British Gov't Seeks Oversight of UK Attys
Upcoming reform of the British legal profession is pushing some of the country’s best-known law firms into a rare unified front.
Legislation pending in Parliament that would establish a Legal Services Board within the next several years to oversee United Kingdom lawyers threatens their professional independence, attorneys in five major “Magic Circle” London firms agree, according to American Lawyer. The problem is, under the current version of the proposed legislation, the British government would have the power to appoint the board’s members.
American law firms should also be concerned about the proposal if their attorneys practice in the U.K., unless the bill is amended to reduce government control, Philip Rocher, a partner in Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s London office, tells the magazine. “Maintaining the independence of the profession is extremely important.”
Otherwise, the Legal Services Bill is largely viewed with favor by British lawyers – particularly its provisions potentially allowing outside investment in law firms, as well as partnership with non-law-firm entities.
