WH Smith to offer in-store legal services

WH Smith has teamed up with QualitySolicitors to offer in-store legal help to customers, as fears grow within the industry that there could be a fresh boom in personal industry litigation.

The retailer is launching ahead of October’s Legal Service Act, known as the “Tesco Law”, which will enable non-legal firms such as banks and supermarkets to offer legal services.

Access points wil be staffed by QualitySolicitors, who will book appointments, provide conveyancing quotes, sell will packages and give advisory sessions for a fixed fee.

There are fears within the insurance industry the new “Tesco Law” will trigger an explosion in personal injury claims as access to legal services widens dramatically. Banks, supermarkets and high street stores will be able to offer legal services.

Craig Holt, QualitySolicitors' chief executive, said that the tie-up represents "the future of legal services".

Holt said: "It provides both the key elements required for market dominance – accessibility and visibility. It provides everything the Legal Services Act was hoped to provide without the perceived negatives – accessible, consumer-friendly legal services but with the actual legal work being done by expert, leading local law firms and not unqualified staff in a remote call centre.”