The benefits here
lie in the
value that this additional capability brings to practice groups in respect
of: increasing the opportunity for
value add exchanges on key business issues with senior client leadership; providing joined up
legal and business
services - for example in respect
of corporate transactions and restructuring, and complex commercial negotiations in respect
of major B2B contracts; and extending the reach
of the brand beyond general counsel.
[108] Others raised the objections to alternative structures that are commonly raised: [109] that they are a threat to the profession's core
values, [110] that they will trigger irresolvable conflicts
of interest, [111] that lawyers will lose their independence, [112] that there is no evidence that alternative structures have increased access to justice in Australia or England & Wales, [113] that law firms can attract employees by paying competitive salaries without the need to offer employee shareholding, [114] that the burden
of proof
lies with those who advocate for alternative structures, [115] that there is no way to regulate alternative structures, [116] that alternative structures will lead to a consolidated market for
legal services, [117] that more research is required, [118] etc..