An Interview with Claire Stewart: Solicitor and MD of Real Legal

By Scott Dawson Advertising

20 Apr 2020

Claire Stewart is a solicitor and company director of Real Legal. She studied in top Manchester and London law schools, now she’s set up in Burnley with a mission to provide a quality legal service at an affordable price.

The demographics of Burnley tell two quite different stories. The first is of a town on the up, with advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and a premier league football team. The other, is one of growing income disparity and a section of the community that might struggle to afford the services of a qualified solicitor.

“Access to justice is quite an issue” explains Claire, “legal aid cuts have led to an increase in litigants in person” When you consider that 24% of retired people in Burnley are living below the poverty line, you begin to realise the scale of the problem this organisation is hoping to address.

Real Legal is for real people, real life, not just the privileged few

They’re not just providing legal services for those with large pay cheques coming in, for the privileged few. Real Legal is all for real people living real lives, dealing with real issues.

“We’re aiming to provide an affordable service that actually works for the local community” says Claire. The evidence of that statement is in their price list. With Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney, they’re cheaper than the price of other law firms.

With small claims they’re also offering a special service, where most law firms wouldn’t even consider taking up the case:

“Even though they’re called small claims, it’s not small to the individuals involved. People have sleepless nights over small claims. Most law firms won’t even touch them, so ordinary people have to represent themselves and that’s not easy, especially for foreign nationals or people who speak English as a second language. There’s an accessibility issue here, that we are seeking address.”

For a fixed cost we’ll do everything, all the documents, even represent you in court. You’ll get a lawyer with you the whole time, and more importantly, you’ll get access to justice.”

Breaking the Mould

Real Legal are determined to shake up what is a very traditional market. Some of things they’re doing might well ruffle feathers in the legal world.

When you imagine a typical law firm you might think of wood panelled offices with gentlemen in pinstripe suits. Law firms are very traditional organisations with an air of exclusivity about them – the very thing Real Legal are fighting against. One of the ways they’re doing that is through transparency and clarity.

The first in the country…

For example, Real Legal are one of the first law firms in the country to use Shield Pay, a third-party managed account for conveyancing clients’ money. That means that clients can be sure where their money is, all the time. If you’re selling a house, you can see the funds coming in, and it gives a guarantee that your money won’t be borrowed to pay the bills.

“In ten years’ time every company is likely to be using a third party managed account, but at the moment we’re leading the way for solicitors conveyancing firms in the UK” says Claire.

Real Legal is all about breaking the mould, using new technology to do business on the customer’s terms. They can work remotely, communicating via internet channels, and they’re flexible enough to make appointments out of hours, or in locations away from the office like home visits.

Having a town centre office, where people can drop in anytime, is a symbol of the openness and approachability that are central values to Real Legal.

Real Legal offer a professional service, at a price that’s designed to be affordable for everyone. They can offer many services remotely, and with Will writing they can draft the document remotely and the only meeting with clients for witnessing and signing the document.

They’re offering a service tailored to the needs of the local community, there’s no excessive formality, no ego, just knowledgeable, friendly people ready to help everyone.  

For more information call 0345 646 0501 or visit www.reallegal.co.uk

Latest news

1

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders Ant and Dec and Amy and Chris Cheadle

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders

18 Jul 2025

2

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch Dave Scholes and Malcolm Ireland

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch

18 Jul 2025

3

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed Flying Combat Air Demonstrator

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed

17 Jul 2025

4

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company The Printed Cup Company

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company

17 Jul 2025

5

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International Joe Diston

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International

17 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancashire Business Day 2025
241122lbvlancashiredaylhp0647web
Networking
27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Business Day 2025

Burnley FC , Burnley, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin