Lexcel accreditation may not seem to be a priority for all firms but those that have achieved the standard and that have been committed to working proactively with it have found that it is a vital tool that helps them focus on the effective management of a legal services business. The aim of using the Lexcel standard is to develop a management system that is assessed annually by an independent assessor who reviews your ability to consistently deliver legal services that meet client expectations, improve overall satisfaction and assists in achieving regulatory compliance.
The Law Society’s website describes Lexcel as the “legal practice quality mark for excellence in legal practice management and excellence in legal client care”. Accreditation to the standard requires achievement of several outcomes in seven different areas: structure and strategy, financial management, information management, people management, risk management, client care, file and case management.
Practices accredited against the Lexcel Standard have the flexibility to implement procedures that are appropriate to their unique circumstances. We can show you how to meet the requirements of the standard usually in line with your existing processes, avoiding any major re-engineering of procedures where possible.
Lexcel is designed for any legal practice, regardless of the size or type of work undertaken. Two versions of Lexcel are available to reflect the needs of domestic and international markets. Lexcel is also accepted as a quality standard by the Legal Aid Agency, instead of obtaining the SQM. If you are having to tender or quote for work against other law firms, having Lexcel may help to show you have the ability to not only do the legal work competently but have the management infrastructure to manage your firm properly.
Achieving Lexcel requires the completion of an application form and an independent assessment conducted by a Law Society licenced assessment body. We can provide you with guidance and support throughout the whole process, including the selection of an appropriate assessment body and assessor.