Law Society responds to Treasury announcement on legal regulation and competition
The legal profession must be free to set the standards and rules under which it operates, says theChief executive of The Law Society, Catherine Dixon.
We support the government’s aim to ensure a fair and balanced regulatory regime for legal services.
However, public protection demands that setting of rules and standards for legal services must be independent of government and ensure that there is no perception, or otherwise, that Government is interfering with the independence of the legal profession. Freedom from government intervention is an essential cornerstone of our justice system and of the rule of law.
England and Wales is recognised as the jurisdiction of choice but that standing is threatened by any suggestion that Government is able to fetter the independence of the legal profession. Any such perception, real or actual, would impact on our standing internationally and threaten the direct economic contribution of £23 billion made by solicitors.
The legal profession must be free to set the standards and rules under which it operates, and also own legal education and training so that standards are led by the people who practice law.
Enforcement of the rules and standards set by the legal profession, by an independent regulator would also be a further protection of the public and consumer interest.
It is fundamental to any change that competition across the provision of all legal services must satisfy the aim to protect the public, enable access to services and maintain market confidence.
