The Co-op has set out its stall to become the largest consumer law firm in the UK, dealing with conveyancing, probate, will writing, personal injury, family law and employment law.
It is the first major consumer brand to be granted alternative business structure (ABS) status under the new regime set to revolutionise the legal sector, and it plans to create 3,000 new jobs at Co-operative Legal Services.
Over the next five years, Co-operative Legal Services, which currently employs around 450 at its Bristol HQ, will open five regional hubs across England and Wales.
It will also open a family law operation in London later this year, while a current trial offering legal services in 30 Co-op banks will be rolled out across the entire network of 330 Co-op Bank and Britannia Building Society branches.
Group chief executive Peter 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.”
The ABS shake-up allows non-law firms to offer legal services.
The Co-op’s distribution of legal services is also likely to enlarge, given its current discussions over the acquisition of 632 bank branches from Lloyds.
Comments
They make a pretty good job of providing a funeral service throughout the country, so why not this?
Have they decided this on the back of the amazing initial figures that in deed,Harry Hills company,recently posted?
Maybe in deed and the co op will be the rightmove and zoopla of the conveyancing worlds this time next year... Rodney.
@Rob Hailstone
Only good if they actually get on with the job in hand and if they can do it more efficiently than some of the numpties and CPL then I'm up for it. If not then let them sink into oblivion.
Woolworth tried selling houses some years ago and that failed so what makes them think this will work?
Nobody mentioned it to me when I bought my milk this morning.
As an ex conveyancer and someone who now helps lawyers tackle the threats and opportunities that exist in their profession, does the fact that the Co-op intends to become the largest consumer law firm in the UK seem appealing to estate agents?