Local government pioneers legal service

Mar 31, 2016

Written By Jack J Collins, Editor, AllAboutLaw.co.uk

What’s KLS, you ask? No, it’s not a tribute act to the once great X-Factor runners up – it’s a newly independent legal service set up in Kent to provide public services.

Kent County Council has approved plans to separate their law department into its own firm, creating a pioneering local legal services company rather than setting up a co-venture with a law firm.

After the scheme was given the go ahead at a Cabinet meeting last week, the Council has now pushed through the plans, stating that the business will set up a sustainable and increased income stream for its taxpayers.

The county’s legal department, known as Kent Legal Services (hence KLS), employs over 100 lawyers and has provided services to more than 600 public sector clients as part of the Council.

Geoff Wild, the director of governance and law, said: “The company will be able to operate in the wider market without the regulatory restrictions imposed on in-house lawyers and an increase in use of technology and new business systems will lead to more efficient and better working.

“This new contract and investment will significantly increase the contribution KLS can make to the funding of frontline services for the benefit of both our clients and the wider Kent community.”

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