Malaysia legal market
Solicitors Journal reports that Malaysia has extended its market access for foreign law firms.
President Nick Emmerson said: “We will continue to work with colleagues at the Malaysian Bar Council to address our members’ concerns around the existing licensing process, conditions and requirements.
“Although this applies strictly to renewals of licences at this time, and not new licences issued, it does provide further certainty for any firms looking to enter the Malaysian market.
“We will continue to work with colleagues at the Malaysian Bar Council to address our members’ concerns around the existing licensing process, conditions and requirements. We are hopeful to be able to make positive progress in the coming months and continue to engage on areas of mutual interest.”
Cybersecurity
Today’s Conveyancer reports that the UK has joined discussions with other representatives regarding the growing threat of cyber-attacks.
President Nick Emmerson said: “The legal sector is especially vulnerable to cyber threats due to its critical role in the UK economy and we welcome the upcoming talks to address the growing threat.
“Legal professionals handle highly sensitive client information, making cybersecurity essential for protecting both clients and businesses.
“Our joint report with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) stresses the importance of cybersecurity training and strong governance. We fully support international collaboration to strengthen global defences against cyber threats.
“In England and Wales, initiatives like the National Skills Fund and the NCSC’s Funded Cyber Essentials Programme have already improved cybersecurity skills for legal firms. We welcome the continuation and expansion of these programmes to improve cyber skills and protect the digital economy.”
US law firms in China
Times (£) reports that tensions and concerns over data security has caused several numbers of legal practices to close their offices in Beijing, including some UK law firms who decided to leave.
Director of public affairs David McNeill said: “UK firms are not immune from the challenges of operating in China.”
TA6 consultation
Today’s Conveyancer reports that we have launched two webinars as part of our TA6 consultation. The piece also mentions Mark’s feature in a recent podcast on conveyancing and property law.
Conveyancing fraud
Introducer Today covers conveyancing fraud and mentions our annual professional indemnity insurance (PII) survey, which looks at insurance claims among law firms. The piece promotes our Practice Note on fraud, Conveyancing Quality Scheme and ‘Find a Solicitor’ tool to avoid fraud.
IBA Annual Conference
Caithness Business Index and Wired.Gov cover our participation in this year’s IBA conference in Mexico.
Public inquiry
Gazette publishes an opinion piece by Jonathan Goldsmith, chair of the Law Society’s Policy & Regulatory Affairs Committee, about Northern Ireland announcing a public inquiry into the assassination in 1989 of Northern Irish solicitor Pat Finucane.
Also worth a read:
- ‘The justice system has seized up — we have to unblock it’ – Times (£)
- Global AI fund needed to help developing nations tap tech benefits, UN says - Guardian
- UK employers to retain right to place new hires on 6-month probation – Financial Times (£)
- Regulators and lawyers “must do more” for learning disabled clients – Legal Futures
- Man jailed for Telegram race hate posts amid riots – BBC News
- Keir Starmer accused of appointing a dozen cronies to civil service – Telegraph (£)
- How the UK justice system determines prison sentences – CityA.M
- Police officers accused of domestic abuse routinely avoiding sanction and even being promoted – The Justice Gap