Co-op trials legal advice in bank branches

THE Co-operative Group is trialling the delivery of legal services through its bank branches, ahead of major changes in the market this year.

The pilot scheme, in three branches in Bristol, is being led The Co-operative Legal Services which has teamed up with sister co-operative Financial Services (CFS), o assess how legal advice can be delivered.

It will offer free legal advice to consumers who drop-in and to those who want an appointment. The results will then be analysed and used to help CLS mould its future strategy

Eddie Ryan, managing director of CLS, said: “Later this year the Legal Services Act will radically change the way in which solicitor services are delivered in England and Wales.

“The shake-up that the new Act offers is absolutely necessary if legal services are to become more accessible to customers. Many people feel that solicitors communicate with them poorly, use jargon that is confusing and don’t understand how services are priced.

“We believe that the presence of the Co-operative’s trusted brand in the market place, together with our combination of first class products and services, provides customers with both greater accessibility and better value for money.”

Rob Bulmer managing director, retail, at CFS added: “There are more than 300 branches of Britannia and The Co-operative Bank across the UK, so this pilot scheme will enable us to assess how legal services can be delivered on the high street. If successful, there is clearly great potential to bring these services under one roof.”

Launched in 2006 Co-operative Legal Services employs more than 380 staff, who offer legal help and advice on personal injury claims, will writing, probate and estate administration, conveyancing and employment law.