A comparison web-site for solicitors is set to be launched in Warwickshire, before the site is rolled out nationally.
The West Midlands was chosen for the launch of Legallybetter.com, which was established by four entrepreneurs all with a background in professional services. Two of the founders, Steven Heard and David Mort, are based in Coventry.
The web-site compares the service quality and value of legal firms, based on research from users. As well as reviews and testimonials, users also rate law firms using a five star rating system covering quality of advice; speed; value ; helpfulness and friendliness; and communications with clients.
Businesses who have already received a good service from specific law firms and solicitors in the area can contribute their own reviews and ratings. Individuals and businesses looking for a solicitor can come to the site and search straight away for the best one for them.
A spokesman for the web-site said: “Businesses are facing more and more legislation covering employment, health and safety, financial, environmental and a range of other issues. Finding the right legal representation for an issue requiring professional advice can be time-consuming and confusing.
“Local phone directories and web-sites just have long lists of law firms and solicitors, so how do local businesses choose the right one for them?”
“Legallybetter is the first specialist comparison site where users choose a solicitor based on what other people have said about them.
“It provides easy, instant access to reviews and ratings on all participating law firms. No registration is required – just a postcode and the area of law in which advice is sought.”
The entrepreneurs running the site said it would bring local law firms to the attention of new clients and reassure potential clients by helping them to make an informed choice when buying legal services.
The site will cover practice areas of particular interest to businesses such as employment law, company law, insolvency plus general areas like conveyancing, personal injury, and wills and probate and specialist areas, for example equine law and marine law.
Co-founder David Mort, from Coventry, is an experienced market research professional in running satisfaction surveys and strategic studies for law firms and other professional services companies. Colleague Steven Heard joined Legallybetter.com from HSBC, where he had a successful track record in regulated sales management.
