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Lexcel
is the Law Society’s practice management quality mark. Practices accredited to Lexcel can demonstrate that they meet high standards of excellence in key areas of legal practice management. In particular, it is a highly beneficial tool in managing risk and client care within a practice, leading to increased efficiency and profitability.
Lexcel has gained significantly in popularity over the past few years and this can be attributed to a number of different factors:
- the synergy between Lexcel and key elements of the SRA Code of Conduct has given practices confidence in meeting their regulatory obligations. In this new regulatory regime, Lexcel would provide a good framework to assist in demonstrating to the Solicitors Regulation Authority the necessary outcomes in complying with the new 2011 Code of Conduct;
- the recognition of Lexcel as a good risk management framework by insurers has led to offers of discounts on annual professional indemnity premiums;
- the improved marketability and competitive advantage gained as a result of achieving Lexcel has led law firms to increase their client base through successful tenders for new work. With increased competition and the recognition of Alternative Business Structures (ABS) from October 2011, Lexcel can set your firm apart from competititors.
The Cost
We have a team of Law Society registered Lexcel Consultants and are able to assist all types of legal practices, in-house legal departments and other organsiations achieve accreditation against the Lexcel standard. Our consultants appreciate that legal practices operate in different ways and therefore, the challenges faced by practices in implementing Lexcel and the way in which the challenges can be overcome will be different practice by practice. We take pride in ensuring that our services are tailored to the needs of the individual practice.
Our Lexcel service is aimed at ensuring you achieve Lexcel at a pace that is suitable for you with as much input and guidance as you may need from us, whilst ensuring it remains cost-effective.
As well as offering bespoke consultancy, we offer a Lexcel accreditation service from as little as £1,250 plus VAT. Please click here for more information.
Expertise
We have helped over 60 firms in the last three years through the Lexcel process and provided consultancy advice and assistance to more than 600 other firms. One of our consultants is also the Law Society's primary external Lexcel training provider.
Our team of Lexcel consultants is headed by David Gilmore who has worked with all the significant legal representative groups in addition to numerous law firms and advice agencies. David is assted by Bhavni Shah, Matt Howgate, Jane Rivers and Stuart Lee.
Bhavni Shah was formerly a Lexcel Executive with the Law Society for five years. In her role within the Lexel Office, Bhavni provided expert advice on how to meet the Lexcel requirements and regularly wrote guidance and articles – focussing on both in-house and private practice. In addition, she was instrumental in devising the Lexcel assessor consistency programme which ensures that the knowledge and application of Lexcel amongst assessors is consistent. She remains the Law Society's principal external Lexcel trainer, delivering Lexcel training courses to practices (both private and in-house) as well as training Lexcel assessors & Lexcel consultants.
Matt Howgate is a non-practising solicitor and consultant, highly experienced in all aspects of practice management. Previously Senior legal advisor to the Legal Services Commission, Matt headed up their Continuous Improvement Team. Matt has worked with countless law firms and advice agencies as well as with local authorities and legal representative groups.
Jane Rivers previously worked for the Legal Services Commission as a Relationship/Contract Manager and in a senior role managing a team of Relationship Managers and has a wealth of experience in quality assurance, audits and performance measures. As well as working with us, Jane also has a part-time role with the SQM Delivery Partnership as an auditor.
Stuart Lee is a highly experienced consultant who previously spent twelve years working for the Legal Services Commission. In addition to being an auditor with the SQM Delivery Partnership, he is an experienced Lexcel consultant and able to assist firms in preparing for and maintaining the Lexcel Accreditation.
Contact
If you have any questions as regards Lexcel or would like to discuss the implications and benefits for your organisation, we would be pleased to give you some advice without any obligation. For further details or to arrange to speak to one of our Lexcel consultants, please contact us.
