Shatter slams ‘bogus claims’ of Law Society

LAWYERS are making “bogus” claims about threats to the independence of the profession in order to escape regulation, according to Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

He was responding to criticism from the Law Society of proposed rule changes aimed at making legal fees cheaper and creating an independent oversight body for the profession.

Lawyers had expressed concern that the ultimate decision-maker under the proposed Legal Services Regulatory Authority would be the justice minister.