Climate change regulation
Legal Futures, Gazette, and Law 360 (£) report that the Law Society has issued guidance stating that lawyers can reject clients on the grounds of climate change. We note that lawyers have a duty to consider the environmental impact of their work and that clients whose actions exacerbate climate change may be incompatible with this duty.
President of the Law Society Lubna Shuja said: “The effects of climate change – even on legal practices – are wide-ranging and constantly evolving. Solicitors should be aware of this changing landscape and its potential impact upon their organisations, as well as on the legal advice they provide.”
“We encourage solicitors to take the initiative to understand and pre-empt the climate legal risks with the help of our guidance. This will ensure they can continue to run their businesses and advise their clients competently and compliantly.”
Today’s Conveyancer adds that the Law Society has confirmed that conveyancers have a duty to advise clients on climate-related legal risks in property transactions.
Role of AI in the legal sector
City AM, Planet Concerns, and Business News reveal the Law Society’s reaction to the role of AI in the legal sector and the ways in which AI may evolve the field.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja mentioned: “The [legal] profession needs to develop new skills, for instance to make best use of legal technology, but solicitors will continue to need soft skills that AI will not be capable of automating.
“As AI technology develops, what it means to be a lawyer will evolve, as will the type of jobs we do and the skills required for them.”
Also worth a read:
- Lawyers twice as likely to work on their days off – Legal Cheek
- A look at ‘no-fault’ divorce one year later - Gazette
- Legal ethics following the Post Office scandal – Legal Futures
- Tech companies protest Online Safety Bill - Guardian
- New deal on worker sick pay – Independent
- Scandal in housing disrepair and private landlords - Guardian
- Former boss of CBI speaks out - BBC