header-logo header-logo

March of the big brand

14 April 2011 / Jon Robins
Issue: 7461 + 7462 / Categories: Opinion
printer mail-detail

Lawyers talk about “Tesco Law” and the ongoing liberalisation of legal services...

Jon Robins offers some predictions on how deregulation will affect the legal services market

Lawyers talk about “Tesco Law” and the ongoing liberalisation of legal services, as though the 6 October start date for alternative business structures (ABSs)will mark a latter day “gold rush” led by big name supermarkets and banks. But what do the consumers want? Do they really want to buy their legal services through Virgin, the Co-Op or—for that matter—KwikFit? It’s a blindingly obvious question but one that is all too infrequently raised.

Recent research from the pollster YouGov reveals that, yes, around six out of 10 (60%) of adults are interested in receiving legal advice from well-known brands. The most popular being Barclays (19% would consider them), followed by the Co-Op and AA  (18%). Tesco who has lent its name to the movement (but shown little interest in it) also scored highly (16%) as did Virgin (15%). Not everyone was a winner though. Apparently,

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Ceri Morgan, knowledge counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd, which reshapes the law of fiduciary relationships and common law bribery
The boundaries of media access in family law are scrutinised by Nicholas Dobson in NLJ this week
Reflecting on personal experience, Professor Graham Zellick KC, Senior Master of the Bench and former Reader of the Middle Temple, questions the unchecked power of parliamentary privilege
Geoff Dover, managing director at Heirloom Fair Legal, sets out a blueprint for ethical litigation funding in the wake of high-profile law firm collapses
James Grice, head of innovation and AI at Lawfront, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal sector
back-to-top-scroll