Written by John Gould, a leading expert in his field, The Law of Legal Services provides an extensive account of the legal risks faced by lawyers in all branches of the profession. Gould, of London law firm Russell-Cooke, is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading regulatory lawyers.

The book also includes contributions from solicitors Michael Stacey, formerly of the Ministry of Justice and the Legal Services Board, and Michael Colledge, senior associate at Russell-Cooke; barrister Tom Bradford; and CILEx regulation board member and compliance consultant Andrew Donovan, formerly of the SRA.

The regulatory chapters are very user-friendly. And while the book focuses on the regulatory world of solicitors more than that of other legal service providers – since that is where we have seen and will continue to see most activity – an update will soon be required if the pace of change remains constant. Since publication there are already new provisions concerning separate businesses and consumer credit.

Author: John Gould

£185, Jordon Publishing

This book is organised by theme rather than professional title. I expect most practitioners will find the chapter that explains the complex rules of authorisation for providing reserved legal activity extremely useful. A text bringing all the authorisation requirements for different structures together is welcome.

Dealing with the law and practice on professional negligence and practice, including the effect of the case of South Australian Asset Management Corporation v York Montague/the SAMMCO principle on the assessment of loss was an ambition too far. It may have been better to leave this chapter out all together.

The chapter on The Business of Legal Practice covers useful topics on the structure of law firms and risks of potential business failure, though they are not covered in detail. Rather, this chapter is a useful aide-memoire.

This book is an accessible, authoritative and comprehensive guide to the complexities of working in the profession.

John Schorah is managing partner of national firm Weightmans

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