LSB research sparks consultation on lawyer competency checks

Legal Services Board (LSB) research has found a gap between public expectations of lawyers’ ongoing competency checks and the monitoring actually in place. 55 per cent of survey participants assumed skills and abilities were regularly checked. 95 per cent thought lawyers should be required to demonstrate competency throughout their careers. LSB chair, Dr Helen Phillips, said the LSB would consider “what more needs to be done… to build public confidence”. Policy proposals will be tested with stakeholders ahead of a consultation later this year.