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Improve affordability by making unbundling a viable option

16 July 2025
Issue: 8125 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services , Consumer , Fees
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Unbundled legal services are rising in popularity, according to Legal Services Consumer Panel research

The panel’s 2025 Tracker Survey, published last week, found 21% of consumers opted for unbundled services last year compared to 18% who did so in 2024. Unbundling was most prevalent in probate (39% of clients), trademarks (36%), employment disputes (35%) and immigration matters (34%).

Only one in ten consumers was charged an hourly rate by their lawyer, while 57% paid a fixed fee.

Tom Hayhoe, chair of the panel, which provides independent advice to the Legal Services Board, said: ‘Innovative and affordable delivery models are no longer optional; they are essential to ensuring everyone can access a level playing field, not just those who can foot the bill. We applaud the Law Society’s actions to understand the risks in unbundling legal services but call on regulators to play their part in ensuring unbundling is a viable option for consumers.’

Issue: 8125 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services , Consumer , Fees
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