Society presents proposals for business change
24 Apr 08
"White paper" out for discussion ahead of AGM vote
Radical change will take place in the Scottish legal profession, if newly published Law Society of Scotland proposals on how solicitors can run their businesses go ahead.
The Society has issued a paper setting out its vision for the development of legal services in Scotland to its 10,000 members, who will decide on whether to accept the proposals at the Society’s annual general meeting on 22 May.
The paper follows a public consultation exercise during the winter on options for change, including partnerships with advocates and other legal service providers, joint practices of lawyers and others such as accountants or financial advisers, and commercial investment in legal practices. The new proposals would essentially permit solicitors to practise in whatever form of business they choose, subject to a proper system of regulation.
Richard Henderson, President of the Society, said: “There have been significant changes within the profession in recent years, and this policy paper is a reflection of that and the desire to see further change.
“This debate is not just happening in Scotland. The Legal Services Act 2007, which will allow legal firms in England & Wales to adopt different business practices, is coming into effect and will undoubtedly have an impact on Scottish firms and how they can compete in the wider legal market.
“We do not think that the Society should simply follow the English model, but should find solutions specifically to meet the needs of the Scottish public, ensuring proper access to justice, and Scottish business, as well as creating opportunity for firms based in Scotland to compete in a growing international market.”
The legal profession as a whole currently contributes about £1.3 billion to the Scottish economy, with around 1,200 legal practices and 3,000 in-house lawyers working in Scottish business.
Mr Henderson added: “The Society has taken up the Scottish Government’s challenge of formulating proposals for change and it is now for the profession to decide on its course for the future.
“This is only the first step. After the AGM we will take the final proposals to the government. That will be the start of the next stage of looking at just how legal services should be developed and regulated in Scotland and whether it will require any legislative change.
“There is a lot of work to be done but ultimately we want to see the legal sector continue to flourish and that clients are assured of a professional, properly regulated service wherever they choose to get their advice."
The paper can be accessed via the Society's website.