I was thrilled to chair a roundtable discussion in Bangor, North Wales, last week (25 April 2024) with lawyers, academics, representatives from regulators, the Welsh Government and advice centres. We explored several issues, including access to justice, the benefits and risks of technology, and the challenge of attracting and retaining lawyers in Wales. I am…
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has set out its pro-innovation approach to the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal services sector. Published yesterday, the update explains the oversight regulator’s overall approach to technology, including AI and the scope of LSB’s regulatory remit. It also sets out: The LSB’s new statutory guidance on technology and innovation How…
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has issued guidance to regulators, pushing them to be proactive in creating an environment that encourages lawyers and law firms to innovate to help better connect people to legal services. Produced following an extensive period of research, consultation and stakeholder engagement, the statutory guidance sets three outcomes. Regulators should ensure…
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New research by the Legal Services Board and the Law Society reveals that two-thirds of adults in England and Wales (66%) have experienced at least one legal issue in the last four years. The Legal Needs Survey 2023* looks at the legal issues and needs of individuals across England and Wales. The most common legal…
Read Two in three people have legal problems, but many don’t get professional help
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has announced an independent review of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) regulatory actions in the lead-up to the collapse of SSB Group. The LSB will add this review to the scope of its current review into regulatory events prior to SRA’s intervention into Axiom Ince (announced in December 2023). The…
Read LSB to review SRA regulatory actions in the lead-up to the collapse of SSB Group
The Board met in person on 26 March 2024. As is customary at this time of year, we discussed and finalised our plans for the next 12 months, focused on delivering our vision for legal services that meet the needs of everyone who requires them. Maximising the benefits of good regulation in 2024/25 We are…
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published plans for 2024/25 [PDF] on how it will ensure regulation contributes fully to delivering legal services that better meet the needs of society. The business plan is focused on the regulatory objectives in the Legal Services Act, which the LSB and regulators have a statutory duty to promote….
Read LSB publishes plans to strengthen regulatory oversight in the public interest
The Legal Services Board has confirmed its interim leadership arrangements while its Board recruits a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This follows Matthew Hill’s resignation from the role in January 2024, ahead of his departure at the end of March. The existing three directors will share leadership responsibilities, while continuing in their current roles. Richard…
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We regularly invite external speakers and guests to meet the Board to discuss our shared goals. This month, we welcomed Mike Freer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Ministry of Justice. We enjoyed an extremely lively and productive conversation focused on creating a diverse and inclusive legal services profession that meets the needs of everyone who…
Following a decision by the Lord Chancellor to accept the recommendation from the LSB to accept the application from The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to cancel its designation as an approved regulator under the Legal Services Act (2007), this came into force on 29 February 2024. The LSB made a recommendation to the…
Read ACCA designation cancellation in force from 29 February 2024
The Legal Services Board today announces the appointment of Tom Hayhoe as the new Chair of the Legal Services Consumer Panel from 1 May 2024. Tom succeeds Sarah Chambers, whose term of office ends on 30 April 2024. Sarah has served two three-year terms as Chair since 1 May 2018. Alan Kershaw, Chair of the…
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The Legal Services Board has today published a summary report of evidence on the use and misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), based on the experience of those who responded to a call for evidence last year. This report contributes to the conversations about the ethical conduct and practice of lawyers advising and facilitating on NDAs. The evidence…
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