Solicitors- Step Up, Look Sharp...

16 July, 2008
A new website will help UK consumers choose a local legal firm - based on anonymous feedback from its own clients. Solicitor.info (http://www.solicitor.info ) will show which solicitors score first-rate reviews, taking the strain out of seeking sound legal advice.

Unlike traditional paper-based directories and more recent online versions, Solicitor.info doesn’t list firms in order of advertising spend or the alphabet. Instead, it will create a ‘league table’ by region, aiming to become the biggest and best source of advice and reviews of solicitors all over the country. And, as it’s a directory driven by client feedback rather than sponsored listings, users can trust that the information they are getting is completely impartial.

A survey by the consumer organisation ‘Which?’ found that eight out of 10 people had used solicitors but a third of them felt they did not receive a good service. Solicitor.info will provide a forum for people to complain about – or compliment – a solicitor, helping lift the lid on the good, the bad and the ugly of the legal profession.

David Sprake, vice president of Solicitor.info, says: “The numbers of clients accusing solicitors of delays or bad service has soared in recent years and, unless you’re given a personal recommendation, you can face a long and frustrating search to find a reputable solicitor. Solicitor.info will put the general public’s ‘personal recommendations’ online to help everyone sort the shoddy practices from the leading lights of the legal profession.

“The site should also raise the bar for a profession which has a poor record on complaints: bad solicitors will no longer be able to hide behind fancy ads in the Yellow Pages, whilst solicitors with scores of contented customers will stand out from their competitors!”

Be afraid, be very afraid...