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Howard Kennedy gambles on partnership revolution

To Anon @ 9.04AM. I have to say all this talk of computers etc handling legal work is really missing out some key points. For example, a West End firm is just completing a property purchase for us. Yes the forms are all on computers, and yes software can help prompt lawyers to produce docs more accurately. But, what really is this West End firm doing, what am I paying for? Not for the documents - they're standard already. I'm paying for the service, for them dealing with the seller, with agents and so on. I'm paying a lower price than a City firm would charge too. And because I can go in and meet them if I wish, I feel better than it being handled by a conveyancing factory in Cardiff. So, as to the main question: are West End firms on the way out? I'd say no. Will they be making loads of money? No, probably not. But they still fill a vital niche that I can't see going away: good service/OK prices.

11-Jan-2011

10:55 am