County court advocacy authority announced as 8th SRA approved ABS

Published: 06/07/2012

NAS Legal Ltd has become the 8th practice to be granted an alternative business structure licence by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

The Stockton on Tees firm will have three partners with solicitor Christopher Stannard its Head of Legal Practice.

The practice largely acts for other law firms as well as banks and building societies on housing and debt-related matters. It offers nationwide coverage through its network of over 200 self employed advocates, all of whom must have completed the legal practice course or Bar professional training course, or are chartered legal executives.

Helen Burgess, Business Development Manager, was said to be “delighted” about the firm’s ABS licence. She has however confirmed the firm will continue doing what it’s doing with no current plans to take further advantage of its ABS status.

NAS Legal Ltd’s was granted the first new ABS licence in a month, spurring further criticism over the SRA’s application process. Samantha Barrass, SRA Executive Director, has responded to these growing concerns, confirming there are currently 30 applications in the decision phase with a further 130 applications under initial review by its dedicated ABS team.

Content correct at time of publication

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