Five reasons why Scotland's high-street law firms still matter

From accessibility to affordability, high-street law firms have much to offer their communities, writes Sue Omar 

In the recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way consumers engage with high-street shops and local businesses, which were once the first point of call for purchasing essential goods, accessing services and seeking advice from experts within the community. Since the pandemic, this change in consumer culture has had a significant impact on the economy and across multiple sectors including the legal field. As digital services and online platforms backed by larger law corporations rise in popularity, high-street law firms are often underestimated, yet they continue to play a pivotal role in the lives of the people they serve. Here are five reasons why high-street law firms still matter, according to the experts.

1) Accessibility

When an urgent legal matter arises, high-street law firms remain the most accessible option for those who need to speak to an expert face to face and in real time. In many instances, high-street law firms are well placed to provide counsel on issues that specifically affect local communities. “There is a common misconception that corporate firms offer better advice than high-street law firms, which is a total myth, as the law is the law,” says James Smith, director at Holden Smith Law, a high-street law firm that operates across the UK. “Not only are high-street law firms more accessible, but they tend to have more experienced solicitors managing cases with a more holistic approach, rather having someone having a very specialised area of law as you will see in a corporate practice,” he adds.

2) Building long-term relationships

At high-street law firms, clients can expect to receive consistent, face-to-face support rather than feeling like another case number. This allows for both local legal teams and clients to build long-term relationship over time, strengthened by their reputation in the community. “High-street firms deal with people and families in their communities who are at various points of their lives when they need help, guiding them through the law to help them achieve their desired outcome,” says James, director at Holden Smith Law. “Often, solicitors are far more personable and, over time, become confidants and a shoulder to lean on while advising clients through life’s challenges,” he adds.

3) Affordability

When it comes to the cost of legal advice, many high-street firms offer fixed fees and lower costs compared with corporate practices, making legal advice more affordable for people and families on a tight budget. Some of these firms act as the heart of local communities, granting subsided prices for low-income individuals, absorbing additional financial strain in a challenging economy. “High-street firms are far more approachable than corporate firms, often offering clear guidance in plain language,” says law expert and editor Eva Misini. “Most high-street law firms provide flexible payment plans and affordable legal aid services, with the convenience of local offices for quick, in-person help.”

4) Community connection

Within local communities, the presence of high-street law firms fosters trust through their familiarity, continuity and ability to connect with people while resolving the issues that impact them the most. Solicitors and legal advisers working at these firms also have finger on the pulse on what’s going on in the local area, enabling them to build strong community connections and unity among residents “High-street law firms remain the first stop for handling everyday matters such as property contracts in a way that feels safe and personable,” says real estate investor Chase Baxter. “The strength of local firms is trust, as clients prefer to sit across from someone who already knows the community well,” he adds. “Where they struggle is scale, as many small firms can’t keep up with fast-paced technology changes and bigger marketing budgets, but their personal touch is hard to replace.”

5) Bridging the justice gap

With cuts to legal aid, high-street law firms remain one of the last safety nets for timely advice that could potentially be life changing. Their guidance ensures that people facing legal challenges don’t have to navigate complex legal systems alone, providing support, clarity and practical action steps to help them move forward. “For the vast majority of the population, the only interaction they will have with a lawyer will be on the high street, which in many ways helps to bridge the justice gap,” says Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal. “High-street law firms support people in common legal issues including family law, martial law, wills and personal injury claims,” she adds. “They also support vulnerable clients, or people who are not familiar with legal processes, and act as a gateway to more specialist advice.”