Search tools in law firms are getting smarter, more integrated, and even socially aware. David Kidd examines what opportunities will be provided for lawyers in the future of legal search.

With the end of the calendar year drawing nigh, the firms Lawyers Weekly spoke to were all optimistic about 2010. Q Legal partner Robyn Ferguson expects the firm's workload to be steady to high for the rest of this year and into 2010.

A recent Federal Court decision has halted the wave of enthusiasm for litigation funding. Now, the legal profession may have to rethink what it means to put a commercial price on justice.

In the United States, a reformist mood is beginning to emerge but litigation funding is so entrenched - and so various - that coming up with an alternative is proving difficult.

Incoming president of the Law Society of South Australia, Richard Mellows, outlines his key priorities, including the need for the state to modernise its own professional regulations, and encouraging the growth of legal work within the state.

Steven Stevens, incoming president of the Law Institute of Victoria, outlines his goals for 2010, including access to justice issues and succession planning for older lawyers.

Matthew Storey, incoming president of the Law Society Northern Territory, outlines his priorities for the profession in 2010, including continued interactive professional development programs, and legal aid needs for indigenous communities.

Peter Eardley, incoming president of the Queensland Law Society outlines his key targets for the QLS in 2010, aside from COAG reform, which inclued an enhanced role in delivery Continuing Legal Education and improving access to justice.