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Law Society

This episode of the Law Report focuses on the work of the Law Society of England and Wales. This is an update level course.



The Law Society was set up in 1823. Until 2006, it was responsible for both representing and regulating solicitors. Following an independent review of the legal professions by Sir David Clementi in 2004, the two roles were split and the Solicitors Regulation Authority was set up.

The Law Society now focuses on protecting and promoting the profession. It seeks to influence law and procedure by developing policy, lobbying decision makers, campaigning on key issues and commenting on proposals for change. It also offers training, information and advice to members.

The information in this podcast represented the legal position when it was recorded on 03/07/2007

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Aims and Outcomes

This podcast explores in detail the Law Society’s views on a number of key strategic legal reforms and its campaigning priorities.

It will be useful for any legal professional wanting to understand more about the role of the Law Society and changes taking place in the profession.

The interview lasts for 54 minutes. It will take you a further 20 minutes to complete the questionnaire. You will need to get 50 per cent of the questions right to gain your CPD.

Learning outcomes

After listening to the interview, you will understand:

  • The relationship between the Law Society, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Legal Complaints Service
  • The Law Society's views on the Legal Services Bill, particularly proposals for alternative business structures, and the threats and opportunities this presents to solicitors
  • The changing demands of the consumers of legal services and how solicitors, and the Law Society, need to respond to these
  • The difference between the public and consumer interest and the need to protect access to justice
  • The influence of technology on the legal profession
  • The "marketisation" of the legal profession and the impact of referral fees
  • The Law Society’s views on the reforms to legal aid and proposals for Home Information Packs
  • How the Law Society and the profession may develop in future
Des Hudson
Des Hudson

Des Hudson was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, and graduated in law from the University of Leeds in 1977. He qualified as a solicitor in 1980 and worked in private practice until 1987. During that time he became a salaried partner in a major provincial law firm in the north west of England, specialising in crime and child protection work.

In 1987 Des joined the Yorkshire Building Society as an assistant solicitor and held a number of positions during five years there. In 1992 he took up the post of head of lending at the Britannia Building Society. In 1995 he became operations director of Britannia Life, and in the following year he was made managing director.

In 1998 Des joined SMG (Scottish Media Group) to become chief executive of their publishing division and was appointed a director of SMG plc in 1999.

Des joined the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland in September 2004 as chief executive designate, subsequently becoming chief executive.

On 4 September 2006 Des took up the position of chief executive of the Law Society of England and Wales.

He is married with three children.