UK Law Society And Bar Council Divided Over LDPs

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

15 February 2005

Following a recent meeting of the heads of Europe's law societies and bar councils in Vienna, it emerged that the UK's regulatory bodies are divided over the proposals put forward in Sir David Clementi's review of the legal services sector, which would allow the creation of legal disciplinary partnerships (LDPs).

Speaking at the conference, chairman of the Bar Council, Guy Mansfield QC reportedly hinted that the Council has softened its position on the matter slightly, suggesting that it has "no problem" with the concept of LDPs so long as they remain owned by lawyers, and do not evolve into multi-disciplinary partnerships as a result of external capital investment.

"The introduction of commercial interests will mean that professional interests will be put to one side, or at the very least be pushed into second place," he cautioned.

Mr Mansfield also revealed that there is "clear blue water" between the Bar Council and the Law Society over the issue of LDPs, as the latter is far more supportive of the proposal.

According to the Law Society's Law Gazette news service, Chancery Lane chief, Edward Nally responded by acknowledging national and European concerns over the implications of the Clementi review.

However, with regard to LDPs, he went on to add that the Law Society is "not supporting a free-for-all", arguing that "to suggest that we are would be a total misrepresentation of our position".

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