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6 October 2011 Last updated at 00:43 GMT
Under the plans consumers will be able to buy law services in supermarkets Banks and supermarkets are to be able to sell consumer legal services in England and Wales for the first time following a change in law.The government says the new Legal Services Act will offer more choice and better value for the public.
It says it also means law firms will benefit from investment and allow them to explore new markets.
But critics have said it would undermine the quality of advice.
The government says the change would encourage economic growth in the industry and raise the profile of the UK as a first-class legal services market.
Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly said it was a "landmark day" for the legal industry.
"Our legal services are already rated among the best in the world, used by millions of people around the globe as well as in the UK, and these changes will set them up to move to new heights. They will enable firms to set up multi-disciplinary practices and provide opportunities for growth," he said.
"Potential customers will find legal services become more accessible, more efficient and more competitive."
Legislation and regulation has restricted the management, ownership and financing of firms providing legal services for hundreds of years.
Currently, solicitors and barristers' chambers are owned by the lawyers themselves under partnerships.
Critics have dubbed the act "Tesco Law," and the move has come under attack from some lawyers, including a coalition of about 100 firms, when it was first announced in 2009.
They said it could wipe out good quality, local legal advice.
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