Devolved advocates' sets open this week
23 Apr 07
Compass and Axiom open as two new devolved operations within Faculty Services Ltd
Two more sets of devolved former stables of the Faculty of Advocates, aimed at allowing counsel to take a more proactive role in their own business, begin this week.
Compass Chambers and Axiom Advocates will be devolved sections of Faculty Services Ltd (FSL), the business section of the Faculty of Advocates, but should make accessibility to counsel much easier for the public, according to Andrew Smith QC, one of those behind Compass Chambers.
The new services were set up in response to concerns that the Faculty of Advocates was not modernising at a fast enough pace. They follow other sets since Westwater chambers became the first devolved group last month.
The 27 members joining Compass include Susan O’Brien QC, Peter Gray QC and Roddy Dunlop. Axiom's 29 members are led by Heriot Currie QC, Richard Keen QC, Paul Cullen QC and David Johnston QC.
Mr Smith said quality was an important consideration for the new body and its members wanted their fee charging system to be clear and transparent for the public.
Compass members will be able to choose who they have as members, who they appoint as clerks and how much they pay them. They can also advertise and work out their own business terms with clients. Public bodies will now be able to instruct counsel directly under the Faculty’s direct access scheme.
Axiom will be the first group to offer services in clearly defined practice areas, in this case commercial and public law. Its members will be supported by two practice managers and a deputy clerk.
Next month sees the opening of Oracle Chambers, an independent operation more like the English barristers' chambers.