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Law society's warning amid 'claim farming' reports in Queensland
The Queensland Law Society has called for the public to exercise caution about non-legal firms using gift cards to target potential clients, only to pass their details on to solicitors.
Melissa Coade
In a statement issued last week, Queensland Law Society (QLS) president Ken Taylor said he opposed claim farming in the profession and was looking for ways to prevent people from offering would-be clients monetary benefits.
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“I urge the public to always speak directly to a solicitor who is qualified in Queensland when they require legal advice,” Mr Taylor said.
Mr Taylor’s comments followed recent reports in Queensland that prospective legal clients have been induced to complete online surveys, with the promise of gift cards for their details. A non-legal firm would then send those details on to solicitors.
“Queensland solicitors are among some of the most ethical and trustworthy professionals, and it is a shame that we see a minority engaging in questionable practices,” Mr Taylor said.
“We oppose claim farming and have lobbied for greater restrictions on this practice,” he added.
Mr Taylor also noted that members of the public should an official ‘find a solicitor’ portal on the QLS website to identify a qualified solicitor.
