The current Scomo model allows individuals to work as self-employed consultants within the framework of a firm that provides support and advice whilst also ensuring compliance with the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct and statutory provisions, for instance that relating to data protection.

We have recently been considering whether we could extend our model to allow sole practitioners and small firms to join us whilst maintaining their professional independence.

It seems likely that many small firms, even those with good claims records, will have difficulty getting PI Insurance at a reasonable rate or at all later this year. This is not because the solicitors in these firms are less honest than other practitioners, but simply that the insurers believe that small firms may not have the expertise to set up robust management and risk assessment systems nor the time and energy to monitor and enforce them thoroughly.

Our insurer is satisfied that we have the necessary expertise, time and energy, to set up and enforce robust systems. If we have a formal agreement with other firms to set up and enforce such systems in their practices, our insurer will offer insurance cover at the favourable rates that it gives us.

The SRA allows a great deal of freedom as to how firms organise themselves internally, which means that we can offer firms that join us freedom to maintain their professional identity and develop their business as they wish. The firm would be treated as a branch office of Scomo and would retain its name, its offices, its bank accounts, its staff and its clients.

Our charges will reflect the services and benefits we offer and will be tailored to the individual circumstances of the firm.

If you are interested in exploring this idea further, please e-mail us at scomo@scomo.com giving us your telephone number and Lucy Scott-Moncrieff will contact you shortly.