Press Release

We support a new law society membership model, say junior solicitors

2 October 2008

The junior end of the solicitors’ profession has today begun campaigning in support of a new membership model for the Law Society that will better represent the changing profession it supports.

The Society is currently developing a range of proposals to change its structure to enhance the support it can provide to solicitors as the profession continues to evolve. That will include the provision of services to non-solicitors working in legal practices.

Paul Marsh, Law Society President, says:

"We are continuously looking at ways to make it easier for solicitors to access Law Society products, services and support. We want to do that through a new tailored service for different sectors of the profession. We also want to generate more commercial revenue to fund that work by offering paid for services to non-solicitors in legal practices.

We will continue to keep protecting, promoting and helping solicitors at the heart of everything that we do and we are working hard to keep the PC fee low and offer solicitors a service they want and need."

Heidi Sandy, Vice Chair of the Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), says:

"It is clear that the Law Society is working hard to ensure that they provide a relevant and responsive service to all its members. This new membership model looks to be a major step forward for all solicitors. In particular the junior end of the profession who will reap the benefits of a membership body that is able to better represent and support its members in the long term."

The proposals are at the development stage, although initial research with representative samples of the membership has been very positive, with extremely strong support. Final recommendations will be consulted upon with the profession.

Paul Marsh, says:

"We are extremely pleased that the Junior Lawyers Division has voiced its support for this new structure so positively. It’s clear that this model will generate new commercial income, helping to keep the PC fee as low as possible, and giving the Society the income it needs to best represent the profession it serves."

In order for any new model to be introduced in future amendments need to be made to the Law Society Charter. The charter changes were proposed by the Council of the Law Society and also received the support of over two-thirds of those members present at a special general meeting in July. However, 20 members at the meeting asked for the proposals to be put to the entire profession in a postal vote and we are required by our constitution to accept such a request. Voting papers will arrive with all solicitors in the week beginning 6 October.

Paul Marsh, said: "I strongly urge all solicitors to support Council’s proposals so that the Society can continue its work to improve the services it offers to its members."