Law Society and solicitors more effective says Lord Chancellor

6 March 2008

The Lord Chancellor, Jack Straw, last night commended the Law Society and legal profession for becoming more reflective of society.

Speaking at the first in a series of events to debate key issues facing solicitors in the 21st century, the Lord Chancellor told the audience that the legal profession is not immune to change and he commended the profession and its leadership for recognising that the legal system has to continue the process of modernisation, becoming more reflective of society and more effective and efficient.

Mr Straw said:"solicitors have to consider how best they can still give effect to the values which underpin the profession, but in a way which enables it to meet the demands of the markets in which the profession operate."

Law Society president Andrew Holroyd told last night’s audience that the legal profession had entered a seminal period and that solicitors are well-placed to benefit from change if they prepare. He said, “our brand; our business; our success, all are underpinned by shared ethical values. From LDPs and ABSs to the Legal Services Act to the SRA, we have new business challenges and opportunities, new legislation and new regulation. Three years into our new life as a representative body we at the Law Society are acutely aware of the challenges this new legal landscape poses for the profession“.

The event, which was held at top city law firm Clifford Chance was the first in a series of debates, entitled, "Rule 1", which consist of interactive sessions with Law Society President Andrew Holroyd, structured around the six core values in Rule 1 of the Solicitors Code of Conduct.

The profession's success is underpinned by the shared ethical values in rule 1 of the Solicitors' Code of Conduct: justice and the rule of law; integrity; independence; best interests of the client; standard of service; and public confidence.

The aim of the debates is to look at the big questions facing solicitors in the 21st century and the need to meet new challenges while remaining true to the profession’s core values. The Society recognises that a changing legal landscape places a spotlight on these values and that an open debate is an important contribution to not only maintaining, but also strengthening the profession's ethical foundation.