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Improve affordability by making unbundling a viable option

16 July 2025
Issue: 8125 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services , Consumer , Fees
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Unbundled legal services are rising in popularity, according to Legal Services Consumer Panel research

The panel’s 2025 Tracker Survey, published last week, found 21% of consumers opted for unbundled services last year compared to 18% who did so in 2024. Unbundling was most prevalent in probate (39% of clients), trademarks (36%), employment disputes (35%) and immigration matters (34%).

Only one in ten consumers was charged an hourly rate by their lawyer, while 57% paid a fixed fee.

Tom Hayhoe, chair of the panel, which provides independent advice to the Legal Services Board, said: ‘Innovative and affordable delivery models are no longer optional; they are essential to ensuring everyone can access a level playing field, not just those who can foot the bill. We applaud the Law Society’s actions to understand the risks in unbundling legal services but call on regulators to play their part in ensuring unbundling is a viable option for consumers.’

Issue: 8125 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services , Consumer , Fees
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
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