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Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) has today launched its much-touted family law operation in London, offering services on a fixed fee as standard. CLS, which was one of the first three alternative business structures, has so far recruited 22 fee-earners.

Big brands providing legal services will face “risks and pressures” which are not present in smaller private practice law firms – but the measures in place to control them “are likely to be substantial”, a senior member of the Co-operative Legal Services team has claimed, explaining what new entrants to the law will bring.

Three of the seven ABSs so far approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority have been granted waivers as part of their applications, it has emerged. It also warned applicants who may have tight timescales for approval that it will not guarantee to meet them.

The alternative business structure landscape is finally stirring into life with a rash of eye-catching and some downright left-field players emerging into the light. Some are well predicted, with the Co-operative Group making the boldest play and seeking mass distribution through major customer centres around the country and up to 3,000 new staff. Others, like Eddie Stobart, underline how fluid the picture could be.

Our regular round-up includes strong backing for intellectual property ABSs, Eddie Ryan leaving Co-operative Legal Services, a new digital copyright licence for law firms, an “unacceptable” lack of transparency over PII commissions, and a warning that law firms are being targeted by online espionage.