A newly-qualified solicitor has turned down the prospect of a traditional law firm and opened his own legal business with a focus on early resolution and fixed fees.

Pre-Law LLP opened earlier this year in Lancaster after being formed by solicitor Jake Draycott and his friend and marketing expert Ben Anderson.

Draycott, 26, told the Gazette he wanted something different from the working practices in a traditional firm and saw an opportunity to reach a wider market through fixed fee work and lower overheads.

Ben Anderson and Jake Draycott

Ben Anderson and Jake Draycott opened Pre-Law earlier this year

‘I had worked in law firms for six years and didn’t want the feeling of arriving at the office every day facing 30 emails and having 35 more by the end of the day,’ he said. ‘This was about creating a different working environment.

‘Solicitors have a reputation for high fees and taking a long time. I wanted to create something for those who don’t have access to the law or have written off a legal problem.’

Draycott and Anderson opened Pre-Law earlier this year and set out to be upfront about what services would cost and what clients could expect for their money.

Tailored contracts and agreements cost from £115, while letters before action are charged at £95. Fixed fees cover a review of the legal issue, consultation and tailored written advice, next steps to resolve the matter and answers to any follow-up questions.

As a non-regulated firm, Pre-Law can offer services in employment, family and landlord and tenant disputes. The company claims to be as much as 80% cheaper than traditional law firms as it operates under a lightweight, tech-powered model with less need for overhead costs such as office accommodation and support staff.

Where possible, Pre-Law aims to resolve matters through alternative dispute resolution, but for cases which proceed to litigation it is building a network of referral firms that can take the work on.

Draycott added: ‘We aim to resolve disputes and issues before they escalate to expensive, drawn-out court processes. Our approach is rooted in finding faster, friendlier, and more affordable solutions – preventing the need for complicated legal battles by tackling issues head-on in an efficient and amicable way.’

 

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