Most people think that lawyers overcharge — but so do many lawyers themselves and others in the legal industry, a survey suggests.
While 54 per cent of the public think that lawyers’ fees are too high, 42 per cent of legal professionals agree.
More than 95 per cent of those who have used solicitors have paid up to £5,000 in the past five years — three times the average monthly wage — it finds. Some people paid more than £25,000 in fees over the same period.
The survey, by Absolute Barrister, a company aimed at encouraging people to instruct barristers directly, rather than to go through solicitors, also found that only one in five felt intimidated by the legal process and uncomfortable asking about charges.