The referendum requisitioned by the Scottish Law Agents Society to decide whether the profession will embrace ABS is to be held on 25 March at Murrayfield Stadium.

The Law Society have backed alternate business structures as envisioned by the Legal Services Bill, whilst the Law Agents Society and groups including the WS Society and the Glasgow Bar Association bloc have criticised the level of representation and extent of the debate offered by the Law Society.

“The Council of the Society met on Friday, 5 March, to discuss its response to the requisition for a Special General Meeting. The motion before the SGM proposes overturning the Society’s existing policy, which supports alternative business structures, as decided by the solicitors’ profession at the 2008 AGM," said President Ian Smart.

“The Council was conscious that the critics of that decision continued to claim that the vote was not representative of the profession. The Council decided that another general meeting would not resolve the issue and concluded that a referendum of all members will confirm that the 2008 vote reflected the clear majority view of the profession.

“Discussions will take place with the Scottish Law Agents Society about the referendum and the consequences for the SGM. We will now work on the arrangements for the referendum, including the wording of any questions. It is expected that the process will be completed within a month. We will keep members informed of developments.

“In the meantime, the Society will continue to promote amendments to the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill to ensure the independence of the legal profession and maintain the high standards which have historically served both the client and the profession so well.”