OSS slashes panel of firms used for interventions

TENDER: firms cut from 130 to 23 to maintain standards

The Office for the Supervision of Solicitors (OSS) has cut the pool of law firms which it uses for its intervention work by more than three-quarters in an attempt to maintain standards and experience.

Previously, the OSS chose from around 130 firms in England and Wales, but following what a spokesman described as an 'exhaustive tendering exercise' - which lasted about six months - the list has shrunk to 23 firms.

Those chosen for the south-east and London are Bevan Ashford, Devonshires, Orchard, Osmond Gaunt & Rose, Penningtons and Russell-Cooke.

The list of firms for the rest of England and Wales is still not finalised.

The OSS spokesman said: 'There were too many firms and some were not getting enough experience of interventions to be adequately familiar with procedures.

'The purpose of reducing the number of firms is to give those involved in interventions more frequent experience, a closer relationship with the OSS, and to make it easier for us to ensure that all the firms are suitable for this sensitive work and adopting best practice.'

He added that there will be a further tendering exercise after three years.

Not all of those from within the 23 were among the original pool of 130 firms.

A spokeswoman for London firm Devonshires said: 'We're absolutely delighted - this is our first appointment to the panel.'

London firm Orchard has also been appointed for the first time.

Jeremy Fleming