Legal services 'quality is as important as access'

When it comes to legal services, one lawyer notes quality is as important as access, indicating people should ensure they choose a reputable law firm for services such as conveyancing and estate administration.

On the subject of legal aid cuts, the Guardian reports some individuals have had their cases frustrated due to poor solicitor work.

This is rare as the majority of law professionals offer high-quality services, but highlights the importance of engaging well-known companies, or those that have been recommended by a trusted source.

The expert notes the Legal Services Commission has been warned by some not to jeopardise quality in its bid to cut costs due to government austerity measures, adding: "We can't lose sight of the quality of the product."

Many family law firms lost their contract to offer legal aid, with a little more than half of companies already in operation continuing to receive funding from the Ministry of Justice.