Would you know how to get yourself the best possible deal from a lawyer? Market research shows that most people don't.

From this week, consumers of legal services will be given guidance on how to secure the deal that's best for them. Before deciding where to spend their money, consumers are being advised to ask seven simple questions:

• What will the legal adviser do for me?
• How much will this legal adviser cost me compared with others?
• What do I get for my money?
• How often has the legal adviser handled this type of work?
• How long will it take for the transaction to be completed?
• What can I do if something goes wrong, or I am not satisfied with the service provided?
• Have I got a good deal?

Legal Services Minister, Bridget Prentice, speaking at the Legal Services Reform Conference in Cardiff, said: "Providing consumers with practical advice empowers them to take sensible decisions. People often feel that legal services providers are all the same, or that they don't feel they have the confidence to ask questions."

"The key message to get across is that consumers do have a choice in the legal services market just as in any other. By asking questions of providers, consumers will gain the confidence they need to make informed decisions. It also will encourage lawyers and others to raise their game in dealing with the public."

"This advice builds on the work we have already announced to make legal services more consumer focussed."

"We are putting consumers at the heart of a modernised legal services market. This includes not only assisting consumers in making informed choices but legislation that will sweep away the current maze of regulation and provide for independent redress."

Real examples of those benefiting from shopping around for legal services are:

• Mr and Mrs B wanted to change their existing wills to make separate provision for their grandchildren (and any potential grandchildren). The wills would be quite complicated so they wanted them drawn up by a solicitor to ensure that they were legally correct. They approached a solicitor and explained what they wanted done. The solicitor said that it would cost £1800. They took the same matter to another solicitor (that they had used previously for another matter) who said that it would cost £200.
• A Surrey CAB reported that a client had approached a claims management company after she tripped over a kerbstone. The client reported that she was pressured into signing a CFA and when she returned home discovered that she had signed a credit agreement for the insurance premium for £1,300. Despite immediately cancelling, and being told that indemnity had been withdrawn, she was shocked to discover a few months later that the loan was still outstanding and interest had accrued. By asking questions or by approaching a solicitor the client could well have found this information out before it was too late.