/blog/In-houseFuture of LawStudentsEventsBlogs-Navigation urn:uuid:b3f6e32a-60f1-40d2-9143-711759973bc9/blog/future-of-law/what-do-in-house-legal-teams-really-want-from-a-legal-drafting-solutionFuture of LawSurvey of the top features UK lawyers want from a legal drafting tool as well as advice from legal leaders.Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:16:12 Z<p>There’s no sugar-coating it—many law firms are still bogged down by sluggish systems and outdated processes. From legal research to drafting contracts, the daily work of lawyers is often slowed by clunky tools and workflows that haven’t kept pace with the rest of the business world.</p><p>More than one in three lawyers say their firm is <em>adequate, slow or very slow</em> at delivering legal work. That’s a problem. Because while clients are demanding more personalised services, faster turnarounds, and better communication, many firms are still wrestling with inefficient drafting tools and broken knowledge flows.</p><p>But what exactly do lawyers want from their drafting solutions? A <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/insights/innovating-the-client-experience/index.html">recent survey by ������Ƶ</a> offers insight into the top features that practitioners across private practice and in-house roles say would make a real difference to how they work.</p><h4><strong>The pain of a slow drafting process</strong></h4><p>Nearly half (45%) of lawyers surveyed said their drafting and document review processes were “adequate, slow or very slow.” That’s a major issue, considering how central these tasks are to legal work.</p><p>Tony Randle, Partner for Client Tech &amp; Service Improvement at Shoosmiths, says their firm took a strategic view: “We identified that building legal tech, including AI, into legal workflows common to most of our practice areas will deliver the greatest positive benefits.” In short, improving drafting workflows isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a performance upgrade.</p><p>The challenge is finding tools that actually make a difference, rather than simply digitising old inefficiencies. As Hélder Santos of Bird &amp; Bird notes, “The biggest areas for innovation are to the client experience, workflow optimisation, and legal drafting.”</p><a href="/products/lexis-create-plus" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a><p>Let’s focus on that last piece—drafting.</p><h4><strong>What lawyers want from their drafting tools</strong></h4><p>We asked lawyers to choose the three features they consider most important in a legal drafting solution. Here’s what stood out:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Works inside Microsoft Word (41%)</strong><br>Unsurprisingly, Word remains the drafting environment of choice for most lawyers. Any tool that doesn’t integrate </p></li></ul>urn:uuid:4ee64b8a-690a-4b45-b305-75ede98f86cb/blog/future-of-law/advancing-the-rule-of-law-in-jamaicaFuture of LawThe rule of law is essential for a prosperous society. In Jamaica, crime and violence cost the economy 4% of GDP annually. Strengthening the legal system and promoting legal innovation are crucial. ������Ƶ supports this by providing free summaries of key Jamaican statutes and advanced legal research tools to help attorneys work more efficiently. Together, we can promote legal transparency, accountability, human rights, and justice reform globally.Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:40:50 Z<p>The rule of law is the foundation of any prosperous society. </p><p>In Jamaica, where crime rates have posed significant challenges to development, the enforcement of the rule of law is crucial. According to <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2022/043/article-A001-en.xml?utm_source=chatgpt.com">International Monetary Fund's (IMF)</a> 2022 report, Jamaica's crime and violence cost the economy approximately 4% of GDP annually. This stark statistic underscores the importance of a strong, fair, and efficient legal system to ensure safety, drive investment, and foster social stability.</p><p>In light of this, strengthening the legal system and promoting legal innovation are vital for Jamaica’s future. Legal professionals, particularly those in the bar, play a pivotal role in upholding justice and fostering trust in the system.</p><p>At ������Ƶ, we are deeply committed to supporting the rule of law worldwide. <br><br>Our mission is to ensure that justice is accessible to all, and we believe that collaboration and a profound understanding of the law are key to achieving this goal. <br><br>We are proud to collaborate with senior members of the Jamaican Bar to advance the rule of law by providing summaries of the following Jamaican statutes, which are essential to the legal framework:</p><ul type="disc"><li>The Domestic Violence Act </li><li>The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression, and Punishment) Act</li><li>The Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2021</li></ul><p>These statute summaries are freely available to download and are part of our commitment to advancing the rule of law and improving the legal system around the world<strong>.<br></strong></p><p><strong><br><a href="/research-and-reports/jamaica-rule-of-law.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Download your free statutes summaries here →</a></strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Supporting Jamaican attorneys</strong></p><p>We understand the challenges Jamaican attorneys encounter in their daily practice like outdated legal technology or struggling to find the right legal information. That's why we have developed <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/research-and-reports/trex-trial. data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/"></a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/research-and-reports/trex-trial.></p>urn:uuid:b3c4697b-1431-47d4-8f00-37bedc861447/blog/in-house/how-to-integrate-ai-into-in-house-legal-workflowsIn-houseIn a recent discussion, Alex Love, Corporate Counsel at Algolia, shared valuable insights on how generative AI (Gen AI) can be integrated into legal workflows, offering practical advice for legal professionals navigating this new terrain.Thu, 17 Apr 2025 10:22:30 Z<p>As businesses adopt AI tools, in-house legal teams are uniquely positioned to leverage these technologies to streamline their workflows. In a recent discussion, Alex Love, Corporate Counsel at Algolia, shared valuable insights on how generative AI (Gen AI) can be integrated into legal workflows, offering practical advice for legal professionals navigating this new terrain.</p><div style="width: 656px; height: 369px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" contenteditable="false" class="-sf-relative -align-center" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe title="Practical uses of AI for in-house legal teams" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XJJ4zjbcKa0?list=PLlkHIHmTeLC1bOhO0N9loIMeaxrlpQ59V" height="369" width="656" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><h4><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h4><h4><strong>AI as a productivity booster</strong></h4><p>Our&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/in-house-innovation-report.html">recent survey of in-house legal practitioners&nbsp;</a>found:</p><ul><li>97% of in-house lawyers&nbsp;are either using or planning to use AI for work purposes&nbsp;</li><li>53% of in-house lawyers&nbsp;said their organisation is slow or very slow at implementing new technology.</li><li>19% would consider leaving&nbsp;if their organisation didn't adequately invest in AI.</li></ul><p>Alex begins by describing Gen AI as a "productivity booster," highlighting its potential to assist with ad hoc tasks and expedite processes that would otherwise be time-consuming. "It's using it for kind of ad hoc tasks or assisting speeding up a few processes," Alex explains. One practical example is using AI to troubleshoot document formatting issues,</p>urn:uuid:1117fe66-3a8c-4d58-8dde-a88c60617eab/blog/in-house/harnessing-ai-in-legal-teams-insights-from-laura-on-the-role-of-gen-ai-for-in-house-lawyersIn-houseLaura Dietschy, Commercial Legal Lead at Palantir Technologies, discuss experiences and strategies for using AI within a legal team, the benefits of using tailored AI approaches such as RAG and practical advice as to how to get started with Generative AI.Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:53:24 Z<div><p>As businesses increasingly adopt AI tools, in-house lawyers are at the forefront of this transformation, exploring innovative ways to leverage technology for efficiency and effectiveness.&nbsp;</p><p>In a recent conversation, Emma Dickin, Head of In-house Practical Guidance Strategy at ������Ƶ UK, sits down with Laura Dietschy, Commercial Legal Lead at Palantir Technologies to discuss e<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">xperiences and strategies for using AI within a legal team, t</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">he benefits of using tailored AI approaches such as RAG and p</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">ractical advice as to how to get started with Generative AI.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></p><div style="width: 656px; height: 369px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" contenteditable="false" class="-sf-relative -align-center" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe title="Insight&nbsp;into&nbsp;how&nbsp;an&nbsp;in-house&nbsp;legal&nbsp;team&nbsp;is&nbsp;using&nbsp;AI" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4pkx87y2r8Y?list=PLlkHIHmTeLC1bOhO0N9loIMeaxrlpQ59V" height="369" width="656" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div></div><h4><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h4><h4><strong>Understanding the AI landscape</strong></h4><div><p>Laura begins by addressing a common pitfall in AI adoption: the tendency to purchase point solutions and apply them indiscriminately to business problems. "There's been a mistake that's been made in purchasing point solutions and trying to slap them onto business problems," she observes. Instead, Laura advocates for a more strategic approach, starting with identifying the bespoke challenges faced by the organisation, often related to bi</p></div>urn:uuid:b564f721-552b-4919-967d-6ab4aa0a6af5/blog/in-house/we-don-t-want-to-be-left-behind-in-house-legal-for-ai-adoptionIn-houseTemitayo (Ty) Ogunade, Contracts Manager at GWI, shares insights on developing AI policies, data handling guardrails, using AI tools to streamline tasks.Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:30:27 Z<p>As businesses increasingly integrate AI tools, in-house legal teams are uniquely positioned to guide their organisations through this transformation.</p><div><p>In a recent discussion, Emma Dickin, Head of In-house Practical Guidance Strategy at ������Ƶ UK, interviews Temitayo (Ty) Ogunade, Contracts Manager at GWI, who shares insights on d<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">eveloping AI policies, d</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">ata handling guardrails, u</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">sing AI tools to streamline tasks.</span></p></div><h4><strong>The growing interest in AI</strong></h4><p>Our&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/in-house-innovation-report.html">recent survey of in-house legal practitioners&nbsp;</a>found:</p><ul><li>97% of in-house lawyers&nbsp;are either using or planning to use AI for work purposes&nbsp;</li><li>53% of in-house lawyers&nbsp;said their organisation is slow or very slow at implementing new technology.</li><li>19% would consider leaving&nbsp;if their organisation didn't adequately invest in AI.</li></ul><p>Ty begins by acknowledging the burgeoning interest in AI within the legal profession and the broader organisation. "There's definitely a lot of interest in our organisation and the legal profession in general about how we can help implement AI tools," Ty notes. This interest stems from a desire to not only enhance the efficiency of legal work but also to keep pace with the industries in which in-house lawyers operate. As Ty aptly puts it, "We don't want to be left behind."</p><p>The legal profession, traditionally seen as conserva</p>urn:uuid:3cb6e197-f0f0-44b5-8c8a-57075b4c0298/blog/in-house/building-better-relationships-with-stakeholders-insights-from-cheryl-gale-head-of-legal-at-yotoIn-houseIn-house legal teams are now pivotal in driving innovation, enhancing customer satisfaction, and supporting business growth, says Cheryl Gale, Head of Legal at Yoto, who delves into the concept of "Legal as Connectors."Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:35:02 Z<p>No longer confined to the traditional boundaries of legal advice, in-house legal teams are now pivotal in driving innovation, enhancing customer satisfaction, and supporting business growth. This transformation is beautifully encapsulated in the first episode of an exclusive four-part video series by Crafty Counsel, featuring Cheryl Gale, Head of Legal at Yoto, who delves into the concept of "Legal as Connectors."</p><div data-sf-ec-immutable="" class="-sf-relative -align-center" contenteditable="false" style="width: 656px; height: 369px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe width="656" height="369" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kqz4QvhWVeg" title="In-house Legal as connectors: Building bridges with stakeholders" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><h4><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h4><h4><strong>Understanding the product and the customer</strong></h4><p>Cheryl Gale begins by emphasising the importance of understanding the product and the customer. At Yoto, an audio speaker company for children, Cheryl's personal connection to the product as a parent allows her to think from the customer's perspective. "I have kids myself, and so I'm exceptionally engaged in the product," she shares. This engagement is crucial for legal teams, as it enables them to anticipate customer needs and align legal solutions with business objectives.</p><p>By being actively involved in conversations about product development and customer experience, Cheryl highlights how legal teams can enhance collaboration. "I'm constantly involved in conversations with the business as to what the product is going to do, how we're going to improve things, and how to improve the customer experience in any new projects," she explains. This proactive approach ensures that legal teams are not just reactive but are integral to the strategic planning process.</p><h4><strong>Visibility and early engagement</strong></h4><p>One of the key strategies Cheryl discusses is the importance of visibility and early engagement. Legal teams at Yoto strive to be as visible as possible, using tools like Slack channels and a legal front door to facilitate direct communica</p>urn:uuid:0b53a9fb-e81b-401e-a042-402e0f9eb3ab/blog/in-house/ai-brings-consistency-precision-to-contract-reviews-says-in-house-leader-at-boston-consulting-group-bcgIn-houseLuis de Freitas, Director & Managing Legal Counsel at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), shares how generative AI is transforming legal work and the importance of ensuring its ethical use across global teams.Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:53:03 Z<div><p>How is AI revolutionising legal functions and the broader business landscape?</p><div><p>Our <a href="/research-and-reports/in-house-innovation-report.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">recent survey of in-house legal practitioners </a>found:</p><ul><li>97% of in-house lawyers&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">are either using or planning to use AI for work purposes&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span>53% of in-house lawyers&nbsp;<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">said their organisation is slow or very slow at implementing new technology.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span>19% would consider leaving&nbsp;<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">if their organisation didn't adequately invest in AI.</span></li></ul></div><p>Emma Dickin, Head of In-house Practical Guidance Strategy at ������Ƶ UK, sits down with Luis de Freitas, Director &amp; Managing Legal Counsel at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), to explore how generative AI is transforming legal work and the importance of ensuring its ethical use across global teams.</p></div><div><div data-sf-ec-immutable="" class="-sf-relative -align-center" contenteditable="false" style="width: 656px; height: 369px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe width="656" height="369" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UlbixPlU9w0" title="Driving responsible AI adoption in a global business" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div></div><div><br></div><h4><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h4><h4><strong>AI is revolutionising legal work with BCG's strategic approach</strong></h4><div><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></div><p>Boston Consulting Group has been at the forefront of integrating AI into its operations, setting a benchmark for how in-house legal teams can leverage technology to enhance their functions. Luis de Freitas shares, "We've been using AI for a whi</p>urn:uuid:fda572b8-ad68-4ade-880b-57a686204de4/blog/future-of-law/building-trust-with-clients-in-the-age-of-ai-a-guide-for-law-firm-leadersFuture of LawHow law firm leaders can foster client trust while leveraging AI, drawing on insights from a recent ������Ƶ webinar and survey data.Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:21:57 Z<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming an essential tool for law firms. But as firms integrate AI into their operations, building and maintaining trust with clients is more important than ever. This blog explores how law firm leaders can foster client trust while leveraging AI, drawing on insights from a recent ������Ƶ webinar and survey data.</p><h4><strong>Understanding the AI landscape</strong></h4><p>AI is transforming the legal industry, offering opportunities to streamline processes and enhance service delivery. However, the journey to AI adoption is not without its challenges.<a href="/research-and-reports/h1-2025-generative-ai-report.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""> A survey of over 800 lawyers</a> reveals that while AI adoption is on the rise, many firms struggle with implementation and measuring success. Two-thirds (66%) of lawyers would use AI more if they had additional training, and half of all lawyers said their organisation doesn't measure AI against clear success metrics. These findings highlight the need for strategic planning and investment in AI.</p><p><a href="/research-and-reports/h1-2025-generative-ai-report.html" data-sf-ec-immutable=""></a></p><h4><strong>The importance of client trust</strong></h4><p>Client trust is the cornerstone of any successful law firm. As AI becomes more prevalent, firms must ensure that their use of technology does not undermine this trust. During the ������Ƶ webinar, Tom Whitaker, a Director at Burgess Salmon, emphasised the importance of understanding client concerns and drivers. He noted, "It's a case of the lawyer understanding what is the client's concerns, what's their drivers... so that they believe and they know and they have demonstrated to them that we stand with them."</p><h4><strong>Transparency and communication</strong></h4><p>Transparency is key to building trust with clients. Law firms should openly communicate how AI is used in their operations and the benefits it brings. Laura Hodgson, the AI Lead at Linklaters, highlighted the importance of open communication, stating, "Talk to yo</p>urn:uuid:514faadb-fc91-4b06-8f1a-520ca4936f92/blog/in-house/senior-counsel-event-modern-slaveryIn-houseModern SlaveryAt this month’s session, we are delighted to welcome Iain Larkins, Alice Hardy, and Zoë Warren, who will cover the important topic of modern slavery, providing real world examples of the plight of slavery and explain how we must and can do more.The session will cover key updates, including: The EU Corporate Sustainability Directive and its new obligations for businessesHow businesses can mitigate the risk of human rights abuses in their supply chainsThe legal implications of dealing with goods tainted by forced labourReal-world examples of the impact of modern slavery in global businessMon, 14 Apr 2025 10:44:24 Z<p></p><p><strong>Modern Slavery</strong></p><p>At this month’s session, we are delighted to welcome <strong>Iain Larkins</strong>, <strong>Alice Hardy</strong>, and <strong>Zoë Warren</strong>, who will cover the important topic of modern slavery, providing real world examples of the plight of slavery and explain how we must and can do more.</p><p>The session will cover key updates, including: </p><ul><li>The EU Corporate Sustainability Directive and its new obligations for&nbsp;<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">businesses</span></li><li>How businesses can mitigate the risk of human rights abuses in their&nbsp;<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">supply chains</span></li><li>The legal implications of dealing with goods tainted by forced labour</li><li>Real-world examples of the impact of modern slavery in global business</li></ul>urn:uuid:a9ee8799-b1f9-4a11-a7c5-bf36634ee524/blog/future-of-law/staying-current-with-legal-changes-how-public-sector-lawyers-use-lexisFuture of LawThis blog explores how ������Ƶ empowers legal teams to stay ahead of the curve, featuring case studies from Wolverhampton City Council, Walsall Council, and Southampton City Council.Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:21:03 Z<p>Staying current with legal changes is a critical challenge for public sector lawyers. In a recent survey, we asked public sector lawyers about the top challenges they are up against in the next 1-3 years. The top response was staying up to date with changes to the law, with 60% of public sector lawyers listing this as a significant challenge, <a href="/insights/innovating-the-client-experience/index.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">a new survey found</a>.</p><p>With new precedents, statutes, and regulations emerging frequently, legal teams must remain vigilant to provide accurate and timely advice. ������Ƶ, a comprehensive legal research and guidance platform, has become an indispensable tool for public sector lawyers, enabling them to navigate these complexities effectively. This blog explores how ������Ƶ empowers legal teams to stay ahead of the curve, featuring case studies from Wolverhampton City Council, Walsall Council, and Southampton City Council.</p><h4><strong>Wolverhampton City Council: Reducing environmental impact and enhancing efficiency</strong></h4><p>Wolverhampton City Council's Legal Services team faced the dual challenge of reducing their environmental impact and maintaining access to comprehensive legal information. By transitioning from paper-based resources to ������Ƶ solutions like <a href="/products/lexis-plus-legal-research.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Lexis+®</a>, the team significantly reduced their reliance on paper while ensuring access to up-to-date legal content. This shift not only supported their environmental goals but also enhanced business efficiency by allowing multiple team members to access resources simultaneously. The integration of <a href="/product href="/"></a href="/product></p>urn:uuid:89ad3084-dcea-4c3a-adf8-1f0475275530/blog/future-of-law/top-challenges-facing-public-sector-lawyers-in-2025Future of LawTop challenges facing public sector lawyers in 2025, from technology and legal changes to talent management.Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:15:35 Z<p>������Ƶ surveyed <a href="/insights/innovating-the-client-experience/index.html" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">800+ lawyers across the legal sector</a> to explore the key challenges they're up against and how their business strategy and day-to-day processes are being reshaped by new technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Public sector lawyers made up a relatively small group, 5%, yet their insights showed some interesting. In this blog, we look at the challenges public sector lawyers are up against in 2025, the trends making the biggest waves, and how public sector teams are&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">navigating the complexities of the modern legal environment.</span></p><h4><strong>Keeping up to date with changes in the law</strong></h4><p>A whopping 60% of public sector lawyers identified keeping up to date with changes in the law as a significant challenge. The current legal environment is particularly challenging, with new precedents, statutes, and regulations emerging frequently. Public sector lawyers must remain vigilant by attending&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">regular professional development activities, such as seminars and workshops. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"><a href="/public-sector-law" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Legal research and legal guidance databases</a> can provide valuable insights into emerging trends and changes in the law.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal; caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"><a href="https://www.lexisnexis.co href="/"></a href="https://www.lexisnexis.co></span></p>urn:uuid:a3de140d-37c6-46f4-ba40-40b5462a2458/blog/future-of-law/the-future-of-the-bar-insights-from-anna-yardeFuture of LawCareer advice, emotional intelligence and challenges facing the bar. An interview with Anna Yarde, a Family Law barrister from Harcourt Chambers.Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:40:28 Z<p>In a recent conversation with Anna Yarde, a barrister at Hardcourt Chambers specialising in family law, we explored various themes surrounding the future of the bar, the challenges faced by barristers, and the evolving landscape of the legal profession. Anna shared her personal journey, pivotal moments, and thoughts on diversity, resilience, and the impact of AI on the profession. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Here, we summarise the main findings from the discussion.</p><h4><strong>Personal journey and pivotal moments</strong></h4><p>Anna Yarde's journey to becoming a barrister was marked by determination and resilience. Reflecting on her early career, Anna shared a significant moment from her university days when her director of studies advised her to consider alternative paths due to the challenges of entering the bar directly from university. Anna recalled, "I don't have a plan B and I don't want a plan B... I'm all in this is what I'm doing and I'm going to have to just keep going." This unwavering commitment and the drive to overcome obstacles were crucial in shaping her career.</p><div style="width: 656px; height: 369px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" contenteditable="false" class="-sf-relative -align-center" data-sf-ec-immutable=""><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><iframe title="The Future of the Bar with Anna Yarde" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PRBsZnROjFE" height="369" width="656" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups"></iframe></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Anna emphasised the importance of resilience and commitment in the profession, stating, "Resilience is a</p>urn:uuid:ec50b9d0-565f-4799-8167-8350ff3860ce/blog/future-of-law/women-at-the-bar-celebrating-progress-contemplating-challengesFuture of LawInternational Women's Day, celebrated on the 8th of March, serves as a reminder of the strides made towards gender equality and the work still to be done. In a recent discussion, I interviewed Anna Yarde, a self-employed barrister, who shared her experiences and observations. Increasing numbers, stagnant representationAnna began by addressing the statistics released by the Bar Standards Board (BSB), which indicate a higher number of self-identified women entering the bar in recent years. According to the BSB, the overall percentage of women at the Bar rose by 0.6% from December 2023 to December 2024, reaching 41.2%. This marks a 5.3% increase since 2015. The proportion of female KCs also increased by 0.8 percentage points, from 20.3% in 2023 to 21.1% in 2024, representing an 8.1 percentage point rise over the past decade. While this growth is positive, Ana emphasised the importance of distinguishing between those called to the bar and those entering self-employed practice. She noted, "It's really important to distinguish first of all between those who are called to the bar and those who enter into self-employed practice."Diverse practice areas and role modelsThe discussion highlighted the disparity in female representation across different practice areas. Ana pointed out that family law is the only field where women outnumber men, with over 60% of family barristers being female.In contrast, commercial law sees only about 25% female representation. Ana stressed the signThu, 10 Apr 2025 10:04:13 Z<p>International Women's Day, celebrated on the 8th of March, serves as a reminder of the strides made towards gender equality and the work still to be done. In a recent discussion, I interviewed Anna Yarde, a self-employed barrister, who shared her experiences and observations.</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Increasing numbers, stagnant representation</strong></h4><p>Anna began by addressing the statistics released by the Bar Standards Board (BSB), which indicate a higher number of self-identified women entering the bar in recent years. </p><p>According to the BSB, the overall percentage of women at the Bar rose by 0.6% from December 2023 to December 2024, reaching 41.2%. This marks a 5.3% increase since 2015. The proportion of female KCs also increased by 0.8 percentage points, from 20.3% in 2023 to 21.1% in 2024, representing an 8.1 percentage point rise over the past decade. </p><p>While this growth is positive, Ana emphasised the importance of distinguishing between those called to the bar and those entering self-employed practice. She noted, "It's really important to distinguish first of all between those who are called to the bar and those who enter into self-employed practice."</p><h4><strong>Diverse practice areas and role models</strong></h4><p>The discussion highlighted the disparity in female representation across different practice areas. Ana pointed out that family law is the only field where women outnumber men, with over 60% of family barristers being female.</p><p>In contrast, commercial law sees only about 25% female representation. Ana stressed the sign</p>urn:uuid:ec0cc82e-561b-4180-9e01-30a28b2198fb/blog/future-of-law/how-technology-alsps-non-legal-roles-are-reshaping-the-legal-industryFuture of LawDiscover how technology, ALSPs, and non-legal roles are redefining law firms, and what your firm must do to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:52:45 Zurn:uuid:8ad91cdd-ee80-4484-bc3e-09b5b64527eb/blog/future-of-law/navigating-the-top-challenges-facing-legal-professionals-in-2025Future of LawThis blog explores the challenges facing legal professionals in the next 12 months, including rising costs, legal changes, and keeping up with new technology.Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:30:47 Z<p>The legal industry is entering an era of transformation. Rising costs, evolving regulations, and technological change are pushing legal professionals to rethink how they work.<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/insights/innovating-the-client-experience/index.html"> According to our latest survey</a> of 800+ UK lawyers, 45% of respondents cite increasing costs as their top concern, while 40% struggle to keep up with legal changes and new technology. Staying current on legal precedent and advancements in legal technology is becoming critical.</p><p>Breaking the data down further, public sector (60%) and academic professionals (65%) report the greatest difficulty in keeping up with regulatory updates, while 52% of large law firms say they are challenged by the pace of technological advancement. Cost concerns are nearly universal, affecting law firms of all sizes. Many are also reviewing long-standing clauses like the force majeure clause in contracts to plan for uncertainty.</p><p>Relying on legal expertise won’t cut it. Success in the coming years will also depend on a firm’s ability to control costs, stay ahead of evolving regulations, and embrace new technology like law firm software and <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/products/lexis-plus-legal-research.html">legal research </a>platforms.<strong> </strong></p><p>So, how can legal professionals turn these challenges into opportunities? This blog explores the key issues and what firms can do to stay ahead.</p><h4><strong>Rising costs - the financial burden on all legal segments</strong></h4><p>From rising salaries to increased office expenses, firms across all sectors are feeling the financial strain, with almost half of legal professions concerned about increasing costs. The burden is felt most acutely in academic institutions (53%), the public sector (51%), and large law firms (49%.) Smaller firms, including solo practitioners, are also grappling with this issue, with 46% citing cost concerns. For many, investing in law firm management software has become essential to control expenses while maintaining productivity.</p><p>The reasons behind this financial strain are clear. Salaries for legal professionals continue to rise as firms compete for top talent. The rising cost of talent is also a major factor, with law firms finding it increasingly difficult to attract </p>urn:uuid:cfc44a95-9509-40f0-8491-a7144886afe0/blog/in-house/innovation-inside-the-in-house-legal-departmentIn-houseThis blog explores key areas where in-house legal leaders can drive innovation to enhance efficiency and align with business goals.Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:13:06 Z<p>As businesses strive to remain competitive, the demand for agile, tech-savvy legal departments is increasing. However, many in-house lawyers feel their organisations are not investing enough in innovation. A <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/in-house-innovation-report.html">January 2025 ������Ƶ survey</a> revealed that only 13% of in-house lawyers believe their legal department is fast or very fast at implementing new technology, particularly AI. This blog explores key areas where in-house legal leaders can drive innovation to enhance efficiency and align with business goals.</p><h4><strong>1. Embracing technology for efficiency</strong></h4><p>One of the most significant areas for innovation in legal departments is the adoption of technology to streamline processes. Many legal teams are burdened with outdated systems that slow down their ability to respond to business needs. According to the ������Ƶ survey, 82% of in-house lawyers feel their department is adequate, slow, or very slow at implementing new technology.</p><p>A Group General Counsel at an asset-based lender in Bristol highlights the importance of using technology to handle labour-intensive but low-value tasks. "Innovating your workflow can do a significant amount of the heavy lifting, allowing lawyers to focus on the strategy and advice where it is really needed," she says. By leveraging AI and other technologies, legal departments can automate routine tasks such as document reviews and data subject access requests, freeing up time for more strategic work.</p><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/research-and-reports/in-house-innovation-report.html"></a></p><h4><strong>2. Responding to change with agility</strong></h4><p>In a rapidly changing business landscape, the ability to adapt quickly is crucial. However, two-thirds (65%) of in-house legal professionals report that their department is adequate, slow, or very slow at responding to change. This sluggishness can hinder a company's ability to seize new opportunities and mitigate risks.</p><p>Nick West,</p>urn:uuid:671f887c-2f46-4c46-ac40-c28aaea896fb/blog/future-of-law/exploring-new-career-paths-for-lawyers-in-the-age-of-technologyFuture of LawA range of alternative career paths are now on offer as a result of advances in new technology. Here's some of the most exciting.Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:09:27 Z<div><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Making Partner used to be the end goal for most in the legal profession, yet new advances in technology have opened the door up to a whole new range of exciting new career possibilities. This blog explores these alternative career paths, highlighting how technology is reshaping the legal landscape and creating opportunities for legal professionals to diversify their careers.</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">The legal industry has long been known for its adherence to tradition and resistance to change. However, the advent of technology is challenging this status quo, offering lawyers new avenues to explore beyond conventional legal practice. From artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain, technological innovations are not only enhancing the efficiency of legal services but also opening up alternative career paths for lawyers. This blog delves into these emerging opportunities, providing insights into how lawyers can leverage technology to diversify their careers and stay ahead in a competitive market.</span><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span></p><h4><span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></span><strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit">Legal technology specialists</strong></h4></div><div><p>One of the most prominent alternative career paths for lawyers is becoming a legal technology specialist. As law firms and legal departments increasingly adopt advanced technologies, there is a growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between law and technology.<strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; white-space: inherit"></strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; style=""></strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; text-transform: inherit; word-spacing: normal;caret-color: auto; ></p></div>urn:uuid:c21aeaf2-1446-496f-b545-7ac72d501e0a/blog/future-of-law/the-financial-downside-of-fewer-aspiring-law-firm-partnersFuture of LawWill prospective partners at your law firm mean higher profits for existing partners, or will it shrivel your firm's growth plans? We investigate.Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:37:06 Z<div><p><strong></strong>The traditional path to partnership in law firms has long been considered the pinnacle of a legal career. However, recent trends indicate a shift in the aspirations of legal associates, with fewer individuals aiming to become partners. This change in career goals can have significant implications for the growth and sustainability of law firms. In this blog, we will explore the downside of having fewer people wanting to make partner and the impact this trend can have on the growth of your law firm.</p><h4><strong>Changing aspirations of legal associates</strong></h4><p>The allure of partnership has diminished for many legal associates. A <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="/insights/disloyal-lawyers-and-the-partnership-model/index.html">January 2024 ������Ƶ survey</a> found that only 25% of associates at law firms want to make partner at their current firm within the next five years. This percentage drops even further for associates at large (22%) and medium-sized firms (23%). The primary reasons for this shift include a desire for better work-life balance and higher salaries.</p><p>Deborah Finkler, Managing Partner at Slaughter and May, explains, "Becoming a partner at a law firm requires a huge amount of work and commitment, and always has. This generation of associates are just more realistic about the likelihood of becoming a partner at their firm, and do not feel they need to pretend that staying and becoming a partner is their only option."</p><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="/insights/disloyal-lawyers-and-the-partnership-model/index.html">I want to download the full survey</a></p><h4><strong>Impact on talent retention and pipeline</strong></h4><p>With fewer associates aspiring to become partners, law firms face challenges in retaining top talent and maintaining a robust talent pipeline. The survey revealed that 70% of associates would stay at their current firm for a higher salary or compensation package, while only 36% would stay for a better work-life balance. This indicates that financial incentives alone may not be enough to retain associates in the long term.</p><p>Moira Slape, Chief People Officer at Travers Smith, notes</p></div>urn:uuid:bbec012c-a842-48d9-abea-106dd43bc33b/blog/future-of-law/embracing-ai-transforming-legal-practices-in-caribbean-law-firmsFuture of LawThe Caribbean legal landscape is on the brink of a technological revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a key role in transforming traditional practices. The recent guidance from the Caribbean Court of Justice, as outlined in Practice Direction No. 1 of 2025, stresses how important it is to bring AI tools into the mix for legal work. This isn't just about making things faster and more efficient; it's also about making sure AI is used in a smart and ethical way.Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:25:25 Z<div><p>The Caribbean legal landscape is on the brink of a technological revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a key role in transforming traditional practices. The recent guidance from the&nbsp;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://ccj.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PRACTICE-DIRECTION-NO.-1-OF-2025-THE-USE-OF-GENERATIVE-ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-TOOLS.pdf">Caribbean Court of Justice, as outlined in Practice Direction No. 1 of 2025</a>, stresses how important it is to bring AI tools into the mix for legal work. This isn't just about making things faster and more efficient; it's also about making sure AI is used in a smart and ethical way.</p></div><div><p><strong>Streamlining Legal Research and Document Review</strong><strong></strong></p></div><div><p>One of the most significant advantages of AI in law firms is its ability to streamline legal research and document review. AI tools can sift through huge amounts of legal data, case laws, and precedents, giving attorneys detailed insights much faster than doing it manually. This not only speeds up the research process but also makes sure attorneys have the most relevant and up-to-date information, which boosts the quality of their legal advice and representation.</p></div><div><p><strong>Ensuring Compliance and Ethical Use</strong><strong></strong></p></div><div><p>The guidance from the Caribbean Court of Justice emphasiz</p></div>urn:uuid:ff447da4-47b4-4142-9df9-e1c597b1eabb/blog/future-of-law/pathways-to-practice-you-re-your-own-best-cheerleaderFuture of LawHere, trainee solicitor Darren Broad shares insights for law students on navigating challenges, choosing a law career path and enhancing legal research skills for success.Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:00:00 Z<p>As part of a spotlight series* featuring former ������Ƶ student campus ambassadors, we caught up with Darren Broad, Trainee Solicitor at Clyde &amp; Co, who reflects on his legal journey. Read on to discover Darren&rsquo;s tips on overcoming challenges faced by many law students as well as sound advice for anyone considering a legal career.&nbsp;</p><h4><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Why did you decide to study law?&nbsp;</span></h4><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">I always had an interest in law and politics and how the system works. I knew I wanted to study law for A levels and, while at sixth form, I was inspired by my tutor who&rsquo;d been a solicitor himself. It was the one thing in college that I wanted to get up out of bed and go in for! I enjoyed the way you could take the law and apply it to any set of facts and produce some sort of solution. I liked that analysis element and being able to work through the steps to come to an outcome.</span></p><h4><span style="background-color:initial;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span>What inspired you to choose the solicitor route?</h4><p>I did a few open days at the courts; I watched proceedings in the Crown Court and the Magistrate's Court. In the first year of my degree, I went to an open day at Lincoln's Inn, one of the Inns of Court, to learn what the Bar is all about. By doing practical activities like that, it allowed me to work out that while I absolutely admire barristers, the role perhaps wasn't for me.</p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">The level of advocacy and the amount of time that's spent in court didn't quite suit me. I enjoy engaging with clients and getting myself into the whole breadth of a case, whereas barristers tend to take on specific issues and the solicitors brief them. My advice would be to do practical things where you can see the everyday tasks involved in the role to help you understand what route you might want to go down.</span></p><h4>How did using ������Ƶ enhance </h4>urn:uuid:b0f4422e-b349-4002-9b17-a23a84e57b71/blog/future-of-law/why-should-caribbean-attorneys-invest-in-technologyFuture of LawIn an age of technological advancement, the legal sector, once seen as resistant to change, is now embracing innovation to improve efficiency and stay competitive. Caribbean attorneys, as indicated by research from ������Ƶ, are recognizing the importance of investing in technology to streamline processes, access legal resources, enhance client communication, adapt to remote work trends, and gain a competitive edge. By leveraging technology, attorneys can boost productivity, provide better services to clients, and position themselves for future success in an evolving legal landscape dominated by AI and digital solutions.Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:06:47 Z<p>In an era of rapid technology advancement, industries across the board are embracing innovation to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and stay ahead of the curve. The legal sector, traditionally perceived as conservative and resistant to change, is not immune to this trend. <br><strong><br></strong>The legal profession is steeped in tradition but as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it's becoming clear that the industry must adapt, or risk being left behind.</p><p>According to the <a href="/insights/caribbean-legal-report-2023-changing-tides/index.html" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="" target="_blank">Caribbean legal research</a> from ������Ƶ Caribbean attorneys are well aware of that.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>When asked about the specific ways in which firms plan to grow, one popular choice was to increase investment in technology. Nearly half of respondents (49%) said they had plans to increase their investment in their processes and technology, while just over a quarter (29%) had already done so. In a similar vein, 41% of respondents said they planned to pour more money into their website, while 35% said this was something they have already implemented. In this blog post, we'll explore why Caribbean attorneys should invest in technology and how it can revolutionize their legal practice.</p><p><strong>1) Efficiency and productivity:</strong></p><p><strong><ins cite="mailto:Patel,%20Rakhee%20(LNG-LON)" datetime="2024-02-22T16:48"></ins></strong><br><strong><ins cite="mailto:Patel,%20Rakhee%20(LNG-LON)" datetime="2024-02-22T16:48"></ins></strong>One of the primary reasons Caribbean attorneys should invest in technology is the significant boost it provides to efficiency and productivity. Repetitive tasks</p>urn:uuid:2d3ba6a6-cdab-4128-a371-dcf3e0f9352b/blog/future-of-law/why-caribbean-law-firms-are-embracing-social-mediaFuture of LawSocial media is essential for Caribbean law firms, providing enhanced visibility, relationship-building opportunities, and effective marketing and recruitment channels. By leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, firms can expand their reach, engage with clients and peers, and promote their services to attract clients and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Embracing social media is crucial for building a strong brand and maintaining connections within the legal community.Mon, 22 May 2023 15:16:27 Zurn:uuid:79b37e23-4b26-4d43-8344-7d84afbf7153/blog/future-of-law/virtual-law-firms-could-they-promote-a-better-work-life-balance-for-lawyers-in-the-caribbeanFuture of LawAre more lawyers in the Caribbean wanting to become legal consultants? We spoke with a leading local recruiter and a virtual law firm owner.Thu, 07 Apr 2022 13:28:16 Z<p>In the UK legal market, a growing number of lawyers are leaving traditional law firms to work as self-employed legal consultants for fee-sharing platform law firms. In fact, experts warn that by the year 2026, a third of all UK lawyers could be working as legal consultants.</p><h5 style="text-align:center;"><a href="/research-and-reports/trex-platform-law-report.html" data-sf-ec-immutable="" data-sf-marked="">Read our new report: Rise of the legal consultants</a></h5><p>Why? Legal consultants at fee-sharing law firms can work when they want, how they want and where they want &ndash; and they get take to home the majority of their billings. Will the desire for a better work-life balance drive lawyers across the Caribbean to become self-employed legal consultants? We spoke with some Caribbean-based legal experts to find out more.<br></p><h4><strong>Remote working is now commonplace amongst lawyers in the Caribbean</strong></h4><p>Keystone Law and gunnercooke are the two largest fee-sharing law firms in the UK, each bringing in &pound;55m and &pound;48m respectively in revenue in 2021 and employing more than 700 legal consultants between them. There are also a number of U.S. firms (known locally as distributed law firms) that are rapidly growing in size, including FisherBroyles &ndash; the first alternative firm to make the 200 largest U.S. law firms by revenue list &ndash; and Rimon, which has a strong presence in Latin America and a minor presence in the Caribbean. </p><p>Charlotte Morrish, legal recruiter at Cayman Islands based recruitment firm, Stepping Stones, says she is yet to see any great change in lawyers turning to self-employment or to virtual law firms due to the existing lifestyle benefits of working in the jurisdiction &ndash; but there is a shift amongst law firms towards remote working.</p><p>&ldquo;As with the rest of the world, the Caribbean jurisdictions adapte</p>urn:uuid:63f4f995-ce3c-4ffb-8d10-d819920799bb/blog/future-of-law/celebrating-female-lawyers-in-the-caribbeanFuture of LawTo celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2022, I had the pleasure of interviewing a leading female member of the legal profession in the Caribbean. Jo-Anne Xavier-Cuffy, LL.B(Hons) L.E.C; . LLM(UWI), is the Financial Crimes and Justice Associate with the Financial Crimes Team funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the National Center for State Courts. Since being called to the Bar in the Commonwealth of Dominica in 2012, Mrs. Xavier-Cuffy has held the position of Senior State Attorney in the Chambers of the Attorney General in Dominica, presented on civil matters before the Court including the Court of Appeal, and presented training sessions on civil recovery matters. She also mentored young attorneys. Mrs. Xavier-Cuffy is also a global finalist for the award in “Outstanding Cooperation with Regional Partners” from the International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA). The awards are scheduled for 25-27th April 2022.We spoke remotely to discuss the growing presence of women in the Caribbean legal profession, the importance of female legal leaders, and what her aspirations are for the next generation of female lawyers. Here are her responses to my most pressing questions.  Why is it important to have female leaders in the legal profession? Women bring their passion to the legal profession, along with a caring attitude, attentioFri, 04 Mar 2022 11:14:50 Z<p>To celebrate International Women&rsquo;s Day on 8^th March, 2022, I had the pleasure of interviewing a leading female member of the legal profession in the Caribbean. <br></p><p>Jo-Anne Xavier-Cuffy, LL.B(Hons) L.E.C; . LLM(UWI), is the Financial Crimes and Justice Associate with the Financial Crimes Team funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the National Center for State Courts. <br></p><p>Since being called to the Bar in the Commonwealth of Dominica in 2012, Mrs. Xavier-Cuffy has held the position of Senior State Attorney in the Chambers of the Attorney General in Dominica, presented on civil matters before the Court including the Court of Appeal, and presented training sessions on civil recovery matters. She also mentored young attorneys. <br></p><p>Mrs. Xavier-Cuffy is also a global finalist for the award in &ldquo;Outstanding Cooperation with Regional Partners&rdquo; from the International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA). The awards are scheduled for 25-27^th April 2022.<br></p><p>We spoke remotely to discuss the growing presence of women in the Caribbean legal profession, the importance of female legal leaders, and what her aspirations are for the next generation of female lawyers.<strong> </strong>Here are her responses to my most pressing questions.&nbsp;<br></p> <h4><strong>Why is it important to have female leaders in the legal profession?</strong>&nbsp;</h4><h4><strong></strong></h4><p><strong></strong>Women bring their passion to the legal profession, along with a caring attitude, attentio</p>