Tesco Law, John Lewis-style ads and ABSs

This glossy new ad from the high street network of solicitors branded as Quality Solicitors, now backed in part by private equity firm Palamon Capital (paywall) under the new rules for Alternative Business Structures under the Legal Services Act, shows one of the potential advantages available to firms that can now raise money from outside investment. Louise Restell on the QS blog has a wider take on the significance of the ABS - seeing it as delivering choice and quality to customers. Not everyone sees it that way, however, with critics worrying over the quality and independence of advice