Co-op’s legal arm to create 3,000 jobs

THE Co-operative Group has announced plans to create 3,000 jobs in the legal sector as it expands the range of services on offer.

The jobs will be created at Co-operative Legal Services – its new consumer law brand set up following the implementation of the Legal Services Act – a shake-up of the sector which allow non-law firms to offer legal services.

The Co-op said that it will create the largest consumer law business in the country. In March, it became the first major consumer brand to be granted alternative business structure (ABS) status under the new regime.

Group chief executive, Peter Marks said that over the next five years Co-operative Legal Services, which currently employs around 450 at its Bristol base, would open five regional hubs across England and Wales and set up a new family law operation in London that will open later this year.

A current trial offering legal and funeral planning services in 30 Co-op banks will also be rolled out across all 330 Co-op Bank and Britannia Building Society branches.

Mr Marks said: “We already have a first class reputation for delivering professional services. We see the law as yet another area where a Co-operative solution can be successfully applied for the customer’s benefit.  

“Over the next five years, we want to fundamentally change the face of legal services and make access far easier – today’s announcement underlines that ambition.

He said that around 90% of the new jobs being created would actually be legal functions, and around 10% would be support staff.

“We are particularly keen to use our expansion as a way to offer opportunities to young people. Legal apprenticeships and opportunities for study leave will form an important part of this major employment opportunity.”

Services offered will include will writing; probate and estate administration; conveyancing; personal injury claims, family law and employment law services.