*/
Barristers will find out in November if they can become managers or shareholders of Legal Disciplinary Practices (“LDPs”).
By then, the Bar Standards Board (“BSB”) will have analysed further research it commissioned into the regulatory implications of the new structures, which are being introduced under the Legal Services Act 2007.
It will decide whether barristers can be managers of LDPs, and what restrictions should apply; whether barristers can be shareholders; whether barristers can be both managers of LDPs and independent practitioners; whether barrister-only partnerships will be allowed; and whether barristers can practise through barrister-only companies and LLPs.
The BSB will then consult further on whether it should become a regulator of the new business structures, looking at the cost implications and the likely take-up by barristers. A Legal Services Board (“LSB”) spokesperson said: “We don’t comment on hypothetical questions, but nobody should be in any doubt about our commitment to the statutory objective of encouraging competition, which also bites on the Bar Council. “Removing anti-competitive restrictions, which fetter the creativity of barristers and chambers seems to us central in achieving that.”
It will decide whether barristers can be managers of LDPs, and what restrictions should apply; whether barristers can be shareholders; whether barristers can be both managers of LDPs and independent practitioners; whether barrister-only partnerships will be allowed; and whether barristers can practise through barrister-only companies and LLPs.
The BSB will then consult further on whether it should become a regulator of the new business structures, looking at the cost implications and the likely take-up by barristers. A Legal Services Board (“LSB”) spokesperson said: “We don’t comment on hypothetical questions, but nobody should be in any doubt about our commitment to the statutory objective of encouraging competition, which also bites on the Bar Council. “Removing anti-competitive restrictions, which fetter the creativity of barristers and chambers seems to us central in achieving that.”
Barristers will find out in November if they can become managers or shareholders of Legal Disciplinary Practices (“LDPs”).
By then, the Bar Standards Board (“BSB”) will have analysed further research it commissioned into the regulatory implications of the new structures, which are being introduced under the Legal Services Act 2007.
The Chair of the Bar reports back
Susie Griffin on the admin that keeps barristers from billable work
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, discusses what family law professionals need to know about hallucinogens, from the main hallucinogenic drugs encountered in family proceedings, to their effects and the testing options available
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
By David Green
At the start of her term, Chair of the Bar 2026 Kirsty Brimelow KC set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. One of those priorities was children in the justice system
As the world becomes more digital, Barbara Vinagre Mota examines international research into the mental health consequences of judges’ exposure to graphic and immersive evidence, highlighting the importance of support systems
In an era of patient-centred care and growing concern over misconduct in medical settings, why do women still lack the right to choose women consultants for examination and treatment? Charles Davey investigates
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
