WHSmith and QualitySolicitors to offer in-store legal services

updated on 08 April 2011

QualitySolicitors (QS) has signed a deal with high street favourite WHSmith that will see legal representatives in 150 of the stationers' branches this summer, with a view to eventually rolling it out to 500 stores. QS staff will use iPads to book customer appointments, provide conveyancing quotes, and sell wills packages. There will also be a QS loyalty card scheme.

As reported in Legal Week and the Gazette, QS Chief Executive Craig Holt said: "This move represents the future of legal services. It is a game changer, providing both the key elements required for market dominance - accessibility and visibility."

QS is a legal franchise, whereby firms become members of the network and share the national branding alongside their own name. Some legal commentators have accused QS of "dumbing-down" the profession. Others say that it is a reflection of an exciting and dynamic profession, in a post-Legal Services Act world.