Primarily, I sought to strengthen the Law Society's role as a peak policy body and to open the way for a voluntary membership regime which will be funded principally through income from investments and revenue from services and the sale of products to members. Throughout this year, I have also advocated progressive reform to eliminate restrictions on the way members structure and run their practices.
Restrictions benefit neither lawyers nor clients.
In fact, I suggest they foster a perception that lawyers have special sanctions to operate in a highly protected and uncompetitive environment. It was to be expected some decisions taken during the year would not be without controversy. Controversy often accompanies a fresh and focussed approach to a problem which impacts on the interests and reputation of the legal profession as a whole. A recent policy decision affecting the conduct of mortgage investment schemes by solicitors was one such decision. The policy effectively means that law firms will be restricted in how they are able to promote and be involved in mortgage investment schemes.