Review of Legal Services
A Legal Services Review Group, chaired by Professor Sir George Bain, has produced a series of recommendations relating to the existing regulation of lawyers in Northern Ireland.
The main recommendations include proposals to reform the complaints-handling systems of the Law Society and the Bar Council, the creation of the post of Legal Services Oversight Commissioner to oversee both branches of the profession, and other recommendations relating to competition.
The report has been circulated for comment from interested parties, and is currently under consideration by the Minister of Finance and Personnel. It is anticipated that decisions will be taken on the way forward shortly, with the prospect of a draft Bill being available for consideration in 2008.
Further information on the Review can be obtained by contacting Mr Michael Foster, Legal Services Review, Carleton House, Gasworks Business Park, 1 Cromac Avenue, Belfast BT7 2JA. Tel: 02890 909398, E-mail: Michael.foster@dfpni.gov.uk
