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.