Argent Chambers is to become the first UK set to launch a seperate business unit to compete with solicitors, announced legalweek.com today.  The Chambers is to launch Argent Law as a seperate business formed to win work directly from clients.

This new initiative, which has been encouraged by Bar Council chairman Nicholas Green QC, will exist independently of Argent Chambers.  The newly formed business unit will provide commercial advice on compliance and regulatory matters and act as a one-stop shop designed to allow chambers to offer cheaper rates than solicitors.  It will turn the traditional referral scheme on its head, which previously saw solicitors appointing chambers on behalf of clients.

Argent business development manager, Steve Jones, said “with the various changes affecting the legal profession, it was important to adopt a more corporate image and take advantage of what lays ahead, maximising the unique benefits of the Bar.  Argent Law will offer an efficient, value driven service to clients and strengthen our relationships with solicitors as we adopt a modern approach to legal service delivery.”