Home > NEWS > Minister says consumers the driving force behind legal reform

In an interview for Your Legal Rights, justice minister Bridget Prentice MP, explains how the aim of Legal Services Act is to ensure consumers are the driving force behind legal services.

She explains how the reforms, which will enable banks and supermarkets to offer legal services in future, will give consumers a choice and enable them to get packages of legal and other advice all in one place. The act also sets up a new independent regulator, so consumers can be sure they will get a fair hearing if they have a problem with their lawyer.

During the interview, the minister agrees that some consumers might be able to deal with some legal problems themselves. However, she adds that it's likely consumers will always need access to expert advice for some issues and she encourages them to shop around for this.

She also talks about the government's reforms to the compensation system and to legal aid.

The minister is also interviewed in more depth about the reforms to legal services on Your Legal Rights' sister site, the Law Report. Visit The Law Report to hear it.