Wolverhampton Law Society Annual Dinner 2011

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ABS, and the demise of the High Street Firm? – exploding the myth

The legal press often seems to be obsessed with the advent of ABS and portents of doom about the “High Street” (a phrase which seems to have acquired pejorative status in some quarters). Given their legal background it is surprising, therefore, that in the treatment of this topic they consistently fail to define their terms (for example, what exactly does the term “High Street” mean?) and they often show a lack of editorial rigour in checking out and drawing attention to the background of their sources many of whom have a vested interest in pushing scare stories about the impact ABS will have. For example, take what appears to be a prescient article on the topic of a Research Note released this August by the Legal Services Board. This focuses on the likely impact of ABS upon existing suppliers of legal services. Written by one Peter Clements and published by Lexis Nexis the article includes the following opinion:- “The High Street firm will be most at threat, but many will survive by dint of their “local” nature and their client bases. But this is unlikely to be a sustainable position in the medium to long term.” So there you have it – it appears that the LSB is plotting the demise of the “High Street”. But wait a minute what does the LSB paper actually say? Here’s a flavour:- “ [the advent of ABS] may carry particular risks to some small firms who do not adapt to the changing market place. It should not, however, be assumed that large scale exit will occur, as Australian experience suggests that the number of small firms has actually increased in the period following liberalisation.” (Page 2) “ILPs (the Australian equivalent of ABS) in the Australian market are generally not retailers providing legal services….In general the Australian market has not shown an immediate tendency for large scale consolidation or the emergence of national retailers offering legal services.” (Page 18) “Retail or “High Street” firms “High street firms are the main point of contact for people seeking “routine” legal services (e.g. wills, conveyancing, divorce etc) The large number of such firms makes it difficult to draw conclusions about their characteristics and shared factors. It is likely that those firms who are using technology for product delivery and lower unit costs will enable them to better embrace changed market conditions. High street firms are well placed to exploit niche market opportunities and to focus on traditional strengths such as face-to-face service delivery and perceived higher quality of service” (page 37).” Hardly a vision of Armageddon is it? Declaration of interest – This piece was written by the Society’s Press Officer and endorsed by the Council of the Wolverhampton Law Society. The Society’s members work in an incredibly diverse mix of so-called “High Street” practices within and around Wolverhampton. Peter Clements works for an organisation called Global BPO which specialises in providing “Business Processing Outsourcing” to law firms and others. The Legal Services Board is the oversight regulator of the legal services marketing England and Wales.

Junior Lawyers Wolverhampton - Calender of Events

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Mr President your boys took one heck of a beating!

Regrettably, the Society’s Golfing team reportedly put up a sorry showing in the Wolverhampton Professions Golf Day. Vice President and Golf Team member Guy Birkett takes up the story:-

“The event took place on the 17th May at Enville Golf club. 9 professions in total were represented. I use the word “profession” loosely given that both Estate Agents and Bankers were represented this year. A few professionals with too much time on their hands played golf in the morning. Frank Calleia flew the flag for the solicitors and won the morning competition.

The main event was played in the afternoon. The solicitors were represented by a hand picked team of myself, Richard Alderson, Phil Cowell, Gareth Ruddock, Frank Calleia and David Robinson. We started poorly and it went down hill from there. David and Frank put on the best show but it was too little too late and we finished 8th out of 9 with only the Architects doing worse than us. The Accountants retained the trophy having won it last year. Given that we have our Solicitors /Accountants golf challenge on the 16th September at Oswestry (invitations will be issued shortly) I`m looking for all golfing solicitors to forget about fee-earning for the next 3 months and get out on the course practising between now and then!”

(Editorial note – the views expressed in this article about Estate Agents and Bankers are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Society – AL)

Letter to court users - Summer closure.

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Help wanted in locating possible will – Diane Evans deceased

The Society has received a request for help from Stephens Scown solicitors who have been asked to look into the affairs of Diane Margaret Iris Evans deceased. Here is the text of a letter written by the firm to Society Secretary Richard Ennis. If anyone has any information please contact Stephens Scown direct.

“Dear Mr Ennis,

I write further to our recent telephone conversation. I have been instructed by the son of Mrs Diane Margaret Iris Evans to deal with the administration of her estate. Mrs Evans died on 7 February 2011 at Springfield House Nursing Home, Codsall. We believe that Mrs Evans died intestate, but we would be nonetheless grateful if you would check with the members of Wolverhampton Law Society whether they hold a Will for the deceased.

The deceased lived for most of her life in the Wolverhampton area and her last address (prior to the move to the nursing home) was Mimosa Lodge, Histons Hill, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 2EW.

The deceased was born on 18 May 1919 and was named Margaret Iris Rowley. However, we understand from the deceased's son that she did not like her given names and consequently adopted the name Diane or Diana (which she used interchangeably). The deceased enjoyed three long-term relationships during her life, though we do not believe she was formally married in every case. However, she nonetheless appears to have adopted the surnames of her three partners and may therefore have instructed your members under any one of the following aliases:-

1. Diane (or Diana) Margaret Iris Rowley;
2. Diane (or Diana) Margaret Iris Smith;
3. Diane (or Diana) Margaret Iris Evans; and
4. Diane (or Diana) Margaret Iris Wilde.

If any of your members have any records relating to the deceased I would be very grateful if they would contact me on 01392 210700 quoting reference EVAN328.1.2.
Many thanks for your assistance.

Yours sincerely

Robert Marshall

Solicitor
For STEPHENS SCOWN LLP
Private Client
Ext.240
DDl: 01392 429240”