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Minister says consumers the driving force behind legal reform
In an interview for Your Legal Rights, justice minister Bridget Prentice MP, explains how the aim of Legal Services Act is to ensure consumers are the driving force behind legal services.
Mark Stobbs, Director of the Bar Standards Board
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) was set up in 2006 to regulate all barristers in England and Wales. Previously the Bar Council was responsible for both the regulation and representation of barristers.
Professor Shamit Saggar, The Legal Complaints Service (LCS)
The Legal Complaints Service (LCS) is an independent complaints-handling body. It was set up in January 2006 when the Law Society separated representation, regulation and complaints handling. Previously the LCS was known as the Consumer Complaints Service and before that as the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors.
David Fisher, AXA insurance and Helen Merfield, rehabilitation expert
If you have been injured in an accident, your main concern is likely to be getting better as quickly as possible. But how do you go about this? Do you just go along to your GP?
Oliver Heald, shadow secretary of state for constitutional affairs
The Legal Services Bill going through Parliament will set up a new Legal Services Board to oversee the regulation of lawyers and a new independent legal complaints service. It will also change the way legal firms are allowed to operate, meaning organisations like banks or supermarkets could provide legal services in future.
Mark Boleat, claims management regulator at the Ministry of Justice
Claims managers either act for claimants or as an intermediary between claimants and lawyers. They work in a number areas including personal injury, financial mis-selling (such as endowments), employment, housing disrepair or criminal injuries compensation.
Peter Williamson, chair of the Solicitors Regulation Authority
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) was set up in 2006 to regulate all solicitors in England and Wales. Previously the Law Society was responsible for both the regulation and representation of solicitors.
Justin Jacobs, assistant director at the Association of British Insurers
There is a lot of debate at the moment about the "compensation culture" with many complaining we now live in a society where people are encouraged to "have a go".
Lord Whitty, chair of the National Consumer Council
For a long time consumers have suffered from poor customer service and poor value for money from lawyers - last year there was the equivalent of one complaint for every six solicitors. The government has proposed reforms that should make a difference.
Desmond Hudson, chief executive of The Law Society
The Law Society was set up in 1823. Until 2006, it was responsible for both representing and regulating solicitors. Following an independent review of the legal professions by Sir David Clementi in 2004, the two roles were split.
