Seeking Recognition


Visitors to the Law Society's web site are able to read about the different types of specialist panels of which a solicitor may be a member. The text on the site states that solicitors' membership of a panel means that 'their expertise is recognised by the Law Society'.



On the list of panels on the site is included the criminal litigation accreditation scheme (CLAS), among others such as higher rights of audience. However, when one carries out a search and locates a solicitor specialising in crime, or with higher rights of audience, on the site no mention of panel membership is made in the entry for the firm of which the solicitor is a member. By contrast, members of the personal injury of family panels are marked out by a large tick, presumably to reassure the prospective client that that they are dealing an approved specialist.



I, like others, worked particularly hard for CLAS membership and higher rights of audience (my firm paid hefty fees, too). Why cannot I enjoy the same level of recognition as my personal injury and family law colleagues?



Justin Atkinson, McKinnells, Lincoln



Law Society response: The search service was designed to help consumers find the solicitors they need. Membership of the criminal litigation accreditation scheme (CLAS) determines eligibility for the Legal Service Commission's duty solicitor scheme in which solicitors are assigned.



Membership of the schemes you mention is unlikely to be interesting or useful to most users because CLAS applies to duty solicitors who are assigned. Clients who need a solicitor with higher rights of audience have almost always already got someone who can advise them on a suitable advocate.



However, the Law Society is reviewing many of its services now that the independent Solicitors Regulation Authority handles regulatory functions. This review will certainly include the 'Find a Solicitor' directory.



Des Hudson, chief executive, London