Law Society spending on consultants has rocketed by 50% over 12 months – with accounts due to be approved at the society’s AGM today (15 July) showing Chancery Lane spent more than £6m on outside professionals in 2003.

Accounts show Chancery Lane spent a total of £6.76m over the calendar year of 2003 on “non-legal professional fees”, against £4.35m in 2002.