Thursday 20 September 2012 by Catherine Baksi

US online legal services shop LegalZoom is to come to Britain later this year in partnership with UK network QualitySolicitors, the Gazette has learned.

LegalZoom claims to be the most recognised legal brand in the US and the leading provider of online legal documentation services for small business and consumers.

Under the arrangement, clients will have access to a range of legal products, including company formations, wills, and power of attorney and divorce documents online. Solicitors from 400 QualitySolicitors branches will be available to review or help complete the documents, and provide face-to-face advice and representation. Businesses and individuals will also be able to join subscription-based legal plans, providing a range of online services, backed up by advice from QS firms.

Neither party would reveal financial details of the partnership. QualitySolicitors said LegalZoom would be promoting its own brand through a UK website and TV advertising, but will 'not be partnering with anyone else'.

LegalZoom's co-founder, Edward Hartman, said the partnership would improve access to legal services in the UK where 'so few people know where to turn for legal help'. He said: 'We will offer personalised contracts for home-building projects and contracts of service for au pairs or nannies - just two common examples where currently people tend not to access legal services.'

QualitySolicitors' chief executive Craig Holt said: 'Making high-quality, personalised legal solutions this quick, accessible and convenient has the potential to completely revolutionise the way people and businesses deal with legal needs in the UK.'