Shake-up in law allows supermarkets to offer legal services
Supermarkets in England and Wales are now able to sell consumer legal services. According the government, the new Legal Services Act will offer the public more choice and better value for money.
When the act was first proposed under the Labour government, critics said it would undermine the quality and independence of advice. But the current government argues that potential customers will find that legal services will become more accessible, efficient and competitive.
Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly said: “Our legal services are already rated among the best in the world, used by millions of people around the globe as well as in the UK, and these changes will set them up to move to new heights.”
Under new trading bodies known as Alternative Buisness Structures, lawyers will be able to work in different kinds of businesses other than law firms and offer a range of legal services.
The first of the new legal businesses will focus on conveyancing covering services such as property law and probate.
The Co-operative is one of the first retailers to have expressed an interest in offering legal services to its customers and is applying for the required registration.
