The Law Society’s president has been asked to take up complaints that customers of the Co-operative’s funeral service business are being offered free probate advice from the firm’s legal services department.

Following the Gazette’s report two weeks ago (see Gazette [2009] 23 April, 1), several practitioners voiced concern about the way Co-operative Legal Services contacts the newly bereaved offering free advice.

The Law Society’s wills and equity committee met last week to discuss the issue. Chair Helen Clarke said: ‘We will be writing to the president [Paul Marsh] and asking him to take this up with Co-op Legal Services. No one is suggesting that clients do not have choice. Co-op has a strong ethical approach, but it is strange to tout for business in this way. If a solicitor chased [work] in this way we would be criticised.’

Among practitioners to raise concern are Eileen Ismay, a partner at Crane & Staples in Welwyn Garden City, and John Spittle, a member at Forshaws, Davies, Ridgway in Cheshire.

The Co-op said its customers welcome free advice and that the bereaved are not cold-called.