The Legal Services Act 2007: A Call to Action or a looming threat?

Pressbox (Press Release) - Many are blissfully unaware of the looming revolution and the inevitable threat to traditional solicitors that The Legal Services Act 2007 may bring. Avanti Web Media Ltd specialises in providing law firms with online legal marketing and says the outlook needn't look so bleak, as long as firms start to review their current, branding, online presence and promotion now.

The Legal Services Act 2007 (aka 'Tesco Law') enables the establishment of Alternative Business Structures (ABSs); permitting outside non-law companies from offering legal advice. One motivation for ABSs is to increase competition and choice to the benefit of the consumer. Possible ABSs are rumoured to be major supermarkets or banks plus many more.

However it is perhaps not just the commercialisation of legal advice that will be to the disadvantage to local law firms, but rather the modern manner that these giants will advertise, communicate and provide legal advice.

Often the thought of visiting a solicitor at a difficult time is far from inviting. The perception is that solicitors are expensive and tainted with slow tradition. Enter a dependable supermarket retailer and the picture is vastly different. Many supermarkets have millions of customers who already trust them enough to invest their savings and insure their possessions. With such a trusted brand ready to offer legal advice, where does this leave traditional high street solicitors?

Local solicitors still have a distinct benefit to offer clients that the supermarkets et al do not. For instance, local firms can provide a personal service and a friendly face. This can be important for a client involved
in a complex or sensitive case. Nonetheless, solicitors will have to consider whether they could improve on their methods of communication and revamp their brand in order to compete.

The ‘big players’ in retail and banking always strive to provide outstanding customer service and this may well be where traditional firms fall down. The era of solicitors who don't offer online access, don't return phone calls and rely on drawn out meetings are over for ever. Solicitors need to realise this and act now.

The minimum that any potential client will expect is a professional and interactive website and without it they will go elsewhere. For solicitors who are committed to embracing modern online marketing methods to their distinct advantage, there are far more effective methods of online
marketing. Thinking like their big competitors, but highlighting their local and personal service is paramount.

For instance, providing regular free legal information on a website enables a client to enter and engage with the firm. Software such as an Online Payment Facility enables a client to pay their bill when and where they want to. Embracing the latest online technology can only benefit traditional
firms and they will become far more attractive to potential clients when the likes of the supermarkets and banks launch.

It is also paramount that any solicitor understands that clients are likely to start their search for legal advice via the leading search engines. There are many strategies that can ensure that a local solicitors’ website is able to appear in front of a client. Online legal advice, webinars and late night
access to advisers is the future and the internet already provides the solutions.

Avanti Web Media passionately believes that there is so much to be said for law firms providing a local and personal service. However, they will be left behind if they don't embrace the online marketing opportunities that exist beyond a standard website. Unless they are online, they will be unable to
compete effectively.

In this regard The Legal Services Act is a resounding 'call to action', rather than a looming threat.

Notes: Avanti Web Media specialises in providing online marketing, websites and branding to law firms. Please contact Robin Watson on 01202 237000 or robin.watson@avantiwebmedia.co.uk