of British Columbia continues to update its timeline documenting developments around this legislative proposal. In the latest developments, in July, the Law Society of British Columbia appointed members to the transitional board of Legal Professions…
Legal Services Regulatory Authority of Ireland to introduce legal partnerships
The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) of Ireland plans to introduce legal partnerships in the autumn of 2024, providing a new business structure that will allow barristers, or barristers and solicitors, to form partnerships. This initiative, enabled by the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 and subsequent amendments, aims to modernise the delivery of legal services…
UK Ministry of Justice reportedly explores interest on client account to support free legal advice
The UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is reportedly exploring the potential for requiring interest earned on pooled client accounts to fund legal services for those who cannot afford them. It has commissioned research from independent consultants into the practices of law firms in England and Wales in relation to the handling of interest on client…
Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) of Ireland proposals to increase transparency in conveyancing services
The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) of Ireland has published a report proposing significant reforms to enhance competition, efficiency, and transparency in conveyancing services. The reforms focus on three main areas: digitalising the conveyancing system, introducing enhanced transparency requirements for solicitors regarding costs, and increasing consumer awareness to facilitate informed decision-making. The LSRA advocates for…