The Ministry of Justice has published an independent public bodies review of the Legal Services Board, led by Richard Lloyd. The review examined the LSB’s statutory remit, strategic clarity, governance, accountability and organisational capabilities. It concludes that the LSB has lacked strategic clarity and that its oversight of frontline regulation has fallen short of what government and…
Australia-UK regulatory dialogue reports on cross-border legal practice
The Legal Services Regulatory Dialogue established under the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement has published a report on its work concerning cross-border legal practice. The Dialogue brought together legal services regulators and professional bodies from both countries as a formal mechanism for examining issues that affect lawyers and law firms operating between the two jurisdictions….
India releases Draft Advocates Amendment Bill for consultation
India’s Ministry of Law and Justice has announced the release of the Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2026 for stakeholder and public consultation. The draft was prepared in consultation with the Bar Council of India, which placed the text on its official website on 18 July 2026. The consultation invited members of the profession, institutions, interested…
Bahrain adopts new Advocacy Law for the legal profession
Bahrain has enacted Law No. 24 of 2026 issuing a new Advocacy Law, replacing the Attorney Law introduced by Legislative Decree No. 26 of 1980. The new law was issued on 18 June 2026 and published in Official Gazette No. 3889, completing a reform process described during parliamentary consideration as one of the most extensive…
Cayman ruling clarifies limits of Legal Services Act transition
In Re: Phang Ling San [2026] CIGC (Misc) 1, the Cayman Islands Grand Court refused an application for general admission as an attorney-at-law under the Legal Services Act 2020, notwithstanding the applicant’s substantial experience and professional standing. The applicant was admitted in Malaysia, had more than 13 years experience in banking and finance law and…
New Zealand Law Society highlights major legislative reforms affecting lawyer
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…
New Zealand winds up Solicitors’ Fidelity Guarantee Fund following compensation reform
The New Zealand Law Society has reported on the formal winding up of the Solicitors’ Fidelity Guarantee Fund following legislative reforms that replaced it with the broader Lawyers’ Fidelity Fund. The change arises from the enactment of a new regulatory framework extending compensation coverage beyond solicitors to include conveyancers and other regulated legal service providers….
Malaysian bar opposes executive interference in legal education reforms
On 17 November 2025, the Government tabled the Legal Profession (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025 (“November Bill”) in the Dewan Rakyat, seeking significant changes to the Legal Profession Act 1976, particularly concerning the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB). Since its establishment, the LPQB has consisted of five members: the Attorney General as Chair, two judges…
Extension of public consultation period for regulatory framework for law practices and collaborations in Singapore
The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) has announced a five-week extension to its public consultation on the recommendations issued by the Committee to Review the Regulatory Framework for Law Practices and Collaborations in Singapore. The consultation, launched on 16 October 2025, will now remain open until 14 January 2026. The Committee’s report proposes significant reforms to…
Legal Services Board publishes plans to tackle barriers to a more diverse legal services profession
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has released a set of new proposals aimed at addressing persistent barriers to equality, diversity and inclusion within the legal services profession. Despite incremental progress, the sector continues to fall short of reflecting the diversity of the communities it serves. Women, minoritised ethnic groups and disabled individuals remain significantly underrepresented,…