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Visit GWLiveWhat is an ABS?
So Alternative Business Structures, what is it all about? In a nutshell ABSs allow non lawyers to offer legal services, thus making these services more accessible and simple.
Click here to enquire about becoming an ABS with Goldsmith Williams.
The Legal Services Act, of which Alternative Business Structures are a part of, has two primary aims:
- To simplify and improve the regulation of legal services provision in England and Wales, and
- To create a framework within which legal services may be provided in new ways.
Alternative Business Structures enable lawyers and non lawyers to share the management and control of a business that provides reserved legal services to the public. Through ABSs, external investment in law firms is now allowed.
Subject to licence and having at least one qualified and approved lawyer employed within the ABS, any business will be able to offer a full range of services to a customer (e.g. the business could have an insurance arm and an accountancy arm as well as offer legal services).
| "Alternative Business Structures under The Legal Services Act 2007 were brought in to bring more competition and accessibility for legal services and I am sure this will be the result of the legislation." Edward Goldsmith Senior Partner, Goldsmith Williams Solicitors |
"Some clients, some consumer groups think that legal services are too difficult to access and are too difficult to use, and we should make it easier for them. Alternative Business Structures could be part of that solution." Professor Stephen Mayson Director of The Legal Services Institute |
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