Setting up as an ABS allows a firm to have non-lawyers in its ownership and management structure. This can bring in key people with valuable experience and skills. The non-lawyer can be involved through investment or as a partner or director.

An ABS arrangement can work well where:

• an established lawyer-owned firm wants to take on a non-lawyer partner
• an established law firm wants its non-lawyer practice manager to become a co-owner
• a non-legal business sees legal services as complementary and sets up a standalone business

We welcome applications from prospective firms whose:

• legal services are connected to the firm’s core business
• legal services are ringfenced in a separate company
• head of legal practice is a manager or owner

For more information please contact Giles Probert on 01234 845 759 or at giles.probert@cilexregulation.org.uk

Or read more about our basic principles for applicant firms