Against the Tide

We noted with interest the Article entitled, "Multi-disciplinary practices: should the UK Follow the US lead?' (see [2000] Gazette, 20 July, 9).

Unfortunately, the thrust of the article ignores the existence of three distinct and independent jurisdictions within the UK.

That distinction and independence has been reinforced by the creation of newly devolved assemblies.

As representatives of the solicitors profession in our respective jurisdictions, we must emphasise that the pro-multi-disciplinary partnership views highlighted in the article are those of the Law Society of England and Wales.

They should not be seen or represented as those of the solicitors' profession within the UK as a whole.

The Law Society of Scotland has recently reaffirmed its policy in opposition to multi-disciplinary practices, for reasons which have been well substantiated.

The Law Society of Northern Ireland has acknowledged the force of these arguments, and to date has remained unpersuaded that the various difficulties of principle can be met and resolved satisfactorily.

However, both societies are committed to developing structure which will allow the delivery of legal services without endangering the core values of the profession.

The debate on multi-disciplinary practices is fundamental and complex.

Discussion and debate will continue but, as things stand at present, it would seem clear that the tide of responsible opinion in these islands and worldwide is running against their proponents.

Alastair G D Thornton, President, Law Society of Scotland and John I Meehan, President, Law Society of Northern Ireland