The article regarding the introduction of legal disciplinary practices concluded that because only 14 LDPs were up and running on the day the new regime came into force, the profession has ‘snubbed’ the whole idea (see [2009] Gazette, 2 April, 1). This is like saying that because Ford only sold 10 Model-Ts on the day they were launched, motor cars were a bad idea.

One reason why there has been such a small takeup of LDPs is that less than 20% of law firms in England and Wales can actually implement them – that is to say, firms with three or more partners. The restriction requiring 75% of managers to be lawyers (not just 75% of the ownership to vest with lawyers) effectively cuts out 80% of the market. Until that restriction is removed, the vast majority of practices – and arguably those which would benefit most from additional investment and management capability – are unable to take advantage of the new structure.

We are not underwhelmed, simply disenfranchised.

Helen Molyneux, NewLaw Solicitors, Cardiff Bay