Latest news
In this section you will find the latest news from the Legal Services Board.
| Date | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 31 January 2012 | LSB publishes correspondence with IMF Managing Director | Correspondence has been made in response to reports of IMF concern with independent regulation of legal professions |
| 23 January 2012 | LSB issues warning notice to Bar Standards Board | Notice states the Board is considering rejecting BSB application to amend aspects of the “Cab Rank Rule” |
| 12 January 2012 | Legal sector contribution to the Business Compact | Business Compact is a key part of Deputy Prime Minister’s Social Mobility Strategy |
| 10 January 2012 | Ministry of Justice triennial review | Ministers have announced details of how stakeholders can contribute to the triennial review process |
| 24 November 2011 | LSB receives advice on voluntary quality schemes | Report follows request made by the Board for work on quality indicators |
| 10 November 2011 | Literature reviews concerning quality in legal services | Reviews have sought to gather evidence to inform policy on measures to ensure quality in legal services |
| 12 October 2011 | Research published on the global context for legal education | Professor John Flood provides the LSB with a report on global lessons for education and training reform |
| 28 September 2011 | OXERA research report sets out framework for analysing change in the legal services market | Findings provide detailed context for assessing change as firms and the overall market continues to develop |
| 20 September 2011 | New research published into legal services provided by ‘special bodies’ | Findings will inform our understanding of services provided and risk of consumer detriment |
| 20 September 2011 | LSB publishes new research into regulation of city firms | Findings examine the interaction between regulation and providers at the city end of the market |
| 09 September 2011 | LSB response to Government announcement on referral fees in personal injury | Board responds to announcement made to ban the payment of referral fees in PI cases |
| 05 September 2011 | Call for Evidence to assist investigation into will-writing, estate administration and probate activities | The Board has invited submissions to inform its statutory investigation into the regulation of will-writing, estate administration and probate activities |
| 17 August 2011 | LSB to make recommendation on ABS appeal arrangements | Recommendation to Lord Chancellor for Order under S.80 of Legal Services Act |
| 12 August 2011 | Alternative Business Structures (ABS) research report published | Report sets out thinking on the likely impact of ABS on the legal services market |
| 29 June 2011 | Transitional plans for Consumer Panel Chair announced as LSB welcomes Annual Report | LSB announces resignation of Baroness Dianne Hayter |
| 27 June 2011 | LSB publishes details of its research programme for 2011/12 | Board has provided a synopsis of research priorities as well as more details of its approach to commissioning |
| 24 June 2011 | LSB welcomes the first legal services ‘consumer health-check’ | The Board has recognised the force of findings on consumer empowerment presented in the Legal Services Consumer Panel’s new report |
| 22 June 2011 | LSB publishes independent report examining the smaller approved regulators | The Legal Services Board is today publishing the results of an independent investigation into the operations of smaller legal services regulators. |
| 21 June 2011 | LSB publishes aptitude testing research | Report examines the appropriateness and effectiveness of aptitude testing in the legal services workforce |
| 16 June 2011 | LSB recommends designation of SRA as a Licensing Authority | The recommendation to the Lord Chancellor follows an application by the SRA for designation as a body able to license Alternative Business Structures (ABS) |
| 03 June 2011 | Legal Services Board reappointments | Announcement made regarding composition of the Board following end of first term |
| 01 June 2011 | Amendment to proposals for Licensing Authority applications | Opportunity to comment on proposals following a drafting amendment |
| 26 May 2011 | LSB makes request for further advice on quality schemes | The Legal Services Consumer Panel has been asked to provide further advice on voluntary quality schemes |
| 11 May 2011 | LSB to make a recommendation for Order under S.80 of Legal Services Act | New recommendation about appeals against decisions of the CLC acting as a Licensing Authority |
| 11 May 2011 | LSB to make a recommendation for Section 69 Order | New recommendation to provide powers for the SRA and CLC to carry out their roles more effectively and efficiently |
| 10 May 2011 | LSB recommends designation of the CLC as a Licensing Authority | The recommendation to the Lord Chancellor follows an application by the CLC for designation as a body able to license Alternative Business Structures (ABS) |
| 10 May 2011 | LSB welcomes progress on education and training review | The Board has commented on the appointment of co-chairs and wider progress on the review led by the frontline regulators |
| 05 May 2011 | LSB consults on appeal arrangements for SRA as a licensing authority | Consultation on a draft recommendation and order to be made under s.80 of the Legal Services Act 2007, should SRA be designated as a licensing authority |
| 03 May 2011 | LSB consults on process for reviewing decisions about licensing applications | New consultation focuses on Schedule 12 rules as part of ABS regime |
| 27 April 2011 | Outcomes of LSB Legal Advisors Panel Review | LSB reviews and extends the legal services advice contract |
| 26 April 2011 | LSB sets out approach to overseeing regulation | Board launches discussion paper detailing how it intends to approach ensuring standards |
| 21 April 2011 | LSB publishes literature review of legal needs | The LSB has conducted a literature review of existing research into the legal services needs of different groups of consumers. |
| 18 April 2011 | Chief Executive writes to ARs on Schedule 5 | Correspondence invites views on making recommendations to the Lord Chancellor around ending the transitional period |
| 15 April 2011 | LSB Business Plan 2011/12 published today | The Board is today publishing its 2011/12 Business Plan, alongside a framework for evaluating the delivery of legal service reforms |
| 14 April 2011 | Address to Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA) | Presentation made on the future landscape of reserved and unreserved legal activities |
| 14 April 2011 | LSB publishes draft Section 69 Order | Draft Order published for consultation |
| 1 April 2011 | LSB assumes an oversight role in the regulation of immigration advice and services | Commencement of Schedule 18 of the Legal Services Act 2007 sees the LSB take on regulatory oversight for immigration advice and services provided by lawyers authorised by Approved Regulators. |
| 24 March 2011 | Statement concerning ABS decision made at Law Society Council | The Board has made a statement concerning the decision, made by the March 2011 meeting of the Council, to allow the SRA to apply for Licensing Authority status. |
| 23 March 2011 | LSB approves CLC rule changes | LSB approve the regulatory arrangements relating to the Adjudication Panel Rules of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers |
| 17 March 2011 | Research package released concerning scope of regulation and desired consumer outcomes | Economic rationale for regulation and consumer expectations published by the LSB, alongside analytical commentary by academics and stakeholders |
| 16 March 2011 | Report released into delivery of Quality Assurance for Advocates programme | Human Assets report, released by the LSB, provides new thinking for the Joint Advocacy Group (JAG) in shaping the scheme |
| 01 March 2011 | LSB Chairman writes to BSB Chair on complaints processes | Correspondence published between David Edmonds and Baroness Deech concerning duties to publicise complaints routes. |
| 01 March 2011 | LSB publishes assessment of first-tier complaints-handling arrangements | The LSB has published the results of its review into progress approved regulators are making in ensuring first-tier (lawyers’ own) complaints-handling arrangements are fit for purpose. |
| 01 March 2011 | Proposed rules on ABS maximum financial penalty released | The LSB has written to the Lord Chancellor to propose the top level of financial penalty that may be imposed on an ABS by its Licensing Authority. |
| 24 February 2011 | LSB welcomes OFT will-writing initiative | Chief Executive writes in support of OFT contribution to tackling consumer detriment in will-writing |
| 15 February 2011 | LSB announces new Board Member | Edward Nally will be the new appointment to the LSB as a Member of the Board |
| 23 December 2010 | Consultation launched on the maximum financial penalty for ABS | Specific consultation on the amount of the limit on penalties which a Licensing Authority can impose an Alternative Business Structure |
| 23 December 2010 | LSB approves ILEX Professional Standards rule changes | LSB approves ILEX Professional Standards Ltd arrangements for Rights of Audience Certification Rules |
| 08 December 2010 | LSB seeks volunteer solicitors to assist in will-writing research | Research project seeks to assess mystery shopping experiences of will-writing services |
| 06 December 2010 | LSB consults on rules relating to the regulation of licensed bodies | Consultation paper is launched on rules concerning the notification of changes to the holding of interests in, registers of, and ownership of licensed bodies. |
| 06 December 2010 | Statement of Policy on Section 69 powers | Decision paper on the LSB’s use of powers afforded to it by virtue of Section 69 of the Legal Services Act 2007. |
| 02 December 2010 | LSB publishes decision document on sections 178-79 of the Legal Services Act 2007 | The LSB publishes its decision document on sections 178-79 of the Legal Services Act 2007. |
| 29 November 2010 | LSB publishes consultation on Rules for applications for Qualifying Regulator status | The LSB consults on changes to rules to allow for applications from Approved Regulators to regulate immigration advice and services once schedule 18 of the Legal Services Act 2007 is commenced in April 2011 |
| 01 November 2010 | LSB publishes decisions on levy arrangements | Decisions concern recouping ongoing running costs of the LSB and the Legal Ombudsman. |
| 06 October 2010 | LSB welcomes launch of the Legal Ombudsman | The Chairman comments on the launch of the new Ombudsman in the legal services market |
| 27 September 2010 | LSB launches Section 69 consultation | The LSB has launched a consultation document relating to section 69 of the Legal Services Act 2007, which allows for the modification of legislation by way of an Order laid by the Lord Chancellor. |
| 23 September 2010 | LSB updates Approved Regulators on diversity and social mobility work | The LSB has written to Approved Regulators highlighting progress on work to increase diversity and social mobility, and outlining next steps. |
| 20 September 2010 | LSB publishes consultation on rules relating to the SDT | LSB consults on proposals to explicitly apply its process to approve rule changes and its compliance and enforcement policy to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal |
| 3 September 2010 | LSB publish Complaints and data collection workshop report | On 29 July 2010 the LSB held a workshop aimed to emphasise the role of complaints and data collection in regulation and to facilitate a continued dialogue between stakeholders to identify and coordinate some of the key data sources available to Approved Regulators. |
| 24 August 2010 | ILEX Applications received by LSB | Applications received from Institute of Legal Executives to extend their reserved legal activities |
| 23 August 2010 | LSB publishes next stage consultation on appeals mechanisms around ABS | The LSB is consulting on proposals to establish the appeals mechanism on decisions of Licensing Authorities under the ABS framework |
| 10 August 2010 | LSB welcomes publication of QAA consultation | New consultation paper launched on Quality Assurance for Advocates scheme |
| 6 August 2010 | Workshop on consumers experience of will-writing services | LSB publishes emerging thinking from will-writing workshop |
| 4 August 2010 | LSB requests risk management information from Approved Regulators | Chief Executive writes to all Approved Regulators to request information on their approach to the management of regulatory risk |
| 2 August 2010 | LSB makes further SRA rule approval | LSB approves SRA arrangements for 2010 Professional Indemnity Insurance |
| 20 July 2010 | LSB makes request for advice on quality | The Legal Services Consumer Panel has been formally asked to advise on consumer perspectives on quality in legal services |
| 19 July 2010 | LSB approves SRA rule changes | SRA application for approval of changes relating to the new fee structure is granted |
| 08 July 2010 | LSB publish levy consultation | The LSB has today published a consultation on proposals for the levy on Approved Regulators to recoup the ongoing running costs for the LSB and Legal Ombudsman. The consultation closes on Wednesday 29 September 2010. |
| 11 June 2010 | LSB publishes lessons learned review of rule approval process | Following the first raft of applications, the LSB has completed a review of its process for approving changes to the regulatory arrangements of Approved Regulators. |
| 01 June 2010 | The Future of Legal Services Conference | The LSB invites colleagues to attend a conference bringing together academics and commentators to discuss the impact of the reform programme in the sector to date, as well as next steps for changes in the delivery of legal services in England and Wales. |
| 26 May 2010 | LSB receives advice of Consumer Panel on referral fees | The Legal Services Board has formally received the advice of the Legal Services Consumer Panel, chaired by Dianne Hayter, on referral fees and arrangements. |
| 25 May 2010 | LSB publishes Equality Scheme | This sets out how the LSB embeds equality and diversity in its day-to-day working, through functions, activities and policies, and through the recruitment of staff. This is to ensure that, in the areas for which we have a responsibility, we act as a model of good practice in bringing about fairness, equality and diversity. |
| 21 May 2010 / 21 Mai, 2010 | LSB’s Welsh Language Scheme / Cynllun Iaith Gymraeg yr LSB | The LSB have developed the attached Welsh Language Scheme in line with the principles of the Welsh Language Act (1993). The Scheme sets out our policies in relation to the provision of services in Welsh whilst reflecting the nature and scope of our activities. Mae’r LSB wedi datblygu’r Cynllun Iaith Gymraeg a atodir yn unol ag egwyddorion Deddf yr Iaith Gymraeg (1993). Mae’r Cynllun yn sefydlu ein polisïau parthed y ddarpariaeth o wasanaethau yn Gymraeg wrth adlewyrchu natur a chwmpas ein gweithgareddau. |
| 17 May 2010 | LSB publishes economic research on referral arrangements | First component of evidence base around referral fees is released by the LSB, to be followed up with further evidence throughout the summer. |
| 11 May 2010 | LSB grants two further rule changes for ARs | The Legal Services Board has granted two further applications for alterations to the Regulatory Arrangements of Approved Regulators. |
| 07 May 2010 | LSB letter to the Joint Advocacy Group | The LSB has issued an open letter to the Joint Advocacy Group (JAG) about the development of a scheme for the Quality Assurance of Advocates (QAA), for which the LSB is project sponsor. The JAG consists of the Bar Standards Board, Ilex Professional Standards Ltd and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The letter sets out seven key principles for the JAG to consider as it develops the scheme. |
| 06 May 2010 | LSB letter to the Legal Complaints Service about performance oversight | The Legal Services Board has written to the Legal Complaints Service to formally set out its regulatory oversight interest in the performance of the Legal Complaints Service as it approaches close-down. |
| 06 April 2010 | LSB publishes Business Plan for 2010/11 | The Board has released its Business Plan for 2010/11 following consultation with partners |
| 01 April 2010 | LSB grants three further rule changes for ARs | The Legal Services Board has granted three further applications for alterations to the Regulatory Arrangements of Approved Regulators |
| 26 March 2010 | Next stage guidance on ABS released | The Legal Service Board has today released new guidance on the structure of the licensing regime for Alternative Business Structures. |
| 26 March 2010 | LSB approves BSB application on LDPs | The Legal Services Board has granted the Bar Standards Board application for approval of amendments to the Bar Code of Conduct in respect of Legal Disciplinary Practices. The Decision Notice can be found here. |
| 03 February 2010 | LSB issues open letter on Section 69 orders (pdf, 103kb) | On 03 February 2010, the Legal Services Board issued an open letter seeking views on the approach it should take to modifying the functions of approved regulators or licensing authorities through S. 69 Orders. Comments are welcomed by 31 March 2010. |
| 18 January 2010 | LSB sharpens focus on diversity in the profession | LSB Chief Executive accepts chairmanship of Gateways to the Professions Collaborative Forum sub-group. |
| 05 January 2010 | LSB announces appointees for legal support | The LSB recently issued a tender for external support for its in-house legal function and is today pleased to announce appointments. |
| 31 December 2009 | Exemption Direction 3 Alterations relating to CIPA and ITMA arrangements – transitional (Paragraph 19(3) and (4) of Schedule 4 direction). | LSB directs the exemption from the requirement for LSB approval regulations made by ITMA in relation to section 83A Trade Marks Act 1994 and by CIPA in accordance with Section 275A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1998 and submitted prior to 1 January. This is to facilitate the transition from ownership of the relevant registers from the Intellectual Property Office to ITMA and CIPA on 1st January 2010. This direction is to be deemed made on and to be effective from 1 January 2010. |
| 30 December 2009 | Exemption Direction 1 Alterations falling below a de minimus line (Paragraph 19(3) and (4) of Schedule 4 direction). | LSB directs the exemption from the requirement for LSB approval for the types of alterations to Approved Regulators’ Regulatory Arrangements that are listed within the direction. These changes are considered to fall below a de minimus line. This direction is to be deemed made on and to be effective from 1 January 2010. |
| 30 December 2009 | Exemption Direction 2 Alterations relating to compliance with the Internal Governance Rules (Paragraph 19(3) and (4) of Schedule 4 direction). | LSB directs the exemption from the requirement for LSB approval for alterations to Approved Regulators’ Regulatory Arrangements that are made in order to achieve compliance with the Internal Governance Rules, that have been subject to non-compliance notification requirements and that have been agreed by the LSB as part of on-going Section 30 implementation arrangements. This direction is to be deemed made on and to be effective from 1 January 2010. |
| 29 December 2009 | The LSB wrote an open letter to approved regulators setting out next steps in relation to Implementing the Internal Governance and Practising Fee Rules | The next steps in relation to Implementing the Internal Governance and Practising Fee Rules. |
| 29 December 2009 | Consumer research | LSB releases results of December 2009 consumer research. |
| 10 December 2009 | The LSB wrote to all Approved Regulators setting out the next steps in the process for rule changes | Alterations to Regulatory Arrangements – Final rules and next steps. |
| 09 December 2009 | The Legal Services Board has reacted to the announcements on the set up process for the Office for Legal Complaints | The Legal Services Board has reacted to the announcements on the set up process for the Office for Legal Complaints. |
| 02 December 2009 | LSB letter to Approved Regulators on first tier complaints | On 30 November 2009 the Legal Services Board sent a letter to all Approved Regulators (ARs) regulatory bodies regarding complaints handling by providers of legal services (also known as ‘first-tier’ or 'in-house’ complaints handling). |
| 29 September 2009 | LSB 2009-2011- Request for applications for appointment to panel (pdf, 275kb) Framework agreement for procurement of legal services (pdf, 260kb) |
LSB issues tender for the provision of supplementary legal services. |
| 28 April 2009 | Widening access to the legal market | On 14 May 2009, David Edmonds will set out plans to open up the legal services market to new entrants and new ways of doing business. |
| 23 April 2009 | LSB recruitment | The LSB is recruiting for a variety of roles. Full details can be found on the Work for us page |
| 01 January 2009 | Legal Services Board is launched (pdf, 74kb) | On 1 January 2009 the Legal Services Board (LSB) became fully constituted with the formal appointment of Chris Kenny as its inaugural Chief Executive. |