The Law Society is set to push ahead with plans for QC-style accreditation schemes in non-advocacy work after it struck a deal with the Bar Council to reform the system for appointing QCs.

The agreement over QCs will see a selection panel judge candidates against a 'competency framework', having taken 'structured references' from judges, practitioners and clients. It replaces the old system of so-called secret soundings.


Russell Wallman, the Society's director of strategic policy, said that in line with the wish of the Lord Chancellor, Lord


Falconer, to have a suite of qualifications for different areas of the law, the Society would move on quickly to examine how best to extend accreditation, and what fields should be prioritised.


Lord Falconer stressed earlier this year that the revised QC scheme will be an interim measure pending a market study into which areas of law demonstrate a need for better consumer information. 'An important part of this process will be establishing what types of accreditation scheme might be beneficial, and how they should be set up and administered,' he said.


The new QC scheme will indicate the broad field of law - civil, criminal or family - in which the successful applicants have demonstrated their excellence, and if QCs cease to perform to a satisfactory standard, the award could be revoked. The panel will be made up of four lay members (including the chair), two solicitors, two barristers and a retired judge. Candidates will be tested on their personal skills and understanding of diversity issues.


The new scheme has been broadly welcomed, with Lord Falconer and the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf, among those to praise it.


Sir Colin Campbell, head of the Commission for Judicial Appointments - which has been critical of the old arrangements - said it was a 'radical and much welcome reform'.


Law Society President Edward Nally said: 'I am confident this will encourage many more solicitors from diverse backgrounds who meet the criteria to seek deserved recognition.'


It is hoped that applications under the new scheme could be accepted from Easter 2005, with appointments later in the year.


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