24 July 2006

Law Society

http://www.lawsociety.org.uk

Draft Legal Services Bill Must Be Improved

Government must move swiftly to improve draft Legal Services Bill

The Government must act on the findings of a cross-party group of MPs and Peers to ensure that the Legal Services Bill, which is expected to be introduced in the next session of parliament, builds on the strengths of the existing regulatory regime.

The Joint Committee has recommended that the Bill should be changed to ensure that the new Legal Services Board works in partnership with existing regulators and the Board's formal powers are used only when necessary.

The Committee proposes amendments to ensure the appointment of members of the Board is demonstrably independent of ministers, and that the need to maintain the independence of the legal profession is specifically recognised in the Bill.

The Committee has also expressed concern about the Government's estimates of the cost of the new system and has urged the Government to give further consideration to funding the start up costs.

Fiona Woolf, Law Society President, says the Joint Committee's report reflects many of the concerns expressed by the Society:

"This report shows that the draft Bill must change to get the future framework for the regulation of legal services right by building on the strengths of the existing regime, rather than creating a new tier of regulation which needlessly increases cost and delay. The implementation of the Committee's recommendations would reduce the risk of costly duplication which would be bad news for consumers and law firms alike. A light-touch approach to regulation is essential to the health of UK law firms and the competitiveness of the legal services market.

"The Joint Committee has also emphasised the importance of having a truly independent Legal Services Board. Government interference in the regulation of the legal profession could jeopardise the international reputation and success of UK law firms."

For more information call the Law Society Press Office on 020 7320 5884

Michael Thompson
Senior Press Officer
Law Society
Direct Dial: 020 7320 5884
Internal : 4674

Jobs Now LEGAL DIRECTOR Sought for challenging in-house position with Myspace, the online space which has revolutionized the way people interact, as sole attorney in their London office More >> HEALTHCARE LAWYER With at least 5 years PQE sought by Capsticks, a leading healthcare practice, to drive forward the development of their Birmigham based office More >> PI PARALEGAL Required by Plexus Law, a specialist PI firm, to provide in-house support to the Motor Claims Department in their Folkstone offices More >> NETWORK ENGINEER Sought by Personnel 2000 for their client, an international banking insurance provider, based in the Cayman Islands More >> LEGAL SECRETARY Required by Law Choice for their client, a prestigious US law firm, to work for 2 partners in their Dubai offices More >>

Legalday Related Pages

Contact

Law Society
113 Chancery Lane
WC2A 1PL
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7242 1222
Info.services@lawsociety.org.uk
http://www.lawsociety.org.uk

More Commentaries From
Law Society

Law Society to offer compensation advances to miners
12 July 2007

Law Society News: Poles not playing fair on free markets
09 July 2007

Law Society launches Anti Money Laundering directory
19 June 2007

More Commentaries from
Law Society

Author/Firm Profile
Law Society