A new nationwide alliance of small and medium sized solicitor firms has been launched, in a bid to assist them to compete locally and regionally for personal, corporate and State legal services work.

The National Solicitors Alliance (NSA) will include up to 100 small and medium sized legal firms, with representation in all cities and larger towns.

The Alliance will co-ordinate public procurement and large client work from its head office, and it will provide support services to its members who will still retain their separate identities.

Its website will provide legal information for clients and details of its member firms.

NSA members gathered outside the Four Courts in Dublin at the recent launch.

The Alliance currently has 45 member firms throughout the country who, between them, have over 150 solicitors, in over 50 offices.

The NSA is limiting membership to 100 firms, to reflect a regional balance and is open for membership to like-minded law firms who subscribe to a high level of service delivery standards.