Legal disciplinary practice
From 31 March 2009, provisions in the Administration of Justice Act 1985, the Legal Services Act 2007 and amendments to the Solicitors Code of Conduct came into force to permit LDPs and to bring into effect 'firm based regulation' whereby all legal practices, regardless of size, will be regulated as a firm or 'recognised body'.
It will enable firms to appoint non-solicitor lawyers and non-lawyer managers, and provide the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal with new powers to impose sanctions on practices, and in relation to non-solicitor managers and employees. This practice note provides details on the changes relating to LDPs.
The latest version has been updated in section 8.3 to acknowledge the anticipated launch date of 2011 for alternative business structures.
Current version
Legal disciplinary practice – 6 April 2011