Prominent chambers joins online legal advice service
updated on 23 April 2012
Instant Law UK's ongoing implementation of legal services provided through library-based video conferencing facilities has been boosted by St Philips Chambers, one of the biggest chambers in the country, joining the scheme. As reported in Legal Futures, the service was piloted in two libraries in Birmingham and London, and is now set to expand to another 10 libraries in Birmingham to provide the country's first online employment law and debt service.
Users will receive initial free advice from a solicitor, with St Philips Chambers coming in in the event that users in Birmingham require the services of a barrister. Instant Law UK is currently in talks with a London-based chambers to establish barristers' services for the scheme in the capital. The company already has strong ties in London; the launch of its online legal services was in commercial partnership with an as-yet-unnamed North London law centre.
Chris Owen, chief executive of St Philips Chambers, said: "When St Philips was invited to join this innovative service for the Birmingham public at large, I was delighted to accept. Our first case has proceeded well and produced a considerable saving for the client. I see this service becoming more popular as the public become accustomed to the facility and it also allows us to bring our law firm friends into a matter when the case warrants it."
