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A common-sense proposal to have one regulator for all branches of the legal profession – solicitors, legal execs, the bar, claims managers, MacKenzie friends – everyone. Common standards of regulation for all with common penalties. Abolish SRA, LeO, LSB, SDT, BC, LS, ICAEW etc as regulators. BC and LS stay as professional associations. There should be one combined higher level of practice for admission as solicitor-barristers to bring EW up to date with the rest of the common law world. Those wishing to practise in either branch can continue to do so. Those wishing to combine both areas of practice (eg current solicitor advocates) could do so. There would be no erosion of the independent bar or solicitor profession. The existing professional indemnity regime is unworkable and must be scrapped. If legislation is needed for this, so be it. The introduction of client-paid PII cover for specific categories of work must now be considered. Client accounts should be phased out with retention of client monies held by an independent escrow fund whose revenue earnings can help to subsidise Legal Aid. The new super-regulator could be a new department in the FSA in view of ABSs, accountants and others moving in and existing regulation of claims farmers.

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