A NORTH Yorkshire law firm is one of the founder members of what is being hailed as the UK’s first national legal brand.

QualitySolicitors.com has been established to promote the use of solicitor firms over what is described as the “call centre law” that is being provided by supermarkets and banks.

Coles Solicitors, based in Northallerton, has been awarded founder membership of the alliance, which has been established by 100 law firms around the UK.

QualitySolicitors.com, which is free to use, has been set up to match users to the best solicitor for their particular issue, chosen from the database of member solicitors of the service.

The website – also qualitysolicitors.

com – aims to address all legal needs by offering online documents and legal advice, and operates in conjunction with consumer organisation Which?

Peter Gibson, managing director of Coles Solicitors, said it was a coup for the firm to be a founder member of the network.

“We are absolutely delighted that our quality of service has been recognised by being accepted into this exclusive organisation,” he said.

“We have always prided ourselves on putting our clients first and this is recognition of that.”

Craig Holt, a barrister and chief executive of QualitySolicitors.com, said: “I am extremely pleased to welcome Coles into our alliance.

“For too long members of the public have had to face a lottery when choosing a solicitor.

“Recent events such as the miners’ compensation scandal have shown us all that choosing the right solicitor with the right knowledge is absolutely crucial.

“All our member firms are specifically selected for their exceptional quality and are then subject to continual public feedback.

“Any firm that does not meet our high standards is forced to leave the organisation.

“QualitySolicitors.com provides a long-overdue resource where people can find a solicitor and be confident that they will both be of the highest quality and provide value for money”.

Coles Solicitors, established in Northallerton in 1965, was acquired by Mr Gibson in 2006.

It has recently opened its second North Yorkshire branch in Thirsk, and last year relocated to premises in Northallerton.