Methodology
This study draws consecutively on both quantitative and qualitative datasets. The research has been designed in a manner which acknowledges the potential for wide variation in the opportunities and constraints experienced by law firms within rural and peripheral areas. In particular, a series of research interviews are being conducted with members of solicitors’ practices located in case study towns across rural Wales. At the same time, the knowledge gleaned from the research interviews is being supported and enhanced by a review of the statistical databases held by the Law Society. These datasets will be suitable for both different scales of spatial analysis, and cross-tabular analysis.
The statistical analysis of the datasets, and ultimately the mapping of the results produced, will allow this research project to move beyond the traditional tendency for aggregate all-Wales level discussion of the sustainability of solicitors’ services. Facilitating this multi-level and thus more spatially aware approach, will be the parallel analysis of the qualitative information generated from the face-to-face interviews. The interview transcripts will be reviewed from a number of different aspects. Conclusions can then be reached on the current state, variability and trends in the availability and access to solicitors’ services in a manner which, by reflecting on the actual ‘real life’ experiences of solicitors’ firms across Wales, will provide qualitative weight to the statistical facts.
