Some 43% of barristers would like to go into business with solicitors, research commissioned by bar regulator the Bar Standards Board has shown today.

A YouGov survey of nearly 2,000 barristers and 141 clerks and practice managers revealed that 43% said they would be interested in becoming a manager alongside a solicitor, while 23% would be interested in management alongside non-lawyers.

The research also showed that more than a third of barristers would be fairly or very likely to join alternative business structures in the next five years, if bar rules permit it. Some 40% said they would like to join ABSs if the new structures allow barristers to conduct litigation.

However, only a third of barristers said they had a fairly or very good understanding of the new business models that will be available under the Legal Services Act.

BSB chairwoman Baroness Deech said: ‘Alongside significant interest in new business structures, the survey revealed the value placed on self-employed practice and on the cornerstones of a separate and independent barristers’ profession.’