David Clementi Explains Remit Of UK Legal Services Review

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

23 October 2003

Speaking in an official capacity in public for the first time since his appointment in July, David Clementi, who has been tasked with conducting a thorough review of the UK legal profession, expressed a robust attitude towards change.

"My stance is pro-competition in looking at regulatory issues. It would be surprising if I concluded that the status quo was perfect," he told reporters attending a press conference on Monday.

Mr Clementi revealed that he expects the 18 month review to concentrate on five key areas of concern within the legal profession, namely the complexity of current regulations, the issue of self-regulation, complaints handling, 'regulatory gaps' which exist in the current framework, and the potential introduction of new business structures.

He announced that he wants to consult fully with the "consumers" of legal services as well as the industry, and announced that a consultation paper on the issue is likely to be published in early 2004, with final proposals to be submitted to ministers by the end of that year.

However, he took a strong stance against vested interests within the legal profession, explaining that he did not see his job as "a popularity contest".

Among the proposals likely to be considered by the Clementi review are the creation of a new super regulator (using the UK's Financial Services Authority as a model), and the creation of mixed practices containing lawyers and non-lawyers.

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