‘Caveat emptor’ – what next for access to justice in the UK now that the sale of law firms has started?

What price justice? What price fairness? What price independent legal advice?

 

Perhaps a better question is what value should we place on qualified legal advice delivered by independent, professionally qualified and rigorously (in this country at least) regulated solicitors.

 

We think it’s a question worth asking because the legal services market in the UK is on the threshold of a major shake up, the ramifications of which can only be guessed at…but actually we don’t need to guess, because the future of legal services is currently being shaped by a few key players in the US.

  

Attention all UK solicitors:

  

Legalzoom, the nemesis of US law firms and Rocket Lawyer, have a lot of money, a lot of entrepreneurial flair and a lot of ambition. They are coming to a market near us soon.

 

They are going to ‘eat our lunch’ and it ain’t gonna be pretty, no siree Bob.

 

Make no mistake – they have no qualms whatsoever (and why should they?) about carving themselves a nice slice of the UK legal services market. 

 

So who should care?

 

Solicitors, obviously…but who really cares about solicitors other than other solicitors?

 

Actually our clients do, that’s who…and here’s why.

 

If independent solicitors wither on the vine and die off, then access to justice will be the real casualty and the British public will be the real victims – not the beneficiaries….caveat emptor!! 

 

Before it’s too late, independent solicitors need to get on the front foot and fast on this issue. If the British public isn’t to be hoodwinked into believing that the brave new world of ‘anyone can do legal stuff’ is a good thing, solicitors, the people with the knowledge and the tradition of ethical, professional service – ABSOLUTELY MUST GET THEIR MESSAGE ACROSS.

 

…and as for the anticipated legal services invasion from across the pond; well, ‘grow a pair’ and prepare to fight for survival.

 

Nobody owes us a living but we owe it to our clients to stay in business and defend their legal rights.

 

What price strategies for the survival and growth of independent solicitors?

 

We think that developing a new way of thinking about the business of being in business as a lawyer is the only alternative to Alternative Business Structures…

 

We intend to be around for a long time yet and we hope you do too.