Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.
The aim of this survey was to investigate the use of lawyers' services by the general public in England and Wales, at the request of the Royal Commission on Legal Services.
Main Topics:
Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions A) Household Questionnaire (each person aged 18+) Use of solicitor's/lawyer's services during 1977, number of matters advice was sought on, whether any other household member was involved, person most closely in contact, if more than two matters - exact nature of problems. B) Individual Questionnaire Number of occasions during year on which a solicitor's advice would have been of help, whether advice sought from anyone else, whether considered consulting a solicitor, reasons for not doing so. Whether used solicitor's services before 1977 and details, whether ever felt had cause for complaint against a solicitor and reasons, whether complaint carried through and outcome, whether satisfied, whether ever attempted to sue for professional negligence, whether experienced any difficulties. Knowledge of Law Society, Legal Aid. Method of choosing a solicitor if advice needed (non-users only). C) Use Questionnaire (sole or main contact between household and lawyer) Exact nature of problem for which advice was sought, lawyer's place of work, whether second opinion was sought and from whom, whether matter concerned self only/other only/self and other jointly. Whether received advice from anyone else outside household (who), whether it was suggested that respondent should engage solicitor, date of first consultation, whether solicitor had been previously consulted by members of household and date, why particular solicitor was originally chosen, whether approached directly by respondent, whether contact was direct or by telephone/letter, whether saw him alone and number of times, whether action taken or only advice given, details of advice and whether it has been followed, details of any action taken, whether solicitor explained things fully and kept respondent informed of progress, whether any indication of cost was given, whether problem resulted in a court or tribunal case and details, whether barrister involved, whether action is still continuing, if completed - outcome, opinion at time taken and of outcome, opinion of solicitors handling of matter, whether would consult same solicitor in future. Amount charged, and by whom paid, whether considered to be good value for money.
One-stage stratified or systematic random sample
parliamentary constituencies in England and Wales were stratified by region and population density and by car ownership (as an indicator of social composition); 125 were then selected randomly with probability proportional to size of electorate. Within each constituency, 2 polling districts were selected randomly with p.p.s. and within each district 40 private addresses were randomly selected from the electoral registers. (In addition, special measures were taken to cover private addresses not appearing in the electoral registers)
Face-to-face interview
