Law firms challenge supermarket solicitors (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Law firms challenge supermarket solicitors

8:45am Friday 5th June 2009 in

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BASINGSTOKE-based solicitors Clarke & Son has joined an alliance of top UK law firms that will be bidding to beat off competition from supermarket lawyers.

The firm, based at Manor House, in Winchester Road, Basingstoke, is one of around 100 law firms that have joined a nationwide alliance called QualitySolicitors.com.

They have joined forces as a brand in response to Government plans to allow people outside the profession to offer legal services.

Currently, solicitors can practise only in firms wholly owned and managed by other solicitors. But the Government has just announced that it is to press ahead with measures it set out in the 2007 Legal Services Act. This could see organisations such as Tesco, the Co- op and the AA providing legal services.

Clarke & Son senior partner Peter Turner (right) said he is concerned that services could be provided by unqualified call-centre staff who could be inadequately overseen by in-house solicitors.

Mr Turner said: “I see this as a real threat, especially to the smaller firms.

“I think there are a number of law marketing organisations which reckon that a third of solicitor firms will disappear, as these new legal service providers are going to do largely what is our bread and butter work.”

Talking about Clarke & Son’s move to join QualitySolicitors.com, Mr Turner said: “We’re delighted that our high quality of service has been recognised by being accepted into this exclusive organisation.

“We have always prided ourselves on putting our clients first and this is recognition of that.”

In welcoming Clarke & Son to the alliance, QualitySolicitors.com chief executive Craig Holt, said: “For too long, members of the public have had to face a lottery when choosing a solicitor.

“Recent events like the miners’ compensation scandal have shown us all that choosing the right solicitor is absolutely crucial.”

The London barrister added: “All our member firms are specifically selected for their exceptional quality and are then subject to continual public feedback.

“Any firm not meeting our high standards will be forced to leave the organisation. QualitySolicitors.com provides a long overdue resource where people can find a solicitor and be confident that they will both be of the highest quality and provide value for money.”