Sole practitioners target non-lawyers for network

Xlsis: provides pool of services for members and their clients

Solicitors in the west country have launched a network aiming to give sole practitioners - including non-legal professionals - a collaborative pool of services for commercial clients.The network, called Xlsis, was formed by two sole practitioners: Bill Eaton of Plymouth firm Eatons, and Nick Openshaw of Bideford-based Openshaws.The pair have collaborated over the past three years on commercial projects, with Mr Eaton providing commercial property advice, and Mr Openshaw corporate advice.They now intend to branch out, seeking new members, including an employment lawyer, and are also considering teaming up with non-legal professionals such as surveyors, management consultants and accountants.

They are open to sole practitioners or professionals with 'very few staff'.Mr Openshaw said each Xlsis member would be able to employ another member as agent, to deal with one or more specific aspects of a matter.Although the referring member would have a retainer with the client, it would be possible for Xlsis members to communicate directly with the client where appropriate, he said.Mr Eaton acknowledged that if non-legal members come on board individual bills will probably be raised by each member.He said Xlsis would put no pressure on members to refer work within the group, adding that the overriding principle was doing 'what is in the interest of clients'.No decision had yet been made on whether an annual charge would be instigated by Xlsis for members, he added.LINKS: www.xlsis.comJeremy Fleming