Co-op to create 3,000 legal jobs

The Co-operative Group's announcement of its intentions to create 3,000 jobs in the legal sector is the latest and clearest sign that alternative business structures (ABSs) are set to have a big impact on the legal profession. The new jobs, within the framework of Co-operative Legal Services, will make the business the largest consumer legal service provider in the United Kingdom.

The Co-op was the first household consumer brand to use the Legal Services Act to gain ABS status, and with it the right to provide legal services that were previously the exclusive domain of private solicitors. Co-operative Legal Services currently runs a Bristol office with around 450 legally-trained staff, but plans to launch a family law operation in London later this year, as well as five more regional offices across the United Kingdom. The services available will include will writing, probate, personal injury claims and estate administration, as the Co-op looks to provide consumers with a comprehensive set of legal services.

Peter Marks, the chief executive of the Co-operative Group, said: "We see the law as yet another area where a Co-operative solution can be successfully applied for the customer's benefit. Over the next five years we want to fundamentally change the face of legal services and make access far easier - today's announcement underlines that ambition. We intend to be totally customer focused and will help customers navigate the legal world so that they are much more comfortable with the experience and the outcomes. It is envisaged that about 90% of the roles being created will be actual legal functions, with 10% made up of support staff. We are particularly keen to use our expansion as a way to offer opportunities to young people. Legal apprenticeships and opportunities for study leave will form an important part of this major employment opportunity."