Big four accountancy giant Deloitte has reiterated it does not want to enter the UK legal services market – though its Canadian counterpart has done just that.

The firm today announced the formation of a new legal business in Canada called Deloitte Conduit Law LLP, having acquired an existing law firm in Toronto (pictured).

The new entity will offer outsourced lawyers to support in-house legal teams and meet business needs on-demand at law firms.

The rest of the big four, KPMG, PwC and EY, have all created alternative business structures in the UK. Analysts predict they will gradually become a greater threat to traditional firms.

In Canada, by contrast, Deloitte managing partner Heather Evans said the firm wants to invest in new models through affiliated law practices to address the legal needs of clients.

‘Deloitte Conduit Law LLP will offer a unique and more flexible approach to legal services that enhances the capability to provide high-quality solutions that reflect the changing realities of the market,’ said Evans.