Atlantic Chambers’ Scott Donovan on changes to how barristers will work
THE Bar Standards Board has paved the way for fundamental changes in barristers’ working practices by allowing us to supply legal services through new Legal Disciplinary Practices.
The main aim of the changes is to open up the legal services market so consumers have access to better value quality legal services.
The changes are expected to come into effect over the next few years and are all part of the major legal reforms that will affect both solicitors and barristers from 2011.
As head of Atlantic Chambers, I am very aware that the legal landscape will change in a very interesting way in coming months.
Barristers will have greater choice in how they manage their practices. There is the possibility of working in the same practice with other professionals.
The proposed changes are aimed at modernising the way barristers provide services to the public and are generally welcomed by the profession. Certainly, Atlantic Chambers will be looking carefully at how the changes can provide greater access to our barristers’ skills and expertise.
Baroness Deech, chair of the Bar Standards Board, said the Board’s decision is of considerable significance for the future of legal services provision in England and Wales and comes after two years’ careful consideration.
