The latest legal services comparison website to enter the market was launched by a Hertfordshire solicitor last week.

Michael Welsh has launched fixed costs comparison site comparelegalcosts.com, which offers consumers a choice of three firms based on their postcode.

Firms pay an annual subscription fee to join the service, with no additional charge for referrals. Once a consumer or business inquiry has been submitted to the site, it selects the three nearest firms based on the client’s postcode. The consumer can choose from the three fixed-price quotes presented.

Law firms may join the scheme free of charge for the first three months, while it builds up a network of providers.

Last August saw the launch of legal services comparison sites legalcompare.com and bid4fees.com. Wigster.com launched in November, signing up Access Legal, the consumer brand of national firm Shoosmiths, as one of its member firms. It has 2,000 registered consumers.