The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is seeking to broaden the definition of employment for barristers working in-house for organisations that are not authorised law firms.

The regulator says it will give more flexibility to barristers and their employers, allowing them to work through agencies or other corporate vehicles.

Barristers who wish to work in this way are currently required to seek a waiver from the Bar Standards Board.

Consultation on the scope of practice closes on 15 December. It is the first step in a wider review of practice restrictions.

BSB Director of Regulatory Policy Ewen MacLeod said: “We are seeking to modernise our arrangements for employed barristers working outside of authorised law firms, to reflect better how employers seek to procure these services.

“In doing so, we want to ensure that there are no unintended consequences of amending the rules.”

At Milsted Langdon, we have expertise in advising barristers on new business structures.

From January 2015, the BSB began accepting applications from barristers wishing to set up new BSB-regulated businesses, offering reserved legal activities, including in-court advocacy. It means barristers are able to form companies, partnerships and LLPs.

Those interested in options for a more flexible organisational structure are encouraged to contact us to discuss how we can support on tax and other issues involved in operating under a changed model.