A new task force set up by the Law Society to support smaller solicitor firms is seeking feedback and submissions from members on a number of key issues.

The move follows a recent decision by the Law Society Council to form a new Practice Support Task Force to consider the needs of small practices, and what the Society can do for them.

Writing in the latest President’s Bulletin, Law Society President James Cahill (pictured) said that, even before the pandemic, many members had highlighted the pressure and frustration experienced by small practices from increasing demands, and a changing business environment.

Essential community service

“The Law Society values smaller firms as providers of an essential community service, and wants to help them to secure a sustainable future,” he said.

The new task force is looking for feedback and submissions on a number of issues, including:

• how to make practices more sustainable and successful commercially,
• the increased obligations being imposed on solicitors by Government, public agencies or regulators,
• what is needed to support smaller practices with Law Society initiatives,
• what supports could assist to de-risk the practice lives of solicitors, and
• other issues or challenges that are particularly stressful for smaller practices.

Feedback or submissions will be treated in strict confidence, and can be sent by email to Justin Purcell before 18 December.