*/
The Law Society and the Bar Council again hosted around 60 international bar leaders and their guests for the ceremonies in conjunction with the Opening of the Legal Year (OLY) on 1 October. On the preceding day a well-attended seminar was held at the Bar Council, with input from the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board, which examined the implementation of the Legal Services Act 2007 and looked at the latest developments in other jurisdictions.
There remain significant concerns about the possible introduction of Alternative Business Structures and key jurisdictions in Europe do not see the need to follow the changes to the regulatory system contained in the Act. Nevertheless, some elements of the changes in England & Wales have been crossing the channel, with the introduction of a consumer panel to advise the Dutch Bar, following a review of its regulatory structure last year. A particular question mark remains about the ability of ABS vehicles to practice in other EU Member States where such structures are not permitted domestically. It will be interesting to see how the review of the legal services regulations in France, launched ostensibly with the aim to introduce ABSs, will influence the debate. The seminar was a valuable exchange of news and views and is establishing itself as a regular feature in the OLY diary.
There remain significant concerns about the possible introduction of Alternative Business Structures and key jurisdictions in Europe do not see the need to follow the changes to the regulatory system contained in the Act. Nevertheless, some elements of the changes in England & Wales have been crossing the channel, with the introduction of a consumer panel to advise the Dutch Bar, following a review of its regulatory structure last year. A particular question mark remains about the ability of ABS vehicles to practice in other EU Member States where such structures are not permitted domestically. It will be interesting to see how the review of the legal services regulations in France, launched ostensibly with the aim to introduce ABSs, will influence the debate. The seminar was a valuable exchange of news and views and is establishing itself as a regular feature in the OLY diary.
The Law Society and the Bar Council again hosted around 60 international bar leaders and their guests for the ceremonies in conjunction with the Opening of the Legal Year (OLY) on 1 October. On the preceding day a well-attended seminar was held at the Bar Council, with input from the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board, which examined the implementation of the Legal Services Act 2007 and looked at the latest developments in other jurisdictions.
The Bar Council faces both opportunities and challenges on our key areas this year
Rachel Davenport, Co-founder and Director at AlphaBiolabs, discusses the role that drug, alcohol and DNA testing can play in non-court dispute resolution (NCDR)
Casey Randall explores what makes AlphaBiolabs the industry leader for court-admissible DNA testing
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
A family lawyer has won a £500 donation for her preferred charity, an education centre for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, thanks to drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs’ Giving Back campaign
Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management highlights some of the ways you can cut your IHT bill
What's it like being a legal trainee at the Crown Prosecution Service? Amy describes what drew her to the role, the skills required and a typical day in the life
Barbara Mills KC wants to raise the profile of the family Bar. She also wants to improve wellbeing and enhance equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession. She talks to Joshua Rozenberg KC (hon) about her plans for the year ahead
Are Birmingham’s Intensive Supervision Courts successfully turning women offenders’ lives around? Chloe Ashley talks to District Judge Michelle Smith
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC identify good value bottles across the price spectrum – from festive fizz to reliable reds
Governments who play fast and loose with the law get into real trouble, says the new Attorney General. The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC talks to Anthony Inglese CB about what drew this boy from Cardiff to the Bar, bringing the barrister ethos to the front bench, and how he will be measuring success