Consumer groups strongly support a single umbrella authority for the direct oversight of the legal professions, Sir David Clementi told senior members of the UK's governing bodies at the International Bar Association conference in Auckland.


Making his first public comment since issuing his consultation paper in March, Sir David also gave his strongest indication yet that he would recommend allowing legal disciplinary practices (LDPs).



Without committing himself to a view in advance of his forthcoming report, due by the end of next month, Sir David told delegates via a satellite link that while the legal professions clearly supported the proposed model B+ for reform of the regulatory structure - which would leave a strong element of self-regulation - consumer groups were firmly in favour of a more Draconian model.



Sir David said: 'Most consumer groups would prefer model A [a legal services authority], and that is one indicator of their view of the current ability of the professional bodies to regulate well.'



On LDPs, he told delegates: 'There is a large number of people who represent the consumer interest who are strongly in favour of LDPs and quite liberal LDPs at that. That weighs very strongly on me.'



He said he had been 'anxious' to distinguish clearly between LDPs and multi-disciplinary partnerships (MDPs). However, in both, said Sir David, there could be a split between ownership and management, which is opposed by the bar.



Sir David told the conference it was right to focus for the time being on LDPs as opposed to MDPs. 'If we haven't yet worked out how lawyers should work together, then we won't be able to work out how lawyers should work with accountants. I regard LDPs as walking and MDPs as running.'



Meanwhile, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, said last week that he was 'pleased that the Law Society is already preparing for a greater separation of their representation and public interest roles.



'This shows good forward thinking by the Law Society and I am glad that they are making plans in readiness for the end of the [Clementi] review'.



For full IBA reports, see below:



Barrister slams 'divisive' reforms

Clementi's strong hint on LDPs

Consumer groups favour single umbrella authority to oversee legal profession

Call for POCA impact analysis