Evolving codes of conduct

Reform is required if solicitors are to compete successfully in the 21st century business environment.The solicitors' profession is evolving more rapidly than ever, with the pace of change driven by the combination of heightened consumer awareness and business expediency.Two votes at last week's Law Society Council meeting threw into relief just how fundamental that evolution could become.

Historically, the referral and publicity codes would have been regarded as sacrosanct.

But council members have gradually realised that measured reform is required if solicitors are to compete successfully in the 21st century business environment.Naturally, reform triggers legitimate concerns.

While proposing to relax the publicity code to allow cold-calling of businesses, the council will rightly resist the Office of Fair Trading's bid to allow cold-calling the public.Likewise, many solicitors will present principled opposition to suggestions that the referral code should be relaxed to allow what they view as the buying and selling of clients.The two issues - in conjunction with associated debates over multi-disciplinary partnerships and fee-sharing - signal a fundamental review of the core principles of the solicitors' profession.The Law Society will be hoping its expanded council will offer the best and most representative platform from which that review can take place.