Law reforms

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has consistently encouraged the lifting of restrictions on alternative business structures so that providers of legal services who wish to do so can introduce new business models that most efficiently meet their customers' needs.

Having been closely involved in the steps towards a new regulatory regime, the OFT is aware of widespread interest among Scottish legal professionals in being given more scope to innovate and to deliver competitive services (Letters, 22 March). The opportunities that will be opened up to those who choose new models will, we believe, improve access to justice through more choice, higher quality services and lower costs.

Essential to the arrangements for alternative business structures will be a robust regulatory regime, underpinned by clear principles, which provides for transparency and accountability. We have welcomed the proposals for such a regime put before the Scottish Parliament and consider these will provide for significant positive advances in professional legal services.

In the debate much has been made of the need to safeguard the independence of the legal profession. It is necessary also to safeguard and promote the interests of users of legal services and we have urged the formal inclusion of an advisory panel to bring the consumer interest to the heart of the regime.

A balanced set of measures with strong protections built in will serve justice, consumers and the profession well.

KYLA BRAND

Representative in Scotland

Office of Fair Trading