The holiday season is upon us, and as we reflect on a remarkable year, we’re excited to bring you the final Dye & Durham Docket of 2024. This year, we've been your trusted informant through the fast-evolving legal landscape, spotlighting game-changing trends, cutting-edge technology, and global shifts shaping the industry. 

In this issue, we explore everything from Australia's groundbreaking social media ban to bold predictions for legal marketing in 2025. Grab a cup of cocoa, settle in, and enjoy our last roundup of insights and stories in 2024, curated just for you.

Here's to a wonderful holiday season and an even brighter 2025! 

Featured article

Australia has enacted a groundbreaking law banning social media for individuals under 16, citing concerns about online safety and well-being. Critics argue that this approach may not address the root causes of online harm. 

Industry news and trends

84% of legal professionals across Europe are engaging with generative AI, and 90% find it beneficial. Explore how it’s being used and gain unique insights into its current and future impact in the legal industry from the European Legal Tech Association’s most comprehensive report on generative AI to date.

This comprehensive survey whitepaper provides insights into how corporate legal teams are strategically selecting outside counsel and moving to alternate fee arrangements. 

Discover how top firms plan to harness generative AI, data-driven insights, and more to stand out in 2025, as explored by a panel of legal professionals discussing legal marketing trends, opportunities, and challenges in 2025.

Global news

The Australian scene

In this insightful conversation, Chief Investment Officer at Commonwealth Private discusses Australia’s economic outlook, the implications of Donald Trump’s re-election, and shares advice for lawyers on reevaluating their financial strategies and portfolios. 

Is job-sharing a viable solution for lawyers seeking flexibility? Listen to two co-GCs discuss their job-sharing arrangement and its implications for work-life balance and productivity. 

What's up in Canada?

The NextGen Lawyers 2024 report by Canadian Lawyer delivers key insights on managing a workforce spanning multiple generations. It’s a must-read for anyone navigating today’s evolving workplace dynamics.  

In an article for the Financial Post, Howard Levitt examines two significant trends shaping employment law in Canada: the rise of dubious damages claims and the increasing scrutiny of weak termination clauses. 

The Irish market

The role of legal professionals as ethical gatekeepers is more critical than ever. The International Bar Association’s recent report sheds light on this responsibility, emphasizing the growing importance of ‘soft law’ in maintaining ethical standards. 
 
Renewing your professional indemnity insurance doesn’t have to be stressful; this helpful guide from the Law Society of Ireland breaks down everything you need to know about the PII renewal period. 

The scene in South Africa

For International Fraud Awareness week, the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service highlights how technology is becoming a major battleground in the fight against fraud.  

The Employment Equity Amendment Act 4 of 2022 will come into effect on January 1, 2025, with key sections and schedules aimed at fostering fairness in South African workplaces. 

What's up in the UK?

For the first time in 28 years, the UK government has announced an increase in fees for civil legal aid, a move that has been welcomed by legal professionals. 

AI's expanding role in clinical trials offers significant opportunities, but also presents complex legal and ethical challenges. Read insights from the 2024 Medtech Conference emphasizing how collaboration among stakeholders can help address these concerns. 

    Dye & Durham in action

We’ve been spreading joy and connecting with our incredible customers and industry partners worldwide! One of the highlights was an unforgettable evening in Toronto with Taylor Swift, where we created memories that will last for Eras with our clients and contest winners from across the country. 

We also hosted product roadshows and customer appreciation events in Ontario and British Columbia, and participated in major industry gatherings such as LegalEx 2024 in the UK and the Australian Institute of Conveyancers NSW Conference.

For a full recap and to stay up to date on all our upcoming events, follow us on LinkedIn! 

Innovation Toolbox

To close out 2024 and gear up for what is sure to be a fast-paced year ahead for tech, we're sharing Zapier's list of the best AI productivity tools for 2025, organized by category. It covers a wide range of tools, from chatbots to project management and content creation, providing something for everyone to simplify both work and personal life. Bookmark it for easy reference throughout the year ahead! 

A lighter note 

In Argentina, a couple with seven sons or seven daughters can request that the president become the godfather/godmother to the seventh same-gender sibling…and the president is legally obligated to accept. 

That concludes the final Dye & Durham Docket of 2024! Thank you for your continued support and engagement throughout the year—we hope you've found the newsletter helpful. We wish you a joyful holiday season, and we look forward to reconnecting in the new year! 

Want more Dye & Durham news? Follow us on LinkedIn.

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