A report has revealed concerns over the current prevalence of cowboy legal services offering poorer quality service, with lower standards and no regulation.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) commissioned a report to help better understand the unregulated legal services market, which currently encompasses roughly 3,800 operators – 900 of which deal with Will writing and estate administration.
Most unregulated services operate to serve individuals or small businesses, with a quarter of these unregulated providers concentrated in Wills and estate administration, with a further 12% in family law and 11% in employment law.
The report concluded that both regulated and unregulated services acknowledged that cowboys or rogue traders were operating in the field, which was giving the honest and hardworking businesses a bad name.
It was suggested in conclusion of the report that providers agree to some level or regulation or accountability, with some requirements imposed to weed out the bad ones. Though it was accepted that even this wouldn’t stamp out cowboys entirely, as they would simply regroup in some other way.
The majority of providers agreed that deeper aspects of regulation would be beneficial in some areas, including Wills and Trusts, to ensure that the correct level of education, training and accountability be in place to offer a safer level of reliable service.
14% of those surveyed said that they would seek regulation if they were forced to disclose their regulation status.
Paul Phillip, SRA Chief Executive stated:
“Price, quality, levels of protection, and experience can differ greatly from one supplier to the next, whether regulated or unregulated, and what is the right mix for one consumer is not necessarily the right option for the next.
“Past research shows that regulated providers are more affordable than many people think, so the real distinction between regulated and unregulated providers is the consumer protection available. Our clickable logo, which the firms we regulate must display, is designed to make that clear.
“Helping people to understand what their money is buying – and not buying – when they engage a legal services provider will help them make good decisions about the service that is right for them. That is all the more important as the non-regulated market develops.”
Our Head of Wills and Probate, Charlotte Bandawe, says:
“Do not presume that solicitors are the more expensive choice when considering your options as to who you should instruct to assist you with your legal matters. This is often not the case.
“Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and therefore we have to meet certain standards. One of these standards is to be transparent with our fees.
“As such, you will not be blindsided with unexpected costs and will be advised in advance of our fees before the work is commenced. If your matter becomes more complex throughout the course of your instruction, you will again be informed of any potential additional fees before the supplementary work is carried out.
“As solicitors are regulated by the SRA, if your matter is not handled correctly then the SRA, as a supervisory body, will help to deal with your complaint. You will not go unheard.”
Why choose Oakwood Solicitors when considering writing your Will?
As an SRA regulated firm, our Wills and Probate team has gained an excellent reputation amongst local organisations and their client-base for delivering a personal and compassionate service.
We pride ourselves on having a high standard of customer service and making all our current and potential clients feel at ease when making any decisions regarding their future wishes.
Further reading
Wills – Oakwood Solicitors
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) – Oakwood Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
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Charlotte Bandawe is our Head of Wills and Probate department, leading a team of three other colleagues.
Charlotte is also a member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers. View her Association For …
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