National legal chiefs coming to Leeds to debate future of industry

The national governing body for all legal services are heading to Leeds, “the most important legal sector outside London”, to urge professionals across the north of England to help shape the future of the legal sector.

This upcoming meeting will mark the first time The Legal Services Board (LSB), which is responsible for governing all legal regulators, has held an event outside of London.

The LSB will come to the West Yorkshire city with the Legal Services Consumer Panel and the Legal Ombudsman to call on professionals from across the north to debate future regulation.

The meet, which will be hosted in partnership with the Leeds Law Society and held at Leeds Town Hall on November 26, will attempt to get individuals involved in the legal profession to speak out on key industry issues and develop a strategy for the future of the sector.

The Legal Services Board (LSB) Sir Michael Pitt, chair of the Legal Services Consumer Panel Elisabeth Davies and chair of the Legal Ombudsman Steve Green will be in attendance to take part in a debate.

Sir Michael Pitt said: “Leeds is an important legal centre and is an integral part of the Northern Powerhouse. It has a thriving legal sector, a very active law society and a major voice in the profession nationally.

“We have to get out there and engage with those on the frontline of legal services and ensure we understand the issues they face. As one of the most important legal sectors outside of London, Leeds was the logical option.

“The debate will allow the professionals of the north to discuss where legal services are going over the next five to ten years and allow us to report back on the current state of the sector.”

Colin Gilbert, Leeds Law Society president, added: “Leeds has long been recognised as the legal centre of the north and it’s fantastic to see the three most important bodies at the head of this profession coming here to seek opinions on its future.

“We have to find ways to decrease the amount of regulation legal service providers face while not decreasing the oversight. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to have their say on how that can be achieved.

“Leeds Law Society is one of the most influential societies in the country and we work hard to make sure our members’ voices are heard. To get the opportunity for professionals in the north to speak directly to the decision makers at an event here in Leeds is fantastic and is testament to the strength of our legal sector and the respect it commands nationally.”

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