Des Hudson explains why firms need to meet the challenge of modern client expectations head on
It is always difficult to spot seminal points of change when embroiled in them, and generally it’s best to avoid forecasts. That said, 2007 is likely to prove to be one of the most important years in recent history for our profession and for the Law Society—primarily because the Legal Services Bill will complete its passage through Parliament.
By the end of this month the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) and the Legal Complaints Service (LCS) will have been launched. This is an important step on the road to modernising the profession. The SRA will deal with all regulatory and disciplinary matters, and set, monitor and enforce standards for solicitors. Formerly known as the Law Society Regulation Board, it acts solely in the public interest. The LCS is for members of the public wishing to make a complaint about solicitors. This independent and impartial body will work with solicitors to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently, before the creation of the Office for Legal Complaints.
This means
