law 11 Businesses starting to ‘Ask Eric’
One of the South Coast’s largest law firms is challenging the status quo for those in need of legal services by developing and launching a membership scheme that offers quick and easy access to free legal advice
The marketing minds at Eric Robinson Solicitors, which are fast making the firm the most innovative on the South Coast, are proud to see the early success of their brand new membership scheme ‘Ask Eric’.
Eight months ago, the firm’s cartoon ambassador, Eric the Owl, made his debut and it was during one of the character’s appearances that managing partner Catherine Maxfield overheard a comment that gave her an idea.
“We were at a local fun day and a little girl had run up to Eric for a hug,“ recalls Maxfield. “After the cuddle, she returned to her father, who said ‘That will be a few hundred quid, then’ and it was in that moment that I physically witnessed the uncensored, knee-jerk public response to the word ‘solicitor‘.
“The perception is that as soon as we open our mouths or lift a finger, we are ‘on the clock’ and people think they are parting with their money, so I wanted to challenge that. I wanted to endorse the same business philosophy as that of retail or trade where people can ask questions,
understand their situation and then get a quote for what they might expect to pay for any professional help they need.“
‘Ask Eric’ was born.
The scheme is a free legal advice service for individuals or businesses that gives quick access to specialist lawyers without any charge through the online booking of telephone appointments.
‘I wanted to endorse the same business philosophy as that of retail or trade where people can ask questions, understand their situation and then get a quote ...‘
Companies that subscribe also get a variety of extra benefits including a free letter for debt recovery, an initial audit of HR policies and contracts and reduced rates for any legal work the firm is asked to carry out as a result of consultations.
“I think it is time the legal profession started to do business like all other sectors,“ explains
Maxfield. “Advertising agencies pitch, manufacturers make prototypes and car dealerships will take you for a test drive. ‘Ask Eric’ is our way of showing people that we are both confident and caring enough to introduce expertise and knowledge without any cost.“
‘Ask Eric’ was introduced quietly at the start of August where staff at the firm would mention it to clients or at public events. Without any advertising or promotion, over 100 people signed up to the scheme.
“We have had enquiries from across the country,“ says Maxfield. “Since our team of private and commercial lawyers represent people and businesses from all over the UK, it was always our intention to open the scheme to as wide a market as possible, but to have members from outside our usual catchment area already is really exciting.
“Now we have begun actively promoting ‘Ask Eric’. We are offering priority booking on our free briefings and seminars and regular updates on the latest legal issues as part of the membership, but the response has been much more positive than we anticipated.“
For more information on ‘Ask Eric’ visit:
www.askeric.co.uk
Need Free Legal Advice for your Business?
Ask Eric! THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – NOVEMBER 2015 ®
Contact Eric 24/7 0800 083 2820
askeric@ericrobinson.co.uk www.askeric.co.uk www.businessmag.co.uk
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