Apr
26
Tesco: Food, Clothes… Now Law!
Tesco is currently launching its own range of legal services, after Lord Falconer’s call for an increase in cheaper and more accessible legal advice.
Initially offering low price will writing and storage services, Tesco Legal will expand the offering to include a DIY divorce kit for just over seven pounds, which will end a marriage without the use of a solicitor or legal professional.
The leading supermarket chain is also set to roll out DIY letting agreements and packs containing all forms people need to set up a limited company. These packs are accompanied by an online help service and a glossary of terms to help navigate the complexities of legalise. For more intricate legal problems the site offers a solicitors directory of those who can offer more complicated advice.
Experts in the field have said that Tesco Legal Store is set to be a frontrunner, but that many other companies will follow suit, offering an even wider range of cut price or self service legal services, particularly after the reform of the ownership rules which previously governed law firms.
In July 2009 following the release of a consultation document , lord Falconer hailed the move, dubbed ‘Tesco law’, as a visionary start to many more high street companies offering a new type of legal advice to the public. However the leader of the consultation, David Clementi, said the term ‘Tesco law’ was little more than a media coo and urged experts and the public to not be distracted by the term and deal with the real matter.
Whatever term you want to give it, the prospect of DIY or budget law is certainly a likely one, and if it is rolled out across more companies then the likelihood will be that fewer people will seek legal advice via the traditional channels, with many in the field raising concerns about the quality of this type of legality and urging the public to continue using reputable solicitors practices.
Despite this, The Law Society, whose members will most likely be affected by the move have suggested that they view Tesco’s legal site as an “innovative addition to the market”, implying there is room for both in today’s market.
Cheshire solicitors, Oneill Morgan have expertise in a wide range of legal areas, so if you need advice then visit www.oneill-morgan.co.uk to find out more about wills and probate and other areas of law.