The internet is on the brink of overtaking traditional channels such as personal recommendations as a way of finding a solicitor to carry out a simple transaction, such as conveyancing or making a will, according to research published this week.

The survey, carried out for a solicitor comparison website, points to the emergence of a new category of internet-empowered consumers of legal services.

Legallybetter.com offers consumers the opportunity to ‘rate’ the quality of service offered by law firms they have used – though firms have the option of vetoing reviews.

Jon Hepburn, Legallybetter’s managing director, said that the number of people choosing the internet has doubled in two years – while that using other directories has halved. ‘It’s fairly clear where the first port of call has shifted to. The time is right to enable the public to find themselves a solicitor and make an informed choice on the solicitor they use.’

However, legal marketing consultant Alastair Moyes said that online reviews may not be as trustworthy as consumers expect: ‘The general public has so little understanding of the value of solicitors’ services.’

In another significant online development, a virtual legal supermarket offering an interactive document service will go live on Monday. The service, www.mylawyer.co.uk, will allow consumers and businesses to draft legal documents online, cutting drafting time and costs. Documents are then reviewed by a panel of law firms for amendments, ensuring papers are tailored to customers’ legal requirements. Participating firms include Pannone, Hugh James, Nelsons, Minster Law, Brethertons and Last Cawthra Feather.

Creator Epoq already claims working relationships with financial institutions such as NatWest and HBOS and will market its network of lawyers to them.

Nelsons chief executive Tim Hastings said: ‘Legal services have been done through traditional means but the public are keen to have access. From our point of view it is a parallel activity. The front door is open but we are trying to diversify.’

Richard Cohen, Epoq’s joint chief executive, said: ‘The legal industry has been bypassed by the web. It is the last bastion of resistance.’