The rise of legal subscription services in the UK

Legal subscription services are transforming how businesses access legal support, offering a game-changing solution that’s hard to ignore. Imagine having top-notch legal advice whenever you need it, ready to help you navigate every twist and turn of your business journey without the stress of high costs or unpredictable fees.

Every business owner can benefit from legal support, but many delay speaking to a solicitor until it’s absolutely necessary. The truth is, figuring out what you need, who to turn to, and how much it will cost can be daunting. In fact, 90% of small-to-medium (SME) business owners consider legal services too expensive and view "law as a game in which the skilful and resourceful are more likely to get what they want".

That's where legal subscription services come in. They bundle essential legal and business services into one flat monthly fee, providing you with continuous access to experienced commercial solicitors. Whether it’s routine contract reviews or handling complex disputes, you get specialised legal support without the fear of costs spiralling out of control. It’s everything you need to protect your interests and foster sustainable growth, making legal worries a thing of the past.

"It keeps me up at night. I don't have time to think about this sort of thing but know it could cause a nightmare."

1. Your business & the billable hour

When solicitors charge by the hour, every minute and every task is accounted for. Client interactions become transactions that quickly add up, and costs vary depending on who handles the case. 

This is why many business owners underinvest in their legal needs and neglect to protect their interests. Without a basic legal framework, business owners are vulnerable when legal issues arise and have no means of asserting their rights when things don’t go to plan.

Given that a third of SMEs consistently experience legal issues every year, the billable hour model leaves them exposed to unpredictable legal costs that are difficult (if not impossible) to budget for. 

“When it comes to contracts and our agreement with suppliers and contractors. I just download a template and hope for the best."

2. The benefits of legal service subscriptions

Subscribing to legal services solves a number of very real problems for business owners with limited time and resources. It enables easy access to comprehensive legal support at a predictable rate with no hidden costs or long-term commitments. Unsurprisingly, it’s fast becoming an industry standard - changing the legal landscape as we know it.

Here’s how legal service subscriptions help SME business owners put their legal concerns to rest:

• Put legal support at your fingertips.

With access to wide-ranging legal services for a monthly fee, business owners can now consult high-calibre commercial solicitors for both routine legal needs and ad hoc projects or issues, from contracts and debt collection assistance to dispute resolution and other vital business services.

• Accurately budget for all your legal needs. 

Unlike traditional legal services, a legal service subscription charges a flat rate, regardless of the hours spent or the scale of the project involved. It turns legal support from an unpredictable cost with often unexpected additions into a manageable business expense that covers all your bases. 

• Align your business for sustainable growth. 

No longer racing against the clock, business owners have time and space to ask all the questions, consider their options, ask more questions, and ultimately make the right decisions. This means implementing carefully considered contracts, policies, and organisational frameworks that put your business first. 

• Build a relationship with your legal team. 

Legal subscription models are conducive to building an ongoing collaborative relationship with your solicitors. Regular contact with your legal advisors gives them more time to better understand your business goals and develop more accurate solutions. 

3. Find a provider that is right for you

Subscribing to legal support provides all the benefits of an in-house legal team without the overheads. Subscribers have open access to experienced and accredited commercial solicitors who take care of routine legal requirements, support business growth, and prevent issues from escalating. Here’s how to ensure you find a provider that meets your needs:

• What is included in the subscription fee? 

Carefully review the scope of services and any limits or caps. At the very least, subscriptions should cover legal advice, contracts, negotiation and dispute resolutions. Ask about additional charges for added services to maintain 100% transparency on the pricing structure. 

• Do they understand your unique legal needs? 

Ensure the legal minds behind the service are admitted commercial solicitors well versed in providing specialised legal support, from assistance with business structuring to ensuring compliance with employment laws. Ask about value-added services or any other handy resources included for smaller companies. 

• Can the subscription scale with my business? 

As your business grows your legal needs will too. Legal services subscriptions offer continuity, ensuring your legal support scales with the business. Check if the provider can meet your needs at every stage of your business journey. Review the terms to ensure you understand how the pricing structure evolves as your business expands.

• Do they offer the right level of support?

Make sure the subscription process and service steps fit seamlessly with your business. Understand the sign-up process: Do services start immediately? Is it easy to cancel? Also, check how your inquiries are handled, what level of personalisation you can expect, and how quickly you can expect a response or completion of routine requests.