Examination of the availabillity and quality of holistic advice provision for individuals with multiple legal needs

The DCA Strategic Research Unit commissioned Matrix and Cardiff University, led by Professor Richard Moorhead, to conduct research to examine how and when clients present with multiple legal needs when in contact with advice agencies and solicitors, and to consider the ability of legal advice services to provide these clients with holistic approaches to advice and dispute resolution.

The project explored barriers and sought to identify examples of good practice approaches to the holistic provision of advice and dispute resolution. Our approach involved computer assisted observation of client contacts with advice providers, as well as follow up telephone interviews with clients after the initial observed contact. The research team analyse the data gathered to establish whether there is potential to develop client ‘care pathways’ in this sector to better support the provision of advice for those with multiple legal needs. A final report is due for publication in June 2006.