The government launched a campaign this week to encourage consumers to shop around for legal services - and to press solicitors to 'raise their game'.

The Department for Constitutional Affairs is promoting 'seven steps to a better deal', by suggesting seven questions consumers should ask before instructing solicitors.


It urges clients to ask how much the solicitor will charge, and to get other quotes. It also advises clients to check for relevant experience, how long the work will take, and what to do if they are not satisfied.


The Law Society backed the campaign, but warned that 'not enough is being done to highlight the risks of unregulated advisers' such as will writers and claims managers.


It also launched a new guide this week to help solicitors improve their relationship with clients.