The CCBE is to respond to the Clementi review with a strong call not to create a legal services authority, it has emerged.

The response was discussed in private at the plenary session but has yet to be finalised.

It is understood to say that, as a core principle, lawyers' professional bodies should be involved in regulating their own profession, unlike the model A put forward in the Clementi consultation.

CCBE president Hans-Jrgen Hellwig said the CCBE sees 'dangers for independence' in model A.

He added that the review is important across Europe.

'Since the 1960s, the development of the profession in England and Wales has determined the pace of development across Europe,' he explained.

The CCBE is also watching the issue of legal professional privilege in the UK closely after the recent Court of Appeal ruling in the Three Rivers case, which looked to limit the scope of privilege (see [2004] Gazette, 18 March, 36).