A legal strategy consultancy chaired by the wife of former UK prime minister Tony Blair was among seven alternative business structures (ABSs) confirmed by the regulator for solicitors in England and Wales last week, taking the overall number of approvals past 60.

Omnia Strategy – jointly set up by Cherie Booth QC in 2011 – claims on its web site to help clients ‘achieve international goals through our integrated expertise in law, governance and economics’.

Liberalisation

The Law Gazette reports that Mrs Booth – whose husband was prime minister when the Clementi Report reviewed regulation of legal services and proposed liberalisation of the sector -- has not been named as either head of legal practice or head of finance and administration.Ms Blair was awarded a CBE in Britain's new year's honours list announced several days ago for her charity work.
Other firms recently to have gained ABS approval include franchise hub Everyman Legal, claims management firm Jigsaw Law, Kent law firm Tassells and Cambridge firm Houlden Sweeney.