In a pre-consultation paper released yesterday, the body says solicitors would be free to practise in the wider legal services market and deliver 'non-reserved legal services' to the public outside of firms regulated by the SRA. It says the intention is to give greater freedom to firms and solicitors and so provide ‘more choice and access to services for the public’.

Standards undiluted

It added: 'We do not consider that these changes will represent in any way a reduction or "watering down" of the solicitor brand. On the contrary ... with increased visibility and accessibility of solicitors, people can choose a qualified professional when that is what they want or need.' Source: Legal Business