Legal services 'show little desire to modernise'?

Legal service providers have shown little desire to modernise provision in recent years, according to one industry observer.

Writing in Legal Week, Alex Novarese suggests alternative business structures will do more to change the sector than firms, or even consumers, have in the last decade.

He argues demand for modernised legal services has not been strong from industry clients, stating "a few brave pioneers" have attempted to take the industry forward, but some measures - such as the panel system - have patently failed to make good on promises to engender meaningful change.

Mr Norvarese also notes market entrants "working outside the traditional law firm model" could have a significant impact on legal practitioners and might be the driving force behind professional evolution.

The changes being ushered in are part of the new Legal Services Act, but some industry observers are questioning how they will be funded.