Co-op Legal Services continues on strong growth trajectory

25 September 2024

  • Co-op Legal Services’ growth performance continues in the first half of 2024, driven by increase in new clients and members, and the ongoing success of partnerships and digital channels
  • New legal case openings up 32% to 23,539 during the initial six months of the year (same period 2023: 17,782)
  • Revenue up by 35% to £42m during the first half of 2024 (same period 2023: £31m) and underlying profit increased by 56% to £14m (H1 2023: £9m)
  • This was achieved whilst Co-op Legal Services held the price of its services throughout H1 2024 to support member-owners and clients

Co-op Legal Services has delivered continued growth during the first half of the year, while holding prices on its services for members and clients.

The member-owned organisation achieved strong volume growth in the initial six months of 2024, opening 32% more new legal cases, than in the same period last year. Meanwhile, it’s Estate Planning arm had a particularly outstanding start to the year, with case openings increasing by 45%, compared to the first half of 2023. Accessible digital channels and the provision of personalised legal services at value for money prices have been the key drivers in attracting new clients and members.

Significant progress to strengthen and grow the business during 2024 was made through successful partnerships with a variety of organisations, from financial services businesses to charities, which has enabled Co-op Legal Services to extend its reach and make its expert services accessible to more member-owners and clients.

Digital expansion remains a primary focus for the business in 2024 and throughout the first half of the year, Co-op Legal Services continued to evolve its service offering through investment in automated production processes within the probate practice area. Further investment in this technology will enable the business to significantly improve its core operations and achieve further scale.

Another key enabler of Co-op Legal Services success is its colleagues – by combining the qualities of empathy and expertise, they continue to deliver high standards of service daily for clients. This is reflected in the businesses excellent scores from Trustpilot, securing 4.9 out of 5 for Co-op Estate Planning and 4.7 out of 5 for Co-op Legal Services.

As an accessible employer, Co-op Legal Services recognises the value of apprenticeships and in February, the business launched five new Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships for students wishing to embark on an alternative route into the legal profession, providing them with the opportunity to earn while they study for a law degree.

Caoilionn Hurley, Managing Director of Co-op Legal and Life Services said: “Co-op Legal Services has enjoyed an extremely positive start to 2024, with our business remaining on a strong growth trajectory.

“The continued success of our Legal Services business is down to the energy and passion of our colleagues. They are the heart of our business and its success, while their commitment to our clients and member-owners enables us to provide them with the highest standards of expert legal service.

“Increased digitalisation and accessibility, expanding and strengthening our partnerships and delivering optimal customer journeys remain at the core of our strategy, and this has been fundamental to our growth so far in 2024.”

-Ends-

Notes to the editor

For more information, please contact pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op Legal Services

Co-op Legal Services is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, providing legal services in England and Wales. It is one of the largest providers of estate planning and probate services in the UK, with specialist practices in family law, serious injury and medical negligence.

Co-op Legal Services’ mission is to help people understand the law, to use the law to protect their future and that of their loved ones. It achieves this by providing accessible, engaging, professional legal advice and support through a blend of digital and 1-2-1 specialist advice.

Co-op Legal Services is part of Co-op Group

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,300 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 4,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 55,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.

For further information, please contact pressoffice@coop.co.uk