Press Release

Clementi Review welcomed by Legal Services Commission

15 December, 2004

The Legal Services Commission (LSC) welcomes the final recommendations of Sir David Clementi’s report into the regulation of legal services published today.
In particular, the LSC supports Clementi’s proposal of an independent regulator of the legal profession, the separation of the representative and regulatory functions of the professional bodies and the creation of a single complaints body for barristers and solicitors.

LSC Chief Executive Clare Dodgson said the proposals were in the best interests of clients.

"Our approach to Clementi has always focused on our many years of experience working with clients who are often vulnerable and socially-excluded. A single independent regulator will be able to better serve the needs of such people with legal problems. The best interests of consumers cannot be transparently met by bodies who also represent the profession," she said.

LSC Chairman Philip Ely added:

"In our response to the review earlier this year, we argued that the current systems of regulation limited the creation of a more modern, customer-focused legal sector fit for the 21st century. The report makes significant steps towards that and we would welcome the reforms being implemented as soon as possible."

In July 2002, concerns about the current regulatory processes led the LSC to set up its own special unit to investigate legal services suppliers suspected of fraud or abuse of the legal aid scheme.

Notes to Editors

Full copies of the review's final report can be downloaded from the Legal Services Review website.

Media contacts:

Gary Spink 020 7759 0493
Daniel Kellingley 020 7759 0415

Last updated: 28 December 2006