*/
BARRISTERS in England and Wales are preparing themselves for major changes in the ways they provide legal services, says Bar Chairman Nicholas Green QC.
Addressing the first meeting of the 2010 Bar Council, Mr Green said that barristers are ‘gearing up for a revolution in the way they provide their services’.
His remarks came as the Bar Council ran a series of nationwide road shows following the historic decision of the Bar Standards Board (BSB) in November 2009 to liberalise the Bar’s practice rules in the light of the Legal Services Act 2007.
These changes, which will need to be approved by the Legal Services Board, could see barristers, among other things, working in partnership with other lawyers, or forming specialist procurement companies through which to deliver their services on a cost-effective basis.
Mr Green said:
‘One of the clear messages I am receiving from members of the Bar is that barristers recognise that they need to adapt and modernise in order to keep pace with changes in the legal services market.
All the events we have organised have been over-subscribed and we put on more to meet demand. All the evidence demonstrates that, while there are natural concerns about the future, the profession is showing itself to be curious, adaptive and resilient when it comes to embracing change. A significant number of chambers have developed plans to change their practice arrangements to take advantage of the new opportunities heralded by the Legal Services Act and to enable them to compete effectively with other service providers.’
He added:
‘The Bar has major advantages in terms of quality and cost. Barristers have a great opportunity because they are both specialised in advocacy and advice, and often in particular areas of law. At the same time, because of chambers’ significantly lower overheads, barristers’ services are considerably cheaper than those of solicitors.
There is also an excellent opportunity for clients and consumers to benefit from the expert services of the Bar in different ways and at less cost. This will provide an important response to the recent review of costs in civil justice, by Lord Justice Jackson, which warned of the need to reduce the cost of going to court.’
These changes, which will need to be approved by the Legal Services Board, could see barristers, among other things, working in partnership with other lawyers, or forming specialist procurement companies through which to deliver their services on a cost-effective basis.
Mr Green said:
‘One of the clear messages I am receiving from members of the Bar is that barristers recognise that they need to adapt and modernise in order to keep pace with changes in the legal services market.
All the events we have organised have been over-subscribed and we put on more to meet demand. All the evidence demonstrates that, while there are natural concerns about the future, the profession is showing itself to be curious, adaptive and resilient when it comes to embracing change. A significant number of chambers have developed plans to change their practice arrangements to take advantage of the new opportunities heralded by the Legal Services Act and to enable them to compete effectively with other service providers.’
He added:
‘The Bar has major advantages in terms of quality and cost. Barristers have a great opportunity because they are both specialised in advocacy and advice, and often in particular areas of law. At the same time, because of chambers’ significantly lower overheads, barristers’ services are considerably cheaper than those of solicitors.
There is also an excellent opportunity for clients and consumers to benefit from the expert services of the Bar in different ways and at less cost. This will provide an important response to the recent review of costs in civil justice, by Lord Justice Jackson, which warned of the need to reduce the cost of going to court.’
BARRISTERS in England and Wales are preparing themselves for major changes in the ways they provide legal services, says Bar Chairman Nicholas Green QC.
Addressing the first meeting of the 2010 Bar Council, Mr Green said that barristers are ‘gearing up for a revolution in the way they provide their services’.
His remarks came as the Bar Council ran a series of nationwide road shows following the historic decision of the Bar Standards Board (BSB) in November 2009 to liberalise the Bar’s practice rules in the light of the Legal Services Act 2007.
Chair of the Bar reflects on 2025
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q&A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
Revolt Cycling in Holborn, London’s first sustainable fitness studio, invites barristers to join the revolution – turning pedal power into clean energy
Rachel Davenport, Co-founder and Director at AlphaBiolabs, reflects on how the company’s Giving Back ethos continues to make a difference to communities across the UK
By Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC present their best buys for this holiday season
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Little has changed since Burns v Burns . Cohabiting couples deserve better than to be left on the blasted heath with the existing witch’s brew for another four decades, argues Christopher Stirling
Pointillism, radical politics and social conscience. Review by Stephen Cragg KC
