Will ABSs mean more commercialisation and a reduction in access to justice?
All regulators of alternative business structures (ABSs) will have to actively consider the specific impact on access to justice of individual ABS licences, without compromising the importance of the other regulatory objectives. New commercial providers could improve access to justice, for example, by reducing prices, operating longer opening hours or providing more services via internet and phone. However, there is also a risk that consolidation in particular sectors such as conveyancing or insurance could eliminate smaller firms that rely on these areas to substantiate less profitable lines of work, for example family or immigration. The SRA will monitor its own regulated firms, and attach conditions to licences as necessary, to ensure that this does not happen.
