The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) continues its efforts to encourage law firms to offer unbundled legal services, unveiling a pilot scheme aimed at examining the potential benefits of this approach. This initiative is driven by a significant unmet legal need among consumers and small businesses, primarily due to cost concerns (Legal Futures) (Law Gazette).
Unbundled legal services involve a law firm handling specific tasks rather than the entire legal process. While this can make legal services more affordable, many solicitors are hesitant due to the risks of partial representation and potential negligence claims. The pilot study will collaborate with the Law Society and the Legal Services Consumer Panel to assess the advantages and challenges of unbundled services in family law (Solicitors Regulation Authority) (Legal Futures).
The SRA’s pilot aims to provide a support system for firms through shared experiences and advice, ensuring compliance with SRA principle seven, which mandates acting in the client’s best interest. The regulator is also working to eliminate perceived regulatory barriers to offering unbundled services and to promote their feasibility (Legal Futures) (Solicitors Regulation Authority).
Despite the potential benefits, convincing the legal profession remains a challenge. A survey indicated that unbundled services accounted for only 16% of legal services in England and Wales in 2020, down from 19% in 2015. This decline highlights the profession’s scepticism and the need for robust evidence to demonstrate the viability of unbundled services(Legal Futures).
At Taborns, we find this development particularly relevant as we offer an unbundled service. Our approach allows clients to consult a solicitor for specific services, who might then recommend non-legal steps before proceeding with formal legal advice.
This method not only helps in managing costs but also ensures that clients are fully prepared and informed about their legal matters before diving into more intensive legal processes. We believe this model can significantly improve access to justice and provide more flexible, client-centred legal services.
Our proven method not only helps in managing costs but also ensures that clients are fully prepared and informed about their legal matters before diving into more intensive legal processes. We believe this model can significantly improve access to justice and provide more flexible, client-centred legal services. Get in touch today.