Licensed provider update

The Society is continuing its work on the regulatory regime for licensed legal services providers (“LPs”).

A licensed legal services provider will be a new type of business in Scotland which is licensed to provide legal services to the public, and which is regulated by the Society. While traditional legal practices can only be owned by solicitors who hold a practising certificate, and registered foreign lawyers, LPs can be owned by non-lawyers, although must be majority (51%) owned by solicitors or members of specified regulated professions. As a new type of legal services business, a new regulatory regime is required to ensure that high standards and protection for consumers are in place for those using their services.

Changes to the Society’s practice and accounts rules at the end of 2022 meant that changes to the LP regulatory scheme rules were needed. The Society, as required by statute, resubmitted the scheme for approval by Scottish ministers. It is working closely with the Scottish Government to progress matters following Government consultation on the updated scheme, prior to launching later this year.

There is useful information about LPs on the Society’s website which covers the key requirements to consider for anyone interested in setting up as a new legal services provider. It includes information on the designated roles within an LP, along with their key duties and the ownership criteria, and a Q&A with commonly asked questions.

The Society will provide further updates and keep the profession advised on when there is a firm launch date and when application materials and further guidance are published.

Find out more at the Society’s LP web page (under “Membership and fees”).