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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.

Two junior barristers from Liverpool have launched a public access service which offers legal advice to consumers for a £150 fixed fee. It comes as a new fixed-fee ‘find a solicitor’ site seeks to target those who are just above the eligibility threshold for legal aid,

With more and more barristers capable of serving the public directly, it may seem like public access is only going to lead to greater competition with solicitors. But, argues senior clerk Scott Baldwin, there is actually a business opportunity here that could benefit both sides.

The Bar Council is urging barristers to embrace public access. But, says John Binks, the reality of doing the work will come as a rude shock to many barristers. It can be done, but they will need to revisit the way they do business, including the chambers model.

The recession has encouraged in-house lawyers to make more use of what they see as a new, business-minded Bar by instructing them directly, research has revealed. The report, commissioned by Hardwicke Chambers and conducted by Legal Futures Associate Jures, found greater expertise and better value for money than solicitors were also factors.