Alternative Business Structures fact sheet

A group of people in discussion

Published on: 09 June 2008

The Legal Services Act, which received Royal Assent on 30 October 2007, reforms the way in which legal services are regulated in England and Wales. The Act establishes an oversight regulator, the Legal Services Board, and an independent complaints handling body, the Office for Legal Complaints.

The Act will also allow for Alternative Business Structures, which will enable law firms to explore new ways of organising their businesses to be more cost-effective, permit different kinds of lawyers and non-lawyers to work together, and allow for external investment.

This fact sheet describes the main benefits of Alternative Business Structures, and provides a summary of the provisions of the Act.