Commentary on Sections Part 5: Alternative Business Structures
178.This Part of the Act makes provision for new alternative business structures as a vehicle for providing legal and other advice and services. It enables lawyers and non-lawyers to form legal partnerships and companies as vehicles for the provision of reserved legal services. Where non-lawyers are managers of, or have an interest in, such a body, the body must become a licensed body, licensed and regulated by a licensing authority, in accordance with the provisions of Part 5. Existing regulators of legal services may apply to the Board to become licensing authorities. If there are no other appropriate licensing authorities, the Board itself can act as a licensing authority.
179.Consumers can complain about matters relating to the services provided by ABS firms: first through in-house complaints arrangements, and if necessary, to the new ombudsman scheme that will be administered by the OLC.