Changes to the barristers’ code of conduct that enable them to undertake work that was previously only open to solicitors will increase competition but give law firms the opportunity to pick up ‘talent from the bar’, according to consultants.

Last week, the Legal Services Board approved the Bar Standards Board’s application to relax the bar’s conduct rules to allow barristers to take advantage of the changes to practice permitted by the Legal Services Act 2007.

Barristers will be able to work with solicitors in legal disciplinary practices; work in partnership with other barristers; and work in a dual capacity by being self-employed in chambers and employed in an LDP.

The rule changes also mean barristers will be able to perform some work that has previously only been conducted by solicitors, such as attending at the police station, collecting evidence, preparing witness statements and conducting correspondence.

The public access scheme, which allows members of the public to instruct barristers directly, will expand to cover criminal and family work.

Peter Scott, founder of Peter Scott Consulting, said: ‘At first sight these changes will put solicitors on their mettle. The prospect of barristers coming on to the scene will present serious competition if the bar gets its act together.’

Scott said the changes were not bad news for law firms, but would provide a ‘great opportunity to pick up some of the very good talent from the bar.’

Tony Williams, founder of Jomati Consultants, said the bar was attempting to level the playing field amid concern that, as the government squeezes fees, solicitors will instruct barristers less, preferring to do the work themselves.