The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) is launching a legal service with law firm Clarks to provide its members with legal advice, as part of the standard membership package. The new service will take effect from July 1, 2004.

Matthew Carrington, RMI chief executive, says: “The new service structure will provide members with more specialised legal services, and have the scope to constantly enlarge what the RMI offers its members. This business decision has been made entirely with our members in mind. They will now benefit from direct access to legal professionals with a wide range of specialisations.”

Clarks will advise RMI members on legal matters such as product liability, dealer agreements, competition and employment law. As part of the service offered to the RMI, Clarks will set up a website dedicated to providing the latest legal information direct to RMI members.

In addition, the RMI will be working alongside Clarks to develop a legal training programme including workshops, seminars and an annual conference to help keep members abreast of legal developments. The new development will operate in conjunction with the existing helpline telephone service for the RMI members.