16/09/2009 BUYING LEGAL SERVICES IS IN DANGER OF BECOMING A SUPERMARKET SWEEP STYLE AUCTION THAT IS POTENTIALLY DETRIMENTAL TO THE CLIENT
As the revolution of the legal services market continues, the Co-op have announced that they are following in the footsteps of Tesco, by offering their 17 million weekly shoppers across 2,000 stores in the UK, a wide range of legal services.
Ken Curtis, Partner and Wills / Probate specialist at Curtis Parkinson Solicitors states: "Whilst we have to accept that customer buying habits are changing, and the consumer increasingly seeks a greater range of choice, legal services should not be treated like another 'soap powder commodity'. If this trend continues, we will end up in a 'Supermarket Sweep' style auction, with Dale Winton dispensing legal advice!"
The Law Society Gazette recently reported that a survey of public attitudes towards solicitors, commissioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, found that 69% of respondents ‘agree they would be concerned about the quality of service offered by organisations such as supermarkets’.
Pollster ComRes interviewed 1,014 people, and the survey revealed that consumers are ‘sceptical’ about banks and supermarkets providing legal services because they have concerns about the quality of work. The report added that ‘there is an overall view that banks and supermarkets cannot provide the same level of service as a firm of solicitors’.
Ken Curtis continues: "Those requiring legal advice must weigh up whether they are best served by the drive for profit by large faceless institutions, or whether they would benefit more from good, traditional advice from local solicitors. Will writing, estate administration / probate, conveyancing, employment and personal injury are more than adequately catered for by local solicitors, who offer impartial and professionally regulated services in a face to face setting."
Ken Curtis adds: "The traditional local solicitor offers a personal service, with a unique understanding of each individual case, with a fee structure that is totally transparent, with no hidden charges such as referral fees. In my own sphere of expertise, I know from years of experience that dealing with an estate can be a difficult and distressing time. I'm sure that having a local solicitor to hand with supportive staff, makes this a lot easier for the bereaved."
For further information, please contact:
Ken Curtis
Curtis Parkinson
Tel: 0115 931 7000
E-mail: kenneth.curtis @curtisparkinson.com