The good old Law Society of Scotland, proving yet again its mentality is stuck in the past, where protecting the market monopoly on access to justice takes precedence over change & reform.
Only the Law Society could manage to put forward a press release claiming reform is in the air, while pushing for monopoly control over everything law ... and that part about the vote .. well .. what's a vote worth when its at gunpoint ?
Law Society Media Release :
LAW SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND PUTS PROPOSALS ON CHANGE TO THE VOTE
The Scottish legal profession could be set for radical change if Law Society of Scotland proposals for how solicitors can run their businesses go ahead.
The Society has issued a policy 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 AGM on Thursday, May 22.
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 and 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 more than 3,000 in house lawyers working in Scottish business.
Henderson added: “The Society has taken up the 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 Scottish 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."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR:
The policy paper on alternative business structures, The Public Interest: Delivering Scottish Legal Services, can be found on the Law Society of Scotland website: http://www.lawscot.org.uk
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact Val McEwan or Suzy Powell on 0131 266 8884 or 0131 476 8115. Email: valeriemcewan@lawscot.org.uk
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