Legal services supported as ombudsman opens its doors?

Legal services in the UK should be more reliable than ever, as the Legal Ombudsman recently opened to the public and the organisation has already been working hard.

The majority of qualified solicitors and other law-certified professionals offer excellent legal services, yet a small minority risks bringing the sector into disrepute, with will-writing recently making headlines following a Panorama investigation.

Widespread publicity may have contributed to the high volume of interest shown in the Legal Ombudsman since it was launched earlier this month, as thisismoney.co.uk reveals the service received 1,500 queries during its first three days of business.

This indicates the office should contribute to a strong legal services sector in the UK, ensuring clients are able to access support should they encounter difficulties with a firm and thereby driving up quality.

As an impartial body, the organisation is not a "consumer champion" and operates independently of the government and the legal profession.