Member Article

Leeds solicitors dive into the digital marketplace as legal sector adapts to new legislation

Blacks Solicitors has become the first law firm in Yorkshire to join a comprehensive legal rate and review portal as it overcomes the challenges causing turbulence in the legal sector.

Many legal firms are facing challenges due to reforms in Legal Aid, restrictions on the payment of referral fees and the introduction of Alternative Business Structures.

Leeds-based law firm, Blacks Solicitors LLP, is the first legal firm in Yorkshire to register itself as a member firm on RatedSolicitors.com – a comprehensive website which allows consumers to search, review and rate firms and individual solicitors across the UK.

Founded by practicing solicitor Dean Morris, RatedSolicitors.com launched on 14 January 2014.

It has been designed to offer those searching for legal advice valuable information on law firms, the legal professionals within each firm and reviews and ratings based on the firm’s and individuals’ level of service and customer care.

The site also allows users to filter by location, specialism and star rating making it easier than ever for consumers to find exactly what they are looking for.

Reforms to Legal Aid, restrictions on the payment of referral fees and the introduction of Alternative Business Structures (meaning non-lawyers can now own law firms) are just some of the challenges which the legal market is currently facing.

RatedSolicitors.com aims to give legal firms and their fee earners a platform to promote their services and give consumers peace of mind that the firm they’re seeking legal support from is going to offer them the very best service.

Commenting on the new site, Chris Allen, (below) managing partner at Blacks LLP, says: “There is definitely a gap in the market for a service like this.

“Consumer buying behaviours are changing and the legal profession needs to stay ahead of this. Like anything, consumers head straight to the internet to research a product or service and the same applies to seeking legal advice.

“We’ve placed a lot of emphasis on delivering high-quality customer care, so it will be a great resource for potential customers to find what they’re looking for.”

Dean Morris, solicitor and managing director at RatedSolicitors.com, comments: “We’re delighted to haveBlacks Solicitors on board.

“They’re a fantastic firm with a great profile to showcase Yorkshire. We look forward to welcoming other leading firms in the not so distant future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .