If you adhere to Larry David’s insistence that you shouldn’t be wishing anyone “Happy New Year” beyond a couple of days into the new year, we apologize. Happy New Year anyway! We’re thrilled to welcome you back to the Dye & Durham Docket. Here at Dye & Durham, 2024 is already shaping up to be a big year for us. And we’ll be in your inbox every month to keep you up to date on all the latest trends and developments in legal technology around the world. Read on for the first Docket of 2024! 

Featured article

Here’s how AI could transform how we receive legal advice, who’s at risk of being left out in the cold and why human interaction is still so important. 

Bookmark this insightful guide on legal tech, its benefits, the different types, case law and research – you'll be sure to look at it regularly this year to help your clients understand how it enhances the work you do for them. 

Don’t miss this insightful Dye & Durham thought leadership piece on attracting and retaining top talent — and how technology can be your organization's ace in the hole when successfully navigating the ongoing talent war in 2024. 

Industry highlights

Here are the top trends for legal technology in 2024. 

Legal research could soon be “unimaginable” without artificial intelligence, the chief justice of the United States Supreme Court argued in his 2023 year-end review. John Roberts also warned of "invading privacy interests and dehumanizing the law.” 

Global news and trends

The Australian scene

A Microsoft executive explains why AI will be a game-changer for Australian and New Zealand law firms in the years ahead, pointing out that they’re already avid adopters of generative AI. 

What's up in Canada?

Lawyers behaving badly? A new report recommends increased training and mentorship for lawyers, public recognition of good behaviour and disciplining bad behaviour to reduce incivility and unprofessionalism. 

Clients behaving badly? An Ontario Superior Court recently awarded a law firm damages for defamation after a disgruntled former client posted a scathing Google review and refused to take it down for three months. 

The Irish Market

The country’s biggest law firms are still lagging on closing the gender pay gap. 

An award-winning Irish lawyer, Blinne Ni Ghralaigh, is helping South Africa in its genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice. 

The scene in South Africa

Here’s how South Africa’s apartheid history is fuelling its aforementioned legal challenge against Israel. 

The UK market

The president of the Law Society of England and Wales says English and Welsh lawyers are being treated as second-class citizens in the European Union thanks to Brexit.  

Legal battles over wills and estates are through the roof in England and Wales, many fuelled by remarriages. 

Dye & Durham news

Dye & Durham in action 

As a strategic partner of The Law Society of England and Wales, we’re sponsoring a free webinar on Jan. 18th entitled How to Grow a Law Firm Through Modern Tech and Marketing. Our expert panel of entrepreneurs will demystify topics like LinkedIn, AI and technology to provide fresh perspectives on how to attract clients and nurture referrals. You won’t want to miss it so sign up here before Jan. 15! 

Our Australian team made a meaningful impact in December by donating to three respected charities, and employees played a pivotal role in selecting the organizations through a nomination and voting process. 

Our Canadian team had a busy December, hosting appreciation events for our valued customers across the province and giving many a sneak peek at the exciting things coming to Unity® soon! 

A lighter note 

Meet Canada’s funniest lawyer, Hank Pomerantz. His advice to young lawyers? “Study dentistry.” 

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