Judging from the reaction to my blog on the new outcomes-focused regulation the profession is not overwhelmingly optimistic about this. However, one positive thing to hang on to in troubling times is the solicitor’s traditional role as a trusted advisor and how that concept is enshrined in the new rules.

The introduction to the code of conduct states, 'Those involved in providing legal advice and representation have long held the role of trusted adviser.' And Principle 2:2.6, Personal integrity, is central to your role as the client's trusted adviser and should characterise all your professional dealings with clients, the court, other lawyers and the public.

That is clearly what the public expects from us as a profession. They want us to be a traditional adviser and not a mere technician of the law. Legal knowledge and information is freely available in 101 "How to..." books and websites. What the public want is our judgement, not our knowledge. I write that admitting that sometimes our judgement is fallible but judgement laced with commonsense that we specialise in as a profession.

I suspect too that that is what we want as solicitors. We all secretly desire to be the man or woman of business like Soames Forsyte's character in The Forsyte Saga novels; giving sage wisdom to people in trouble. This role fits all lawyers whether high street, commercial or niche. Whether you are advising on the purchase of a jumbo jet, or a second-hand car, it is judgement we are asked for and not just the nuts and bolts of the law.

The skills necessary for that role - whether confidentiality and impartially - are all valuable skills. They are increasingly important in a diverse and changing society. To some extent the public have lost those skills themselves and the availability to access them. The traditional roles which were the remit of the parish priest, teacher, GP, bank manager - have all gone to some extent. The traditional closely knit large families with such resources and experience is disappearing. If that is what the public want are they prepared to pay for it? Probably not.

It remains to be seen whether the new rule regime will enhance this role or diminish it. Hopefully if we are encouraged and allowed to regulate ourselves we will have at least a chance. I do not think it is relevant whether this service or role is performed by large branded or franchised firms or independent solicitors. The public and profession will still want the same thing.

David Pickup is a partner in Aylesbury based Pickup & Scott