New app described as 'the Uber' of legal services

An app that aims to be ‘the Uber of legal and accountancy services’ has been launched by solicitor and former managing partner of Harvey Ingram, Simon Astill.

The app, ProAnnexUs, lets users find a lawyer or accountant, get in contact and pay for services through the same interface – similar to how the Uber app works for minicabs. The search function gives users access to peer-reviewed lists of professionals who can then be contacted through instant messaging and paid using a card payment system.

As Legal Futures reports, Astill was inspired to create the app after a Legal Services Board survey revealed that many small and medium-sized businesses were finding it difficult and expensive to access a lawyer. Some 50 lawyers and a small number of accountants are currently signed up to the service, but many more will need to register for the app to fulfil the potential envisaged by its creator.

Speaking to Legal Futures, Astill commented: “I’m a fairly passionate lawyer, but not so passionate about the way the law is being delivered. The law is not enough – it must be delivered the way the client needs and wants it…The aim is simplicity, simplicity of interaction between lawyer and client, because that is what the client wants.”