The Law Society is to call its first special general meeting (SGM) in more than four years, as the debate rages on over radical Government plans to overhaul the UK’s ailing £2bn legal aid system.

The unusual move was sparked after solicitor Roger Peach – name partner at Southampton practice Peach Grey & Co – this week presented the society with a petition featuring the 175 signatories required by society rules to call the SGM.