This was the first opportunity the Law Society had to respond to the Legal Services Regulation Bill (it was published on the 12th Oct and the seminar was on 13th Oct). Overall, the Law Society approved of the changes in the legal costs structure but felt that the regulatory powers outlined present a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary.
Ken Murphy welcomed many of the reforms outlined in the Legal Services Regulation Bill but highlighted the concerns over the proposed regulation model. He recognised the need to modernise the current costs system which will improve clients’ relationships but had some serious reservations regarding the proposed regulatory model. There is a worry that the new structure would severely threaten the independence of the Judiciary in Ireland which is one of the core pillars in the separation of powers within the State.