It was with great fanfare that national law firm ‘superbrand’ Quality Solicitors launched its first ‘legal store’ in a south London shopping centre last week. Intrigued, Obiter decided to make a little trip down to Lewisham, incognito of course, to see where the legal profession is headed, from beneath a pulled-down cap and dark glasses. Being more accustomed to the perfume-scented coolness of a marble-floored Bond Street department store, on arrival at Lewisham shopping centre Obiter was initially struck by the whiff of popcorn and the electronic chiming of a Batman-themed kiddies’ ride. But then the prize was spied, in bold pink and black: QualitySolicitors Freeman Harris, next door to Poundland, and opposite Boots. While the Poundland posters boasted of 2-for-1 deals, the QualitySolicitors legal store promised: a free first consultation; direct lawyer contact; same-day response; and no hidden costs.

Inside, a large poster featuring the legal profession’s answer to Lara Croft pledged ‘a new kind of legal service’. The feel of the place was more PC World than high street law firm, with friendly, approachable staff wearing black polo shirts and pink and black name badges; racks of advice brochures; a table and padded chairs on the shop floor; and a circular consultation room to one side. Is this the future of legal services?