Rule of law at risk – even in traditional strongholds
There is a growing sense that the rule of law is increasingly under threat, including in jurisdictions that have historically championed it, such as Europe and the United States. The Agenda underscores the need for a renewed collective effort to defend, explain and promote the rule of law – particularly the independence of the judiciary and of the legal profession – to wider society. To this end, the IBA is launching a video campaign aimed at young people designed to improve understanding of the rule of law and its relevance to their day-to-day lives, reinforcing the profession’s broader civic responsibility.
- AI regulation continues to evolve moving from theory to practice
While AI remains a critical issue, the 2025 Agenda reflects its transition from an emerging concern to a regulatory and operational reality. Clients are increasingly requesting AI-based legal services that are not yet within the scope of existing regulations. Although some jurisdictions have introduced AI regulations – including the European Union, where the AI Act entered into force in August 2024 – significant divergence across regions is expected to persist. Furthermore, the development of bespoke AI systems in law firms might require adapted business models and a revisiting of the traditional hourly billing structures.
Talent, technology and new partnership models
Talent attraction and retention remains a central challenge for the legal profession. However, AI and non-equity partnerships may go some way to improving the situation. AI is opening up a new line of recruitment in the legal profession for technologists to work alongside lawyers. Non-equity partnerships for senior lawyers have increasingly become a way of retaining talent, allowing firms to expand their partner ranks and remain competitive. The Agenda also identifies that talent retention in the US particularly has been affected by broader political and regulatory developments, including the government’s imposition of sanctions on some law firms.
- Reputation, public trust and the role of lawyers
The updated Agenda warns that law firms’ reputations may be damaged if they are viewed as being too focused on commerciality. To improve the public perception of the legal profession, the IBA encourages law firms and legal institutions to clearly articulate their role as guardians of justice, democracy and the rule of law. Enhancing the public perception of the profession is identified as a shared responsibility of law firms, bar associations, law societies and international organisations, including the IBA.
- ESG and inclusion in a fragmented regulatory environment
The Agenda also addresses the increasing divergence in ESG and inclusion policies across jurisdictions, creating complex compliance challenges for legal professionals working across borders. In some regions ESG measures are compulsory, while in others they are optional or are actively restricted. In response, the IBA Diversity Council reaffirms its commitment to advancing and strengthening diversity and inclusion both within the IBA and across the wider legal profession.
|
|
