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The Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) will drive many solicitors out of criminal law, the Law Society has warned. It is the latest hostile response to the final consultation on the scheme ahead of its introduction in January.

Our regular news round-up covers the Law Society bowing to pressure over criminal litigation accreditation scheme plans, banks signing up to a new probate protocol, QualitySolicitors’ charitable partnership with Barnardo’s, the College of Law adding a Masters in Law to the LPC, an IP firm diversifying, and sluggish growth at the top firms.

The chairman of the Bar Council has called for a last stand against several “objectionable” elements of the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates or else they will form part of similar schemes planned for all areas of legal practice.

There are more positive messages from the judiciary that they will take part in the new Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates, and they are relaxed about the prospect of assessments being used for appeals against conviction, it was claimed last week.

The fourth edition of the SRA Handbook in less than 10 months was published yesterday. It includes the delay in the introduction of the compliance officer regime, and the SRA has guaranteed that there will be no further hold-ups.