Notts lawyers warn about low-cost advice

Nottinghamshire Law Society has launched a campaign aimed at raising public awareness of the risks of unqualified people marketing low-cost legal advice.

The society, which represents 748 solicitors, is concerned about adverts by unqualified firms and claims assessors offering cheap will and probate and no win, no fee services.

It has hired a local public relations firm to co-ordinate the campaign. The national Law Society says the initiative could prove a model for other societies to adopt.

President of Nottingham shire Law Society Rupert Bear, senior partner at Rupert Bear Murray Davies, said: "These companies tread a very fine line. Their literature implies that the service is offered by a qualified solicitor when often it is not.

"We are concerned that the quality of advice offered is poor, that clients have no recourse if things go wrong, and that they could end up losing money."

The public awareness campaign began this month with an initiative on wills and probate work designed to coincide with national will week.

The campaign will also cover personal injury work and employment tribunals.

Planned activities include solicitor surgeries on local radio and the distribution of information leaflets. Local people needing advice are being encouraged to contact the local law society.