Law Society President Ian Smart and Chief Executive Lorna Jack are spearheading a countrywide drive to "inform members" about the Legal Services Bill which heralds the onset of alternate business structures.

The tour, which visits six cities in Scotland, aims to "debate the prospect of reforms to the Scottish legal services market." They are also holding an additional consultation to counter the SGM motion called by the Scottish Law Agents Society, on the types of new business models that should be permitted and how they would be regulated.

"I would urge all of our members to respond before the 16 April closing date. This is in addition to the SGM called by the Scottish Law Agents Society on Thursday, 25 February and which will be held at the end of March," said President Ian Smart. 

"The Society believes that Scotland’s legal profession should be able to adapt to best meet the needs of modern society and a global economy. Scots lawyers are well respected around the world and we want to ensure that our members have access to the opportunities that ABSs could present to adopt new practices, to deliver the services their clients expect and develop their businesses in Scotland, as well as elsewhere in the UK and overseas.

“We are of course aware of issues which the proposed changes present and, although on the whole think the bill’s regulatory objectives are robust, we are continuing to press for amendments where we believe the Bill needs to be strengthened or changed to ensure that the Scottish legal profession remains independent, that consumer protections and standards are maintained and that access to justice remains a priority for ministers."