InBrief

The UK Parliament has passed the Legal Services Bill 2006-2007. The object of the Bill, as expressed in the explanatory notes, is to�establish a new framework for the regulation of legal services in England and Wales. It makes provision for:

>> The establishment of the Legal Services Board: a single oversight body, independent from both government and approved regulators (Bar Council and Law Society)

>> The establishment of an independent Office for Legal Complaints (OLC): a body with statutory power to handle complaints about services provided by persons subject to oversight regulation by the Board, and to award redress in appropriate circumstances. It is expected to address concerns about the quality, independence, and consistency of complaints handling by the legal professions.

>> Alternative Business Structures (ABS) will enable lawyers and non-lawyers to work together on an equal footing to deliver legal and other services. External investment will be possible, and new business structures are expected to give legal providers greater flexibility to respond to market demands, within the UK and overseas. Licences will be conferred by licensing authorities and various safeguards will be in place.

Visit the UK Parliament's web site to view the Bill, explanatory notes and all information related to its progress >

31 October 2007