A threat by family law solicitors to boycott the Legal Services Commission (LSC) family help pilot scheme has been narrowly avoided after the commission promised that lawyers working under the new regime would not lose out.

Family solicitors' group Resolution had advised around 370 of its members not to sign new agreements - which were originally scheduled to come into force in September - until outstanding issues were resolved.


The pilot will see solicitors in eight trial areas agree to lump-sum payments for all work up to a court hearing. The two camps have now reached agreement over issues including a 15% enhancement for panel members where an experienced practitioner has done most of the work on a file. Resolution chief executive Karen Mackay said it will write to members advising them to consider the LSC's terms.


An LSC spokesman said it was happy to have agreed on a scheme that would cut costs and improve remuneration where deserved.