Articles From the Team

Are ABSs the future of legal services in the UK?

Well, it depends who you ask. Every man and his dog has an opinion on the impact that alternative business practices will have on the traditional law firm model. What is clear, is that whatever your opinion, ABS’s will have an impact on law firms and how they work.

Over 450 firms have completed the ABS application process with around 100+ being granted licenses. The big guns were out in force early doors with the likes of Irwin Mitchell, Co-Operative legal services and Parabis all fast out of the blocks.

The AA have recently shown their hand. Having been granted a license in December last year and following the inception of AA Law, they initially stuck to what they know best and used the license to handle motor claims through a collaboration with Lyons Davidson. Last week, the AA announced it was expanding its legal services provision into conveyancing. They will be providing the service through a panel of specialist firms including North West firms O’Neill Patient in Stockport and Stephensons in Altrincham.

Mark Huggins managing director of AA Law said that moving into conveyancing was a ‘logical development’ of the company’s expanding range of home and legal services.

Huggins added: ‘Many people are unsure where to go for conveyancing and selecting a suitable law firm can be daunting. ‘AA Home Conveyancing provides an instant online quote that includes all costs that might be expected with a home sale or purchase.’

People continue to look for a quick, simple and competitively priced solution to what can be a very stressful and sometimes life changing transaction. Are the AA offering the holy grail of conveyancing services or is this just another big hitter looking to take advantage of their ABS status? Watch this space.

For more information please contact Nick Carroll or visit our website BCL Legal