Law Society of Scotland
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Law Society welcomes consultation on reform plans for legal services in Scotland

The Law Society of Scotland looks forward to giving its views on plans for reforming legal services to allow alternative business structures for law firms.
Scottish Government proposals, published for consultation today, Wednesday, January 7, could see the legal services market opened up in the future and include allowing other professionals to set up in business with solicitors and external ownership, although traditional legal partnerships will remain an option.
Richard Henderson, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “The Society and its members have played an integral part in pushing forward the debate on how legal services should be delivered in Scotland. It published its own policy in May 2008 that alternative business structures should be permitted in Scotland to allow increased flexibility ands innovation in the provision of legal services, with the proviso that a robust regulatory system must also be implemented.

He added: “The consultation is an important step along the road to further liberalisation in Scotland’s legal profession and the forthcoming Legal Profession Bill represents a huge opportunity to modernise legal services and boost the potential for legal businesses to thrive both at home and internationally, while retaining high standards and promoting access to justice.”

The Society’s governance review is progressing well, with changes in structure planned to ensure that it is fit for purpose as an effective regulator and provides the support and services required by its membership, in addition to playing a leading role within civic Scotland.

Chief Executive Lorna Jack, said: “These proposals for change come at a challenging time, but Scotland’s solicitors and our legal system are respected around the globe and there is an opportunity here to make sure that even within the current tight financial constraints, we are building towards future success.

“The Society welcomes the opportunity to comment on the government’s proposals and I would urge all of our members and those with an interest in legal services to respond to the consultation.”


Note to editors
For more information about the Society’s policy on alternative business structures see the ABS pages of the website: Alternative Business Structures