Immediate Past President Presentation by Philip Thomson Immediate Past President March 2016

Law Society study identified 5 key drivers for change Global and national economic business environment How clients buy legal services Technological and process innovation New entrants and types of competition The political agenda including access to justice

“Business as usual is not an option for many, indeed any, traditional legal service providers. Innovation in services and service delivery will become a very differentiating factor”. “The need for all types of lawyer to expand their skill base beyond technical legal knowledge, to encompass business and project management skills and a better understanding of complex risk, places corporate and in-house lawyers ahead of the game, as they already work with clients ………….in environments which expect such skills as the norm”. “The implications of the Big 4 accountancy firms offering legal services should not be underestimated.”

Local authorities The Environment Austerity Local Government and Health Integration Plans to combine the Blue Light Services under the PCC Devolution and combined authorities.   

Local authorities – The Regulators Legal Services Board. “Are Regulatory Restrictions in Practicing for In House Lawyers Justified” and “ Statement on Section 15(4) of the Act” “Concerned that any unnecessary restrictions on in house lawyers may have the potential to impose costs and red tape, frustrate innovation and adversely affect access to justice” SRA response – Looking to the Future” November 2015. Users of legal services can chose flexibly from:- Completely unregulated business A regulated individual working in an unregulated business A fully regulated firm. Would allow a solicitor to provide non reserved legal services outside of a firm regulated by the SRA. BUT All reserved legal services must be through a regulated entity where the service is to the public or a section of the public.

Local Authorities – The ABS. Reasons – No issues as to vires. Culturally can play a part in driving change Freedom over conditions of employment. Eg salary and bonuses. Vehicle for sharing/merger in which other LA’s can invest. “ All else being equal ABS are 13-15 per cent more likely to introduce new legal services. They are also more likely to engage in strategic and organisational innovation” (Roper et al. 2015: 8)

Local Authorities – The response Partnership working – eg. EM LawShare. Public Law partnership Shared Services – eg. NP Law. Mid Kent, Cheltenham and Gloucester ABS. – HB Law, Buckinghamshire, LGSS and Essex.

Local Authorities – A View   Scale is key   Economies of scale Breadth of expertise. Resilience Better career structures and rewards A Public Sector Legal Service.

LLG can make a difference by (Through LLG Enterprises) providing relevant and quality training Raising awareness of innovative ways of operation that are more effective. Horizon scanning, raising the profile of LA solicitors and effectively representing them. Helping LA solicitors prepare for and embark on change. To be masters/mistresses of their own destiny. Becoming the “Go-to” point for Local Authorities and their stakeholders for advice and input into the development of legal services.

LLG wants to know Are these right – are they what you as our members want to see? Are there other things LLG should be doing?