Dr. Don Thornhill:

I thank the Deputy for her questions. On the specific issue of disproportionate and inappropriate costs or costs that are too high, it can be a matter of complaint to the authority.

On the structural reforms provided for in the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, there are a number of pillars, the first of which is the introduction of legal partnerships, followed by limited legal partnerships. This will change structures in the legal profession. As I understand it, the intention behind the legislation is that it will change some of the competitive and cost dynamics in the provision of legal services. There are other provisions such as multidisciplinary partnerships. We have suggested this and it is implied from our advice that should be implemented downstream once there has been experience of legal and limited liability legal partnerships.

We have reviewed the education and training of barristers and solicitors and are aspiring to have a range of policy and practical changes to improve and create a more competitive dynamic in the provision of legal services. Can we guarantee that there will be a dramatic change overnight? We cannot do so, but we will certainly hope there will be significant changes in behaviour.