Regulators respond

Both the Bar and solicitors’ regulators proposed greater transparency last week in response to Competition and Market Authority accusations in a December 2016 report that the legal services market does not work well for the public and small businesses.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority said it would remove restrictions on solicitors working outside regulated firms, to make solicitors more affordable, and would trial ways for firms to publish prices in certain areas. The Bar Standards Board has proposed greater transparency on barristers’ services, fees and availability of redress