Criminal set Argent Chambers is to become the first UK set to launch a separate business unit intended to compete with solicitors firms to win work direct from clients.

Argent Law – due to launch in April – looks likely to be the first UK 'procureco', a groundbreaking initiative encouraged by Bar Council chairman Nicholas Green QC that will see chambers forming separate businesses as a means of winning work directly from companies and public bodies – cutting out solicitors.

The unit will offer commercial advice on compliance and regulatory matters and will exist independently of Argent Chambers. It will source work itself and is currently tendering for a panel of around 10 law firms, to which it intends to refer work.

The one-stop shop is intended to allow chambers to offer services at a cheaper rate than solicitors – reversing the traditional referral system that sees solicitors appoint chambers on behalf of clients. Argent Law is in talks with a number of companies and has already carried out a pilot with a major insurer and private equity house.

Argent business development manager Steve Jones said: "With the various changes affecting the legal profession, it was important to adopt a more corporate image and take advantage of what lays ahead, maximising the unique benefits of the Bar. Argent Law will offer an efficient, value-driven service to clients and strengthen our relationships with solicitors as we adopt a modern approach to legal service delivery."

The move comes after an 18-month period in which Argent Chambers re-branded from 2 Paper Buildings and moved into new premises in a bid to become more corporate.