A new approach to the traditional world of law is being taken by a Norfolk solicitor.
Mark Foley has launched Linked Law - a business that aims to make clients more relaxed about seeing a lawyer.
Appointments at a law firm's office have been replaced by meetings in coffee shops, hotel lounges, clients' houses and offices or Mr Foley's home near Norwich.
He is also setting up a network of independent lawyers in which members with various specialisms will refer work to one another. Linked Law's specialisms are litigation, family law and employment law.
"This is an innovative and very different type of legal service for Norfolk," said Mr Foley, who has worked at practices in Downham Market, King's Lynn and Norwich.
"Over the years I have realised that despite the important role lawyers play and the many excellent firms in Norfolk, people often have to be prompted to say anything positive about the legal profession.
"My experience of Collaborative Family Law since 2005 has reinforced my view that there is little empathy between lawyers and the public.
"Many people are visibly stressed, or sometimes even actually distressed and tearful, when dealing with solicitors.
"They don't like having to drive into towns and cities in a state of anxiety, find places to park and then sit in public waiting areas.
"It made me think that there must be a better way.
"Seeing people in their own homes or offices as a 'laptop lawyer' is usually more convenient all round because they will have all the papers I need to see readily at hand.
"This is especially true in commercial litigation: the client hardly ever realises the volume of papers that are required."
Mr Foley is now working on setting up the independent local lawyers' network.
"Seven lawyers have already shown an interest and we plan to hold the first of our meetings at Clydesdale Bank's financial solutions centre to see how we can help one another using the usual networking principle," he said.
"I would certainly like to hear from anyone keen to join us."
Published:
- http://business.edp24.co.uk/
- The Eastern Daily Press Newspaper - Business Section