The Law Society of Northern Ireland has liberalised some of its restrictions on solicitors in the province in the face of an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

From 1 January, the society will revoke its prohibitions on fee advertising and comparative fee advertising; charging uneconomic fees (loss leading); and soliciting clients, subject to safeguards, going further than the rules in England and Wales.


The OFT, which began its investigation in June 2004, said the moves would encourage competition.


The OFT has also raised the Society's ban on the payment of referral fees directly with the Northern Ireland Executive, as it appears to have its origin in a statutory prohibition on fee sharing.


The society's chief executive, John Baillie, said: 'These amendments originate from a review already under way by the Law Society. The review was prompted by the need to ensure that our regulations continue to comply with modern competition law and principles. The changes are a measured relaxation, while maintaining appropriate consumer safeguards.'


Meanwhile, the Law Society of Scotland has called on the Scottish Executive to create an independent complaints body to deal with complaints about inadequate professional service from solicitors. President Caroline Flanagan said there is an increasing desire for 'a more demonstrably independent complaints system'. She said the society should retain control over misconduct matters.


The call mirrors reform proposals south of the border.