Tesco law: where are we now?

Since our last posting on this vexed topic, there has been a further confusing whirl of extraordinary general meetings, referendums, votes and searches for compromise in the solicitors’ profession, but the real action now lies in the debates in the Scottish Parliament.

While the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill has still a wee way to go, Stage 2 of its Parliamentary progress was completed on 29 June 2010.  In its current form, as amended by the Justice Committee on 15 June, the Bill will not now allow majority or complete ownership of a legal practice by non-solicitors; there must be at least 51% ownership and control vested in solicitors or members of other regulated professions.  This moderation of the original proposal is supported by the Law Society of Scotland.

We look forward to the autumn series on this one.