Law Society responds to
Legal Services Consumer Panel report on voluntary quality schemes
in legal services
In response to the Legal
Services Consumer Panel report on accreditations Law Society Chief
Executive Desmond Hudson said:
“The report is a useful
insight into what is a vital part of the legal services market. We
are studying the report carefully.
“The Law Society's
accreditation schemes and our new web site Law Society approved are
designed with the consumer in mind. The Law Society assurance
given by these schemes is and will be a powerful resource for our
members and the public alike. If we can improve that assurance by
acting on the reports recommendations we will do so.
“Applicants for our
schemes are assessed by experts in the relevant field. Shortly, for
example we will commence unannounced audit visits on CQS members
- precisely what the report sensibly proposes.
“CQS has also been
designed to allow for on going development, so while the Consumer
Panel's report provides a useful snapshot of the current market, it
doesn't capture fully future Law Society plans which will see our
accreditation schemes consistently evolving. We will shortly be
announcing the CQS year two scheme details. I am confident that the
improvements we are planning will serve the public, lenders and our
members well ”
Ends
Notes to editors:
Contact: Catherine Reed, The Law
Society
+44 (0)20 7320 5902