For anyone seeking legal representation, cost can be a huge issue. Some may choose to opt for unbundled legal services, also known as limited scope representation. In unbundled legal services, a solicitor usually acts as a form of sub-contractor. Much of the work is done by the client, with the solicitor in the background to guide and advise.
The solicitor may be allocated certain, specific tasks while the client carries out the rest of the work themselves. By taking on some of the work themselves, such as filling in a form or sending a letter, the client can reduce the role played by the solicitor and this in turn will reduce the legal costs.
How do unbundled legal services actually work?
Limited scope representation is increasingly popular among both clients and law firms alike. When a client hires a solicitor for unbundled legal services, they do not have to pay in the traditional way that you would for full services. Instead, the client chooses and pays for the services they want their lawyer to perform. It is important from the start that the client makes clear what tasks they will be doing themselves and what tasks their solicitor should do. The solicitor’s unbundled service may take many forms, such as dealing with only one specific part of a transaction, providing help packs which allow a client to carry out work themselves, checking documents or providing online drafting facilities.
In many cases, the solicitor may have an advisory role. Meetings may often still take place face to face, during which the solicitor will outline what steps need to be taken and answers any questions, while the client then carries out the tasks, for example, filling in forms or sending letters.
Finding firms that offer limited scope representation requires little more than a simple internet search of, for example, Ascot solicitors offering unbundled legal services. Increasing numbers of law firms are offering unbundled services but it is important to choose a qualified and regulated firm, such as https://www.parachutelaw.co.uk/ Parachute Law.
What are the key benefits of unbundled legal services?
The main benefit of unbundled legal services for clients is that they can mitigate their legal costs. This is usually the main driver for someone seeking such an arrangement. It can also be because the client wants to have direct control over their own legal case, while others may feel they will prioritise the case more than a solicitor may. The feedback from those who have used unbundled legal services is also positive. An Ipsos Mori survey carried out on behalf of the Legal Services Board and the Legal Services Consumer Panel found that agreements made between consumers and providers were ‘generally felt to be working well’.
What are the possible pitfalls of unbundled legal services?
There are some risks involved with limited scope representation. It is important that the roles of the client and the solicitor are clearly defined in order that there are no breakdowns of communication, overlap or errors. A clear understanding from the outset is needed to ensure there are no problems.
Unbundled legal services can be risky for the client. After all, it is unlikely they are a trained legal expert and need to be aware of the importance of deadlines, documents and accuracy. Human error is always a possibility in such cases. Unbundled legal services often work well in straightforward financial matters and children’s act matters but may be more difficult in cases which are complex or which become more so as they progress.