BSB consults on yet more flexibility for barristers

BSB consults on yet more flexibility for barristers

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is to consult on proposals to broaden the definition of employment for barristers working in-house for organisations that are not authorised law firms. The proposals will give more flexibility for barristers and their employers, allowing them to work through agencies or other corporate vehicles.

Under the current “scope of practice” rules, more flexible working practices that are becoming commonplace are not permitted and barristers are being forced to seek waivers to enable them to do so. These includes temporary or locum work, and other arrangements where the employer’s preference is to contract with an entity or agency for the provision of in-house services.

The BSB have stated that this is the first step in a wider review of scope of practice restrictions.

BSB Director of Regulatory Policy Ewen MacLeod said:

“We are seeking to modernise our arrangements for employed barristers working outside of authorised law firms, to reflect better how employers seek to procure these services.

“In doing so, we want to ensure that there are no unintended consequences of amending the rules.”

The consultation closes on Tuesday, 15 December 2015 at 5pm nd further details can be found on the BSB web site.

Terms and Conditions | Site Map | Privacy and Cookies

Copyright © 2020 Richard Nelson LLP and Murdochs. All rights reserved.
The Lawyers Defence Group is operated by Richard Nelson LLP, a Limited Liability Partnership authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and whose partnership number is OC357136 and Murdochs Solicitors, who are also authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and whose SRA number is 52683.
Please note that all advice, guidance, representation and assistance, legal or otherwise, is provided either by those firms or by appropriate referral to other suitably qualified persons. No advice, guidance, assistance, representation or other support is provided by or in the name of the Lawyers Defence Group.
For further details please refer to the terms and conditions for use of this web site and to the terms and conditions of the firms involved.
The professional rules governing our lawyers can be found at rules.sra.org.uk