Appointment aims to strengthen frontline services and improve efficiency in regulatory investigations
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has appointed Blake Morgan LLP to support its regulatory enforcement investigations as part of efforts to strengthen capacity and improve performance in frontline services.
The regulator said the move forms part of a broader strategy to introduce greater flexibility into its enforcement function, particularly in handling less complex casework. By outsourcing elements of its investigations, the BSB aims to manage workload more effectively while maintaining regulatory standards.
Explaining the decision, the BSB said: “Our ambition is to achieve a flexible enforcement capacity that will stabilise, strengthen and improve performance across our frontline services.”
It added that outsourcing certain investigations would allow for “greater agility” in managing case volumes and operational pressures.
The regulator confirmed it will work in partnership with Blake Morgan LLP, citing the firm’s experience in regulatory law and investigations.
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with Blake Morgan LLP who have a wealth of regulatory experience to support our enforcement work,” the BSB said.
Blake Morgan, which has an established regulatory practice advising organisations and regulators on investigations and enforcement action, will assist in delivering aspects of the BSB’s enforcement caseload.
Commenting on the appointment, John Lucarotti, partner in the firm’s regulatory team, said: “We are delighted to be appointed as a legal provider to the Bar Standards Board and to support the effective and efficient delivery of its regulatory enforcement work.”
He added that the firm’s experience in legal services regulation positions it to contribute to the regulator’s objectives. “With extensive experience in legal services regulation and a team that includes a significant number of barristers, we have a deep understanding of the BSB’s role and the high standards it upholds for the profession.”
The appointment reflects increasing pressure on regulators to manage growing caseloads while maintaining timely and effective enforcement processes. By engaging external legal support, the BSB is seeking to ensure that investigations continue to be conducted efficiently without compromising regulatory oversight.
The announcement follows a series of recent initiatives by the BSB aimed at improving its enforcement processes and operational performance