Serena Dederding at The Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) explores how UK law firms can adopt generative AI to enhance productivity while managing associated copyright risks.

Abstract This article by Margaret Watson , recently retired Academic Services Librarian at the Bodleian Library, is based upon her talk at the 2025 BIALL Conference in Birmingham and concerns the ethics of using generative AI in an academic law environment. Here she asks whether this is actually desirable, while also considering whether it risks undermining the originality and quality of a student’s work. She also asks if students, who will ultimately seek employment off the back of their academic achievements, should be given the chance to develop a hands-on understanding of the strengths, weaknesses and practical applications of generative AI. Finally, this piece also considers whether it is possible to resolve the perceived tension between academia and professional practice when it comes to AI and, if so, how will this be done? Incidentally, ‘never in a rain of pigs pudding’ is a Birmingham expression meaning that something will never happen.

Abstract This article, written by Catherine Parkin , Academic Librarian for Law, Leeds Beckett University, provides an overview of library anxiety, with specific reference to how this might manifest itself amongst law students in UK higher education. The article is a preliminary exploration intended to stimulate dialogue. It discusses several measures in place at Leeds Beckett University which could potentially alleviate library anxiety amongst students and suggests other possible solutions and areas for further research.

Abstract It’s long been easier to set up a company in the UK than it is to open a bank account. That convenience has turned us into a magnet for fraudsters, shell companies and money laundering schemes. Now, finally, the door is starting to close. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 is about to overhaul one of the most porous systems in Europe. At its heart is mandatory identity verification for company directors and people with significant control. No more hiding behind nominee directors or fictitious names. You’ll need to prove who you are before you get past the starting line. That’s a seismic shift. But with added scrutiny comes added complexity – especially for firms used to handling company secretarial filings in-house. Enter Authorised Corporate Service Providers. ACSPs like ProSec are now stepping into the space, handling verification and filings on behalf of law firms and their clients. What was once a light admin task is fast becoming a regulated process that requires precision, expertise and trust. These changes will reshape the market. Some firms may struggle with the increased compliance burden, while others may see this as an opportunity to specialise and grow. This reform isn’t just welcome – it’s essential. But success depends on more than legislation. We need clear guidance, proper enforcement and reliable partners to keep the system clean. Here ProSec CEO Max Gower explains some of the key changes brought about by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, and the implications of it for those working in the corporate space.

Nominative reports are a vital part of legal history, providing the foundation for case law documentation before the advent of standardised legal reporting. Compiled by barristers, judges and legal scholars, these reports offer unique insights into the evolution of legal precedent and judicial reasoning across the globe. In 2024, HeinOnline introduced the first comprehensive digital collection of all published nominative reports, transforming access to these historical legal records. Here Lauren Mattiuzzo, a seasoned professional with over 20 years at HeinOnline, examines the significance of these reports, their challenges in legal research, and how HeinOnline’s digital tools improve accessibility and usability. As a key marketing leader and head of the HeinOnline support team, Lauren helps drive initiatives that empower researchers.

The Employment Rights Bill was published in October 2024. In this article, Bob Cordran, an Employment Partner at Memery Crystal, takes a look at the key reforms at the heart of it.

The Japanese art of Kintsugi teaches that imperfections and failures are not flaws to hide but opportunities for growth and enrichment; it says that true strength and beauty come from embracing imperfection and learning from the fractures along the way. In this article Hélène Russell draws on insights from three conference experiences to show how KM professionals can make use of Kintsugi and act as the ‘golden joiners’ within their firms when it comes to AI projects, making use of their blend of resilience, organisational cultural awareness, communication skills, and adaptive knowledge-sharing practices.

This research paper has been complied by Abhishek Thommandru, Abdumukhtor Rakhmanov, Shokhrukhbek Tillaboev and Varda Mone. It explores the historical trajectories and modern dynamics of Islamic financial law in Central Asia, a region characterised by a rich tapestry of cultural influences and a predominantly Muslim population. The paper traces the evolution of Islamic finance from its roots in Sharia principles, such as the avoidance of riba, gharar, and maysir, to its current sophisticated framework that promotes equity, transparency, and social welfare. The unique blend of traditional practices and modern regulations in Central Asian Islamic financial jurisprudence is examined, along with the factors driving the industry's growth, including increasing awareness, regulatory support, and integration with global markets. The paper also delves into the key principles underpinning Islamic financial institutions, such as the prohibition of interest, risk-sharing, and asset-backed financing, and discusses the progress made by Central Asian countries in establishing regulatory frameworks, Shariah compliance oversight, and legal infrastructure. The development of Islamic banking practices, capital markets and takaful in the region is also explored, highlighting the availability of Sharia-compliant products and services. However, the challenges of harmonising Islamic and conventional laws, ensuring consistent Shariah interpretation, and establishing effective dispute resolution mechanisms are also addressed. The economic impact of Islamic finance in promoting financial inclusion, attracting investments, and fostering stability is also analysed, along with the influence of cultural considerations, social welfare, and ethical investing on the acceptance and growth of Islamic finance in Central Asia. Case studies from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan are presented to illustrate successful implementation strategies. The paper concludes by emphasising the potential for Islamic finance to drive sustainable economic development in Central Asia and the need for ongoing research, collaboration, and policy support to navigate the complex dynamics of this evolving field. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical trajectories and modern dynamics of Islamic financial law in Central Asia, providing valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in this rapidly growing sector.

In the latest in our series reviewing archived copies of Legal Information Management and The Law Librarian – as the journal was once known – LIM's co-editors leaf through the four editions published in 1994, while they also take a quick look at an issue from 2001 which featured a contributor who has since gone on to greater things …