Independent research commissioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) found most firms were complying with the rules. This appeared to be increasing consumer transparency―only one in ten consumers reported that they believed instructing a solicitor was unaffordable, compared with more than half prior to the transparency rules.
The rules, introduced in December 2018, with further elements introduced in November 2019, require all regulated law firms to publish price and information on their websites about certain common legal services, such as conveyancing.
Paul Philip, SRA chief executive, said: ‘Currently only one in ten people who have a legal issue are going to professional providers such as solicitors for help.
‘We know that a lack of easy to find information about the services law firms’ offer and the cost of those services is part of the problem. So it is really encouraging to see that, although it is still early days, people and small businesses are looking at the information now available and finding it useful, particularly as they think about the type and costs of the service they need.’
Law Society president David Greene said: ‘The level of consumer engagement with the pricing information available is encouraging but it also needs to be seen in the context of relatively recent measures which are still bedding in.
‘The Law Society has always maintained that the cost of legal services is one aspect of a complex picture. It is therefore encouraging to see that in most cases, the final decision on who to instruct is ultimately based on experience, recommendations and reputation.’
