Consumers of legal services will be given guidance on how to secure the deal, and the legal firm, that’s best for them. Before deciding where to spend their money, consumers are being advised to ask 7 simple questions:

What will the legal adviser do for me?; How much will this legal adviser cost me compared with others?; What do I get for my money?; How often has the legal adviser handled this type of work?; How long will it take for the transaction to be completed?; What can I do if something goes wrong, or I am not satisfied with the service provided?; and Have I got a good deal?

The advice will be launched by Legal Services Minister, Bridget Prentice, at the Legal Services Reform Conference in Cardiff. The conference will include representatives from Citizens Advice, the Law Society, National Consumer Council and Which?

She said: “Providing consumers with practical advice empowers them to take sensible decisions. People often feel that legal services providers are all the same, or that they don’t feel they have the confidence to ask questions.”