ABS Referendum 2010
23 March 2010 – 7 April 2010
The referendum results
Following the biggest turnout for a Society referendum, just 24 votes have very narrowly carried the vote in favour of the Society’s policy on alternative business structures.
At 50.3%, just over half the votes were in favour of continuing the Society policy in support of alternative business structures being introduced in Scotland. 2,245 voted in favour of the introduction of alternative business structures, as long as there are appropriate safeguards, while 2,221 voted against.
In the second question, a decisive 81% of votes were in favour of the Society applying to be a regulator of ABSs if they are introduced with 3,622 voting Yes and 844 voting No to the question. A total of 4,466 solicitors, 43% of the Society’s membership, voted in a secret ballot run by the Electoral Reforms Services, which closed at midday today, Wednesday 7 April.
The Society has received a requisition for a second referendum. This referendum is about the Society’s representative functions. See our press release for full details.
Alternative business structures
See our frequently asked questions page which is being updated regularly. For the latest communications from the Society on alternative business structures see the media section of the website.
Legal Services Bill
The Scottish Government’s Legal Services Bill is at Stage 1 in parliament (see Justice Committee report) with the debate scheduled for mid April. The Society is pushing for amendments to the Bill to strengthen the independence of the profession, impose greater duties on ministers to consult on regulations and bring unregulated providers within the scope of the Bill.
The Society is currently consulting on the regulatory framework and members are urged to respond by 16 April. For more details follow the link: Consultation.
The Society also held a Special General Meeting on the 25 March. The meeting was adjourned and will be reconvened on 16 April 2010. Follow the link for more details: SGM 2010
