Letter: Independent law

The main purpose of the bill is to introduce into Scotland external ownership of law firms which will allow investors to buy and sell the right to give "independent" legal advice. This is to be done in the name of increased competition.

The need for lawyers serving the public to be independent and seen to be independent exists to support the judicial system and the rule of law. Solicitors are admitted to practice only with the consent of the court. Law firms are not to be owned or controlled by others.

No-one can pretend to be independent if they are not. A legal submission has been made to the Presiding Officer that the bill is incompatible with EU law and therefore not law even if passed by Parliament.

The bill will upset a tried and tested system which commands public respect. It will in due course lead to trouble. In light of recent experience in the financial services industry it is irresponsible.

The Council of the Law Society of Scotland has supported the bill in face of very strong opposition by many solicitors. The opposition was overcome relying on the support of a small number of large law firms.

External ownership of law firms would offer them the chance to sell out or replace debt with equity thus giving them a potential financial interest.

MSPs are the guardians of the public interest. They should vote this bill down.

Walter Semple, Catriona Walker, Gilbert Anderson, David MacLennan, Michael Sheridan, Mike Dailly, John McGovern, Patrick McGuire, David O'Hagan

All solicitors in Scotland