17 May 2010: Top Law Professionals give ‘Inside Track’ on Future of Legal Services Market
Leaders from across the legal profession will give their take on the future of the rapidly changing legal services arena in a new series of The College of Law’s ‘Inside Track’ podcasts.
The series, which launches on the College’s website today (Monday, May 17), will gather a range of perspectives from principal figures representing different areas of the legal sector in answer to the question: ‘What will the legal services market look like in five years time?’
The first programme in the series of five, to be published weekly, features Nicholas Green QC, Chairman of the Bar. The other guests in the series are Ted Burke, Chief Executive of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Chris Kenny, Chief Executive of the Legal Services Board, Neil Kinsella, Chief Executive and Managing Partner of leading national law firm Russell Jones & Walker and Alison Hook, Head of International for The Law Society.
Interviewees will be asked for their opinions on how they think the employment market in the legal sector will develop and how the next generation of young lawyers can prepare for that market.
Nigel Savage, Chief Executive of The College of Law, said: “The introduction of the Legal Services Act alongside the increasing trend towards globalisation and commoditisation of legal services means that the market is experiencing radical change. This represents both challenges and enormous opportunities for young lawyers taking the first steps in their careers.
“Our new podcast series provides fascinating insights into what shape this change might take over the next few years from some of the country’s leading industry figures, which will help the next generation to maximise the opportunities available to them.”
In the podcast published today Nicholas Green QC outlines his vision for the future of the Bar, his optimism that it will continue to develop and grow and his belief in the need for it to become more commercial while holding on to the highest professional standards. He discusses the impact of the Legal Services Act, including the ability of barristers to go into partnership with solicitors, the issue of direct access to the Bar plus the increasing flexibility of career routes into the profession.
Nicholas Green QC, Chairman of the Bar
He also looks at the challenges ahead including the increasing competition between the Bar and solicitors in criminal work, the rise of the Higher Court Advocate, or solicitor advocate, and cuts in Legal Aid.
While ‘Inside Track’ is aimed at prospective members of the legal profession, it will also be a useful resource for qualified lawyers and non-lawyers with an interest in the law and is free to download. The interviews are conducted by Mike Semple Piggot, who writes the well known ‘Charon QC’ legal blog.
To listen to the interview with Nicholas Green QC and to obtain the publication dates for forthcoming podcasts go to Podcasts Series 2.
Further information from Lucy Wray, Press Officer, The College of Law on 01483 216072 (lucy.wray@lawcol.co.uk)
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