The representative bodies for barristers and solicitors have won big concessions in a looming overhaul of legal professions.

Both the Bar Council and Law Society will retain major powers when oversight of the sector transfers under long-delayed draft laws to a new independent regulator after centuries of self-regulation.

Measures to be presented to Cabinet on Tuesday by Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald will amend key strands of the Legal Services Regulation Bill of 2011, which still awaits enactment four years after it was introduced by her predecessor Alan Shatter.

The Bar Council will retain its power to refuse membership of the Law Library to barristers in employment, partnerships or new business models such as multidisciplinary practices or limited liability partnerships.

However, barristers operating outside the Bar Council will be allowed to establish a new professional body for recognition by the Minister.

Financial oversight

The Law Society will retain financial and accounting oversight of solicitors but the society will be overseen by the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority.

The Government has been criticised for long delays in the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas but it now hopes to conclude enactment by Christmas.