About 15 years ago, Margaret Thatcher's reforming Lord Chancellor - the subtle but radical Lord Mackay of Clashfern - launched a consultation process that led to the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990.

The Act triggered some of the most profound change ever to the way lawyers practise.

Until last week, that is, when Lord Falconer QC dropped a bombshell that could have even greater effect on the structure of the legal profession.

It would be unfair not to mention his predecessor in relation to this reform process.

It is clear from the scoping information in the review announcement that Derry Irvine played a crucial role in the development of the everything-up-for-grabs position.

And indeed it is just that broad-brush approach that makes it so difficult to comment on the review document.

Already there are mixed messages.

Speaking to the Gazette and its predominately lawyer readership, Lord Falconer said he retained an open mind regarding the value of self-regulation.

Earlier this week, in a BBC Radio FiveLive interview, Lord Falconer was asked whether self-regulation was the best model for the legal profession.

His response was an unequivocal 'no'.

What is certain is that the stated timetable of change is short.

Legislation may be between two and three years away, but the opinion forming going into developing the proposed changes will begin almost immediately.

Solicitors must start thinking now about what structure they want for the profession in the next 50 years.