Next weekend the Mail on Sunday is to publish a supplement showcasing 2,500 solicitors given good reviews by clients – but only solicitors who have paid will feature.

Professional comparison website VouchedFor said the pullout will list solicitors who meet the site’s ‘top-rated’ criteria, with 10 client ratings of at least four out of five over the past year.

Adam Price, founder of the website, said: ‘Our top-rated lists create a lot of buzz. People aren’t used to having a way to tell which local solicitor is the best in their area.’

To appear in the guide solicitors will have to opt into a scheme charging both to subscribe to the site and to appear in client searches.