Hello, and welcome to the March edition of the Dye & Durham Docket! This month's roundup features a warning about the legal profession's unpreparedness for AI, shifts in Australia's legal market, complexities around "Made in Canada" labels, and a precedent-setting ruling against the Irish Data Protection Commission. Plus, this month's burning question: what happens when a tech giant, a Russian court fine in nonillions, a UK court ruling, and South African trademark laws collide? Hint: Find out in our South Africa section.

Our Innovation Toolbox feature of the month is a powerful collaboration tool for legal teams. On a lighter note, we share an amusing story about a theft victim's call for partnership with unlikely collaborators—the very thieves who stole from him.

Read on!

Industry news

Global news

Australia's legal market is still booming, but for how long? After record-breaking profits and sustained demand in 2024, some practice areas continue to thrive while others are contracting, with growth becoming more concentrated in fewer firms and locations. With rising costs, shifting demand, and cautious client spending, is the momentum at risk of fading? Get the full picture—including key metrics on lawyer headcount and billable hours—in Thomson Reuters’ 2025 Australia Midyear Legal Market Update.

Despite the Federal Court of Canada's 2023 call for transparency on AI in legal filings, only a handful of the 28,000 submissions in 2024 disclosed AI use. Is the legal profession ignoring critical ethical guidelines? Federal Court Chief Justice Paul Crampton discusses the potential implications of this oversight and other pressing issues affecting the courts.

Related: A law firm owner shares how AI is transforming her practice, highlighting its role as the great equalizer for small firms like hers.

Lawyers highlight the complexities of labelling goods as "Made in Canada" due to intertwined Canadian and U.S. supply chains, varying product labelling rules, and disagreements between manufacturers and retailers. As the "Buy Canadian" movement gains momentum amid U.S. tariffs, companies are working to navigate labelling while ensuring compliance with Canada's Competition Act, which prohibits false or misleading product claims.

The European Court of Justice recently ruled against the Irish Data Protection Commission in a case involving Meta's processing of sensitive user data. The ruling examined whether the EU's Data Protection Board can direct a national supervisor on specific actions, setting an important precedent for data protection enforcement. Read a lawyer's analysis of the case and the implications of the judgment.

Ireland's AI Advisory Council has released a new report outlining key policy recommendations to accelerate AI adoption while safeguarding the nation's economy and society. The report covers six critical areas, including AI’s impact on the workforce, infrastructure needs, literacy and education, and biometrics in public services. Read the full report and recommendations.

What happens when multinational companies find themselves caught between competing jurisdictions? A Russian court fine of $125 nonillion (yes, you read that right), a UK court ruling, and Google's South African trademarks collide in a complex legal tangle.

South Africa's National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) has released a report proposing significant labour law reforms after negotiations with business, labour, and government stakeholders. The amendments focus on job security, fair wages, and employer obligations, potentially impacting businesses and workers nationwide. Review the notable changes and their implications.

A UK law firm's job listing for a professional support lawyer has sparked debate after suggesting Gen Z solicitors need extra "hand-holding." The advert, later edited, reflected broader tensions between junior and senior lawyers over work expectations, long hours, and shifting workplace norms in the legal sector.

Resource: Digital Pioneers: Leading the Tech Revolution highlights the growing influence of Millennials and Gen Z in the legal sector. It provides insights into how law firms can adapt to maintain a competitive edge while addressing challenges in recruitment, retention, and client satisfaction.

The UK government has released a white paper detailing measures to reinvigorate commonhold, potentially signalling the "beginning of the end" for leasehold tenure. These reforms aim to shift control from landlords to homeowners and improve fairness in the system.

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Innovation Toolbox

A lighter note

Finders keepers? A French man whose stolen credit card was used to buy a €500,000 lottery ticket has offered to share the prize with the thieves – but they have to come forward first.

Quotable: “I really hope the thieves contact my office to strike a deal that benefits both them and my client, who, despite the crime, is extremely happy to have had his credit card stolen.” – The victim’s lawyer.

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

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Disclaimer: The recommendations featured in this newsletter are intended to provide insights about various technologies in the legal field solely for information purposes. Dye & Durham does not endorse any of these technologies and encourages our readers to conduct their own due diligence and obtain expert advice before using or buying any technology. Dye & Durham makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this newsletter and has no liability, directly or indirectly, to you or any other person, relating to the furnishing of this information or any use thereof.