News In Focus
22 February 2010
Law Society to hold SGM to debate Legal Services (Scotland) Bill
The Law Society of Scotland has confirmed that it will hold a special general meeting to debate external ownership of alternative business structures, once it has received a requisition from the Scottish Law Agents Society.
As reported earlier today, the SLAS council decided last week that "there was absolutely no option", in light of views expressed from the profession, but to present a requisition for a meeting, in order to ascertain the profession's views on external ownership of legal practices.
Ian Smart, the Society's President said: "With the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament, the legislation to permit licensed legal services providers is well underway.
“Now is the time to debate what business models should be permitted under the draft legislation and how they should be regulated. That is why the Society has recently published its consultation asking for members’ views and comments on possible business models and the regulatory structure.”
The Society has also organised a series of roadshows across Scotland for members, which will take place next month, and is promoting amendments to the bill to ensure that the profession's core values, independence of the profession and access to justice are maintained while demanding a level playing field in the Scottish marketplace.
“The bill marks potential for significant change for the profession. The consultation, roadshows and now the SGM provide the opportunity to enhance that debate and ensure that the profession work together to shape its future”, Mr Smart added.