A survey of family legal aid clients suggests that most are satisfied with their lawyer's services, the Ministry of Justice says.

The online survey, conducted last year by the Legal Aid Services group, was responded to by almost 140 of 1300 recipients. Although this is a relatively small sample, it showed 77% of respondents who had recently received help from a family legal aid lawyer were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the overall service provided by their lawyer.

In addition:

• 88% of respondents thought their lawyer was polite and respectful
• 83% felt they were listened to
• 82% agreed that their lawyer helped them to understand their legal situation; and
• 80% agreed that their lawyer had explained the next steps to them

The ministry's survey found 73% of respondents felt confident in their lawyer's ability and would use the same lawyer again.