A letter published by chief executive Catherine Dixon in The Law Society's journal yesterday has called for a sole, centralised regulator for all legal services in England and Wales, in order to ensure consistent regulation and protect the UK legal brand. Under the model put forward by Ms Dixon, a single regulator (which would include an independent SRA) would set minimum regulatory standards for all legal practitioners, while Chancery Lane would retain the right to set professional standards and award the title of 'solicitor'. The title of 'lawyer' should also have statutory protection ahead of the government consultation on reforming the 2007 Legal Services Act and amid the rise of unregulated (and lesser qualified) legal service providers, Ms Dixon suggested. 'This is not about protectionism but rather consistent, better and simple regulation; fair competition, consumer protection, and protection of the solicitor brand and of England and Wales as the jurisdiction of choice.'
Global standing under threat
As the SRA pushes for a clean split from the Law Society under terms that could potentially transform it into a state agency accountable to the lord chancellor, Ms Dixon warned that City and commercial firms may shift operations overseas if the SRA is perceived as the hand of UK government and the 'unique role' of solicitors in upholding the rule of law is compromised. 'Freedom from government intervention is an essential cornerstone of our justice system and underpins the rule of law,' said Ms Dixon, adding that, 'Any suggestion that government is able to fetter out independence will seriously jeopardise our global standing and threaten the huge contribution that solicitors make to our economy.'
SRA counters
SRA chief executive Paul Phillip has pushed back Ms Dixon's comments, expressing 'disappointment' that Chancery Lane wants to 'go back to the old fashioned self-regulation that existed in the legal sector until 10 years ago' rather than bring regulation standards in line with those of other high-stakes professions such as medicine. Mr Phillip also refuted the suggestion that an independent SRA would become a state-controlled body. 'I am clear that independent regulation means independent from both the profession and from government. Our view is that accountability should be to Parliament, ideally through a select committee,' he said. Sources: Law Society Gazette; Law Society Gazette (2); Legal Futures
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