Legal services regulation reform in Scotland

Closed 24 Dec 2021

Opened 1 Oct 2021

Contact

07715239064

LegalServicesRegulationReform@gov.scot

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

Views are being sought on developing a system of legal services regulation that would promote a flourishing legal sector and place consumer interests at its heart.

Ministers want to ensure the system of regulation in Scotland incorporates the competitive provision of legal services, the public and consumer interest; and that supports a strong and independent legal profession whilst encompassing the rule of law.

A consultation, based on recommendations from an independent review of the regulation of legal services will run until 24 December. It will seek views on options for change that have been developed collaboratively with stakeholders, designed to lead to improvements to the transparency and accountability in the way in which legal services are regulated, and the legal complaints system operates in Scotland

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said:

“We have one of the best legal professions in the world, however improvements to the regulatory structure and delivery are needed to further support access to justice in modern Scotland.

“We want a modern, forward-looking legal services regulation framework for Scotland that will best promote competition, innovation and the public and consumer interest in an efficient, effective and independent legal sector.

“I encourage all those with an interest in this area to make their views known and look forward to a constructive debate on the future of legal services regulation in Scotland.”

Read the consultation paper. 

Why your views matter

The public is being asked to give their views on how to ensure legal services regulation, protects the public and consumer interest, promotes the principles of accountability, transparency, independence, proportionality and cost-effectiveness, to meet the needs of modern Scotland.

What happens next

Where respondents have given permission for their response to be made public, and after we have checked that they contain no potentially defamatory material, responses will be made available to the public at http://consult.gov.scot. If you use the consultation hub to respond, you will receive a copy of your response via email.

Following the closing date, all responses will be analysed and considered along with any other available evidence to help us. Responses will be published where we have been given permission to do so.

Interests

  • Business, Industry and Innovation
  • Children and Families
  • Communities and Third Sector
  • Economy
  • Equality, Welfare and Rights
  • Public Sector
  • Law and Order