Claims farmers could be putting solicitors specialising in accident claims at risk by dubious practices.
Increasing concern exists that foreign call centres employed by some claims management companies are breaking SRA publicity regulations. Cold calling is strictly prohibited under the rules but there are increasing fears that foreign call centres are being used to do just that.
Use of overseas call centres means that it will be harder than ever to verify the method used to obtain an introduction. Solicitors are expected to ensure that proper due diligence is undertaken when it comes to finding out how instructions have been obtained. If called upon firms will be expected to produce evidence that they have made adequate enquiries about their introducer’s marketing methods. They could find themselves at risk if enquiries shall short of what the SRA expect.
We all know that it is the law firm which will ‘carry the can’ if things go wrong so why do so many lawyers continue to rely on claims farmers to supply work?
How did we allow ourselves to get into a position where so many firms have come to rely on CMC’s and panel managers? Imagine if one day all those buying in work from these companies were able to say ‘Thanks, but no thanks’ This may appear to be a pipe dream isn’t it time we thought of a better way?
Isn’t it worth thinking about how the profession can regain control and cut out these middlemen who are standing between us and our clients and squeezing out all the profit?
NSA exists to develop a brand recognisable by the public as the place to turn to when they need legal advice from a good local lawyer; to facilitate joint marketing initiatives between competing law firms and provide a framework to enable lawyers to work together.
If you are interested in discussing how things could change why not contact NSA?
There is no overnight solution but if we don’t talk to each other things will never change. I have met very few practitioners who actually like buying in work. If you feel the same you can be pretty sure you are not alone.
Why not contact us with your thoughts by emailing lawyerstakingaction@solicitorsalliance.co.uk