The Law Society of Upper Canada has put the subject of Alternative Business Structures back on its agenda after the proposal to allow non-lawyers to take majority stakes in law firms was dopped following protests from the legal profession.  However, the working group considered other models of non-licensee ownership with a motion in June to allow charities, non-profits and trade unions to offer legal services directly to their clients. This motion was withdrawn after the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and others demanded more time. It will now be considered later in the year. As the rules currently stand, lawyers employed by charities can provide legal services to the charity itself, but they are unable to act directly for its clients which causes difficulties for many.