Quality is the key issue in the debate on the opening of the legal services market to banks and others. Halifax is selling its apparently limited legal services product on cost (see [2006] Gazette, 2 November, 1). But the quality is unknown, and the cost of its conveyancing and probate services does not compare with Unison's legal services.

Unions conduct rigorous quality checks on the work done by their expert solicitors. There is no indication of how Halifax will monitor the quality of its legal service providers. And yet there is a number of 'disclaimers' within Halifax's terms of use.


It may be tempting for consumers to sign up to legal services products offered by the big-name financial services providers, whose brand image is that they 'give you extra'. Consumers should not assume that this will provide the most expert solicitors or service, or even the cheapest rates.


The best legal protection money can buy remains trade union membership, which provides the whole range of legal services to members, including employment rights advice and representation, personal injury at or away from work, conveyancing, wills, and free legal advice on all non-work related matters.


Bronwyn McKenna, director of organising and membership, Unison, London