Hello, and welcome to the April edition of the Dye & Durham Docket! Whether you're embracing spring in the Northern Hemisphere or easing into autumn in the South, we've got a strong lineup of legal, technology, and business trends from around the world to sink your teeth into. Let's dive in! 

Featured article

Industry news & insights

The United Nations has officially declared July 25 as the International Day for Judicial Well-Being, recognizing the need to support judges facing increasing workloads, stress, and external pressures. Learn more about what this means for the legal profession. 

“We know where you live” ─ Law firms and judges in the U.S. are facing a growing wave of intimidation, from online harassment to real-world threats, raising concerns about the impact on judicial independence and the legal profession. As pressure mounts, how should the industry respond? 

Related: The International Bar Association expressed “deep concern over the ongoing erosion of the rule of law in the U.S.” 

Global news

The 2025 federal budget brings key updates that could impact legal professionals, from funding for justice initiatives to regulatory changes. Read this breakdown of key updates affecting the legal industry. 

This legal expert warns that Canadian institutions are not immune to the growing authoritarian shift seen in other countries, and that complacency is dangerous as political and legal pressures might be chipping away at the rule of law in Canada. 

 
Succession planning is often put off for later, but lawyers need to start early for firm stability and regulatory compliance, among other reasons. A Canadian lawyer shares his succession planning experience and provides a practical step-by-step guide to creating one. 

A prohibition on certain types of AI systems, as outlined in Article 5 of the EU AI Act, came into effect on February 2, 2025. Review the details of the ban, including the list of prohibited systems, key guidelines, and practical steps for legal practices to ensure compliance, as highlighted by the Law Society of Ireland. 

South Africa’s government has reversed its less-than-a-month-old ban on cannabis products. The U-turn came after mounting pressure from businesses and consumers alike. 

A London-based woman won a lawsuit against Meta, forcing them to stop using her personal data for targeted ads. This landmark case paves the way for individuals to stop social media companies from serving them adverts based on demographics and interests. 

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A lighter note

If you haven’t had enough of legal drama in your day-to-day, here are eight TV courtroom dramas that will satisfy your craving and have you glued to the screen.  

Thank you for reading this edition of the Dye & Durham Docket. See you next month. 

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