Law firms failing to comply with price transparency rules

Just 28 per cent of law firms are compliant with new price transparency regulations, according to a recent analysis.

The research, published by legal sector publication Legal Futures, found that just 14 of 50 law firm websites analysed had published mandatory information on prices about a variety of services.

The report’s authors noted that the “vast majority of firms showed no sign that they were aware of the new rules that came into force” this month.

They added that in some instances, even basic regulatory information was not included, while others had included comprehensive pricing but failed to include service information or details of staff.

The study also uncovered discrepancies in how such information was presented. Some law firms were forthcoming in publishing pricing information, while others had “hid it away in a link at the bottom of their sites”.

The report has been published after the introduction of new price transparency rules on 6 December this year.

Under the new rules, all regulated law firms are required to proactively publish information on the prices they charge and what these include.

The information relates to a variety of public services [conveyancing, probate, motoring offences, employment tribunals (claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal) and immigration (excluding asylum)], as well as some corporate services [debt recovery (up to £100k), employment tribunals (defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal) and licensing applications for business premises].

Commenting on the new regulations, Paul Philip, SRA Chief Executive, said: “Publishing information on price, services and protections will not only benefit the public, but will also help law firms win new business. Research shows that people struggle to find clear information about the services firms offer and think using a solicitor is more expensive than it actually is.”

The new rules follow recent research which suggests that 85 per cent of customers want information on price, protections and quality of service before choosing a legal services provider.

Posted in Craig Reid.