Lesley Gordon

The product, which has been created in conjunction with legal tech company Settify, is an online portal accessible 24/7 via BTO’s websites. It will allow clients to start the legal process at the time and in the place of their choice by simply clicking on a “Get Started Online” button.

Each client is then guided through an artificially intelligent, responsive, interview process which gathers the relevant information about their circumstances and gently prompts them to consider pertinent matters along the way, such as if they wish to put a Power of Attorney in place.

Settify CEO, Max Paterson, said: “Settify is proud to have collaborated with BTO in the creation of our tailored online estate planning system for Scotland and previously in relation to the creation of our product for family law clients. BTO will be the first legal firm in Scotland to offer an attractive, seamless way for clients to make a start on their Wills online. It’s so important for lawyers to keep up with clients’ expectations around service and accessibility, and with this new initiative, BTO will be ahead of the curve.”

This user-friendly, no commitment, online tool not only provides clients with the flexibility of starting the process wherever they wish, it saves the client money as they are not paying legal fees to answer questions normally posed by a lawyer. In addition, it will allow BTO’s solicitors to commence their client meetings with a full brief of each client’s information, and to spend their time on tasks that AI can’t do such as exercising judgement and applying experience.

Lynn Melville, who leads BTO’s wills, estates and succession planning team in Edinburgh, has played an instrumental role in writing the content for the Scottish product, ‘adding a kilt’ to what was English law and English terminology.

She commented: “We are delighted to be the Scottish champions of this Wills and Estates product. My colleagues and I are working in an ever changing market where individuals like to consider and complete information requests in the comfort of their own homes.

“In my view, this product ticks all the boxes. It is extremely user friendly and allows us as solicitors to be more organised when preparing for the first meeting. It provides the important information required ahead of the meeting, yet we still have the opportunity to build rapport with our clients at face to face meetings, which is vitally important. Using this tool is really the most efficient and effective way to have a solicitor prepare your Will and Power of Attorney.”

Lesley Gordon, head of BTO’s family law team, who was involved in the working group that established the Settify family law service in Scotland, said: “From our team’s perspective, it is an ideal time for us to be launching this product because it permits anyone experiencing relationship difficulties, particularly during lockdown, to engage legal advice discreetly.

“The Settify Family Law AI tool will allow our potential clients to input details in their own time and receive a summary and personalised information about the legal position applying to their situation, even before they commit to instructing us. When they do meet one of our experienced family lawyers, we will already have been able to identify the most suitable solicitor to assist them and can focus on helping our client navigate their particular circumstances. I consider this a win/win product for our clients and solicitors alike.”