FAQ 14

Q14. I am an employed barrister working for a firm of solicitors. I have been invited to become a partner. Am I able to do so?

A14. Yes, you are now able to become a partner in a firm of solicitors. The prohibition on barristers supplying legal services to the public through or on behalf of any other person (including a partnership company or other corporate body) has been removed from the Code of Conduct. The relevant provision (205) has been amended to allow legal services to be supplied to the public by self employed barristers, managers or employees of Recognised Bodies and employed barristers (if the employed barristers do not charge and are supplying the legal services whilst acting in the course of their employment).

Managers of Recognised Bodies are regulated by the SRA, as the regulator of the entity, although residual regulation of personal professional conduct continues to be by the BSB. The precise provisions which apply to barristers practising as managers or employees of Recognised Bodies are listed at 105C.1 of the Code of Conduct.