Research suggests consumers lack basic information regarding legal services
The majority of the public have no idea what lawyers do, and only 14% “shop around” for the right lawyer.
Research commissioned by the Legal Services Board reveals a knowledge gap among consumers—less than a third of more than 2,000 adults surveyed in December last year felt they knew at least a “fair” amount of what it is lawyers do.
The figures suggest the public feels disempowered when it comes to comparing services and choosing their lawyer.
More than 60% of those taking part in the survey had personally used legal services, with 53% having used them at least once in the last five years. Three-quarters of them were satisfied or very satisfied with the legal advice they received.
The findings coincide with a new era of consumer-focused reform within the legal profession.
History was made on 1 January 2010 as a new regulatory regime affecting all lawyers came into effect.
A single body, the Legal Services Board, will now oversee the entire legal services sector, working with eight separate bodies named as approved regulators in the Legal Services Act 2007. David Edmonds, Legal Services Board chairman, says: “This research shows that consumers do not have the information or, sometimes, the skills to choose a lawyer based on their own assessment of quality or cost.
“The reforms to be brought about by the new regulatory framework have the potential to change the relationship between lawyers and the public.Our goal is to enhance the interests of consumers through effective competition and more innovative ways of delivering legal services.”
The organisation has appointed a panel of specialist advisers: Philip Havers QC, of 1 Crown Office Row; Helga Breen of Lawrence Graham; Stephanie Grundy; Louise Jones of 1 Temple Gardens; and Trading Terms Ltd.
Its general advisers are 39 Essex Street and Lovells (main contacts are partner Paul Dacam and associate Charles Brasted).
Bruce Macmillan, general counsel of the Legal Services Board, says: “We are pleased to announce this panel, which brings together some very authoritative figures and teams from across the legal landscape. The services they provide, both as individuals and as a panel, will provide valuable support to the lawyers working within the Legal Service Board.”
