In a policy statement published last week, the LSB said it expects regulators to ensure consumers are given sufficient information to shop around for legal services, for example, through digital comparison tools (DCTs) such as customer feedback and comparison sites.
Law Society president I Stephanie Boyce said she welcomed the flexibility given to regulators to develop and test their own measures.
However, she warned: ‘Solicitors comply with rigorous transparency rules and the LSB places more expectations on regulated professions, but DCTs operating in the legal market are not subject to similar measures or regulatory oversight from the LSB or other frontline line regulators.
‘This is a real loophole that needs addressing in order to ensure the information is not distorted and for consumers and solicitors to build trust in these tools.’
