Law Society launches reform consultation

Reform of the Law Society moved a step closer this week following the approval by its ruling council of a key consultation paper.

The paper - circulated in this week's Gazette - seeks to garner the profession's views on issues of corporate governance, aimed at achieving the Society's objective of becoming 'a model regulator, an effective advocate of its members' interests; and a leading voice on law reform, best practice of law and client care'.

Proposals to reform corporate governance of the Society would see an enlarged and more representative council, a cabinet-style main board and a series of subsidiary boards to oversee individual functions, for example, representation, standards and law reform.

The consultation paper also proposes a redress scheme for service and minor conduct complaints that would incorporate the role of a lay commissioner.

A 'polluter pays' system to meet the cost of the scheme is also suggested.

Paul Gilbert (Commerce & Industry) said that although perfect models for reform did not exist, the proposals going to the profession were 'logical' and provided 'structural transparency'.

However, although the consultation document was approved by a 70% majority, some council members were concerned by what they saw as a lack of options contained in it.

Michael King (Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire) said the paper took no account of last year's research undertaken on behalf of the Milton Keynes and District Law Society which showed that 59% of the 412 respondents were in favour of the Law Society splitting its representative and regulatory functions with 65% of the respondents in favour of retaining representation (see [2000] Gazette, 25 May, 3).

Peter Williamson (Holborn), a member of the reform co-ordination group, said the group had examined the Milton Keynes findings.

But it found them 'completely inappropriate' as a basis for the reform proposals because the primary recommendation to split the Law Society's roles contradicted council policy.

l BT is to sponsor an hour-long discussion call on reform between members of the profession and Law Society President Michael Napier on 15 November from 9.30am.

Solicitors can participate by dialling 0800 626 606 and quoting the reference 'Law Society'.

To listen to a recording of the discussion at a later date, telephone 01296 618 700 and quote box no 396618.