Law firms to become part of 'big box' superstores

Professor Paton, from California’s University of the Pacific in Sacramento, predicts that the independent law firm will face many ethical challenges as it develops in ‘non-traditional ways’. An expert in ABSs (alternative business structures), he says: ‘It’s a time of incredible transformation of law practices and legal education is changing.’ Ownership of law firms will be a crucial issues, he predicts, saying: ‘The stock market is a road too far for many and a “non-starter” in the US.’ He thinks that ownership issues could lead to problems over conflicts of interest. Source: Edmonton Journal