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Recent positive use cases of artificial intelligence demonstrate the potential benefits it can bring to the legal profession, and while the development of AI rules is essential, their effectiveness depends on user adoption, behavioral change and human acceptance, say Charlie Morgan and Salman Dhalla at Herbert Smith.
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There are multiple benefits for lawyers appearing in the media, and those who want to build good relations with the press should consider establishing contacts and maintaining those links, and understanding the role of journalists is critical in achieving this, says Steve Rudaini at MD Communications.
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With younger lawyers increasingly paying attention to factors beyond salary, such as work-life balance and career progression, it is firms that know how to appeal to other wants that will ultimately pull ahead when competing for talent, says Adam Stocker at Major Lindsey.
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The recent private equity investment in The Barrister Group, believed to be the first at the Bar of England and Wales, demonstrates how an upgrade in chambers' business processes and technology can be achieved, both essential for the future of the profession, says Harry Hodgkin at The Barrister Group.
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As practitioners and the U.K. Solicitors Regulation Authority seek to increase diversity in the legal profession, the adoption of technology, such as remote learning, artificial intelligence and social media communities, is playing a major role in breaking down entry barriers to a career in law, says Caroline Rayson at BPP.
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In light of the U.K. government’s recent consultation on expanding filming across the courts system in England and Wales, our right to open justice must be weighed carefully against the reputational risk that litigation poses to all parties involved, says Bella von Bohlen at FTI Consulting.
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Any business or high-profile individual could end up in court, and with a global audience watching on through social media, lawyers would be wise to use strategic methods to shine a favorable light on their work and cases, says Steve Rudaini at MD Communications.
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Having played a significant role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, the legal profession now needs to practice allyship to ensure there is sufficient support for the community by educating itself, its colleagues and the public, says Christianah Babajide at Keating Chambers.
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There are basic questions that solicitors must ask of clients to avoid money laundering risks, but in light of recent fines imposed by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority for failure to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, firms must also ensure they document their diligence process, says Harriet Holmes at Thirdfort.
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Until the U.K. government takes powerful measures to address IT issues, poorly maintained courtrooms and wage demands, the crown court backlog will continue to rise to the detriment of all stakeholders in the criminal court system and the public at large, says Rubin Italia at Stokoe Partnership.
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With technology a driving force for success, the U.K. legal sector must embrace innovation to maintain its competitive edge, and investing in new processes is no longer optional, says Gareth Preece at Doherty Associates.
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Opinion
As a recent report on Justice Clarence Thomas' ongoing conflicts of interest makes evident, Supreme Court justices should be subject to an enforceable and binding code of ethics — like all other federal judges — to maintain the credibility of the institution, says Erica Salmon Byrne at Ethisphere.
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The opportunities for social media to increase a business are unlimited despite its flaws, and to make the most of its potential, training and regular updates should be part of all lawyers’ professional development, say Steve Rudaini and Emma Maule at MD Communications.
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With the direction of the U.K. government’s newly launched second economic crime plan undeniably altered by the recent focus on kleptocrats and their money, the emphasis is now on how the U.K. can deliver a more effective approach to reducing the threat of economic crime, says Kathryn Westmore at the Royal United Services Institute.
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Acts of unreasonable behavior of lawyers working on opposite sides can take their toll, and with mental health and stress never higher in the national consciousness than right now, such conduct should be reported to help the firm understand the treatment its solicitors are receiving and better manage the situation, says Libby Payne at Withers.