Innovative development in the ABS market as BMA launches new in-house law firm

BMA Law is a new independent law firm set up by the British Medical Association (BMA) - the representative body of doctors and medical students - to provide legal advice to the health profession.

The new firm was licensed as an alternative business structure by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) at the beginning of the month. It will operate on a not-for-profit basis, with any surplus reinvested for its members’ benefit. As reported by Legal Futures, the BMA has 154,000 members; they will be offered preferential rates for advice on a number of areas including partnerships, commercial law, conveyancing and wills and probate. Some services will be provided in conjunction with other law firms, including New-Law Solicitors handling personal injury and private client work, as well as Mills & Reeve, Carson McDowell and Capital Law also involved in the provision of services.

The chief executive of the BMA, Keith Ward, said: "With the creation of BMA Law we are now in the position to offer our members and other healthcare professionals a comprehensive, one-stop law firm that meets their business and personal legal needs."