UK legal sector's big shake-up is now underway

UK legal sector’s big shake-up is now underway

One of the oldest legal services markets in the world has entered a new era this week.

Many UK lawyers are now operating under their regulator’s new Standards and Regulations which aim to slash bureaucracy and increase access to legal services.

They are now able to work at unregulated firms without special permission and to work freelance with others, similar to barristers’ chambers.

"These reforms focus on what matters: the high professional standards that offer real public protection rather than unnecessary bureaucracy that generates costs, constrains firms and hinders access to legal services,” said SRA chief executive Paul Philip.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s shake-up of the sector has taken four years and several consultations, including feedback from more than 35,000 people.

The Standards and Regulations have been cut to 131 pages, a third of their previous size.

“This shorter, sharper set of rules support an open, modern, competitive legal sector that can better meet the need for accessible, affordable services,” added Philip.

Magic Circle firm appoints new US regional leader

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has a new US regional managing partner.

Current global M&A practice co-head Matthew Herman takes the reins from Peter D. Lyons after 16 years with the Magic Circle firm. He has been a partner since joining to launch its US M&A practice.

“I’d like to congratulate Matt on being named US managing partner, a recognition that is well deserved,” said Stephan Eilers, Freshfields managing partner. “We have been investing heavily in our US business and I am confident that the firm will continue its success under his leadership in the US.”

Global services firm expands legal services reach in Europe

An expanding network of tax and legal professionals has added another independent law firm to its global reach.

Andersen Global has announced that full-service law firm SAJIĆ has joined the network. The Bosnia and Herzegovina firm is the fourth firm in the region to sign a Collaboration Agreement with Andersen Global in the last month.

“The addition of SAJIĆ provides us with a formidable solution in the region that will enable our firm to compete with the top firms in the region,” said Mark Vorsatz, Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen CEO.

This collaboration expands Andersen Global’s coverage to include nearly 65 countries around the world with legal services in over 55 countries.