Essentially, any individual will be allowed to become a partner in a solicitor's practice provided that the solicitors remain in the majority. He or she would have to enter into a contract with the Law Society, agreeing to follow the professional rules of conduct, hold compulsory professional indemnity insurance and recognize all the Society's regulatory powers that exist to protect clients and the public interest.

The Law Society is currently taking legal advice and consulting with judges and experts on effective guidance on legal professional privilege -- often cited as a reason to oppose MDPs -- for firms that want to operate Legal Practice Plus.

"The Society is making substantial progress on developing the Legal Practice Plus model," said president Michael Napier. "We are pioneering flexible solutions to pave the way for MDPs, but we must get the regulatory model and protections for clients completely right. I hope that firms will be able to opt for Legal Practice Plus before the end of 2001."

What this all means for accountants looking to become partners in law firms is as yet unclear, says Tony Bromell, head of professional standards policy at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He adds that discussions with the Law Society to ensure that regulation of non-solicitor partners is not too bureaucratic or burdensome will start early in the New Year.

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