Press release by ICAEW – Following its designation as an approved regulator and licensing authority for probate in 2014, ICAEW has launched a public consultation on its proposed application to become an approved regulator and licensing authority for further reserved legal activities, restricted to the area of taxation.
The Legal Services Act 2007 opened up the provision of reserved legal services to competition and practitioners, other than lawyers, can apply to provide reserved legal services. ICAEW is consulting on its proposals to apply to the Legal Services Board (LSB) to become a regulator of the remaining reserved legal activities.
- Conduct of litigation
- Rights of audience
- Reserved instrument activities
- Notarial services
- Administration of oaths
Vernon Soare, ICAEW Executive Director of Professional Standards, said: "The number of applications for authorisation and licensing for probate received during our first year as a regulator has far exceeded our expectations. Any further authorisation for legal services by ICAEW will be restricted to the service line of taxation. This is an obvious natural link for our members in traditional accountancy practices. The ability of our members to expand their offerings to include legal services has already increased access for consumers, which is clearly in the public interest."
