Royal Faculty debate on Scotland's legal profession

The Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow is to hold an open debate - Tuesday 9 March @5.45pm - led by leading members of the profession, with contributions from the floor encouraged on Scotland's Legal Services Bill and the future of our legal profession.

The Legal Services Bill is at stage 1 of the parliamentary process. Its proposed changes, such as the introduction of Alternative Business Structures (ABS), could make it difficult for Scots to secure access to independent legal firms, restrict access to justice, and ultimately undermine competition in the Scottish 'legal market'.

GLC's Mike Dailly will speak on the issue of ABS, its threat to competition and access to justice generally; and its commodification of justice. In addition, a debate on whether the Law Society of Scotland can continue in its dual role as regulator and representative of the profession will take place, with a contribution from John McGovern, the President of the Glasgow Bar Association. Speakers representing the Law Society of Scotland, and the 'big four' corporate firms in Scotland will present an alternative viewpoint.

This discussion is made all the more important as the Scottish Law Agents Society (SLAS)have called a Special General Meeting of the Law Society of Scotland to ascertain the profession's views on these fundamentally important issues. Please visit the Royal Faculty for more information - if you are a solicitor and cannot attend you can give a Mandate to SLAS to ensure that access to justice in Scotland does not become a commodity, at the morally bereft caprice of the UK's banks or vested corporate interests.