In the solicitors’ sector, our clients range from sole practitioners who have no support staff to very large law firms. In the NfP sector, we work closely with citizen’s advice bureaux, law centres and a range of independent agencies. Since we were established in 2000, we have assisted more than 700 organisations.
Client Testimonials
"I stepped into a compliance role within our in-house firm, Circle with the task of reviewing the set up to ensure we were compliant. Pat has been an absolute god send and I simply would not have been able to complete the tasks without her support and guidance. She has always made herself available to me and has helped enormously with the hundreds of queries I sent through. She is also an absolute pleasure to speak to and incredibly personable and supportive. I am appreciative of her services and her invaluable support and also grateful to yourselves for setting up a structure that allows newbies like me to get help."
Monica Kapur,
Insolvency Director / Business Development, Pythagoras Capital Limited
"It is quite a challenging task for a law firm to choose the right consultant to assist with legal compliance and regulation. DG Legal is however equipped with a team of well experienced and well equipped professionals who can provide a significant amount of value for a law firm. My firm has benefited in a very short space of time from a broad range of recommended solutions and approved practices aimed at improving organizational effectiveness. I am grateful to the Team at DGL. Robyn Longdon deserves a special mention. My firm is without doubt in very capable hands!!"
Dr. Abess Taqi,
Director, Virgo Solicitors Limited
"For any advice, guidance and assistance on BSB compliance matters and the governing policies, Amie Higgins is the go to person. She is knowledgeable, extremely thorough and a pleasure to work with."
Tasaddat Hussain,
Barrister, Garden Court North Chambers
"Excellent recent webinar on Business Continuity – very generously offered for free to help practitioners at a difficult time. The format and presenters were first rate as was the follow up. Thank you!"
Carita Thomas,
Solicitor, ATLEU
"I have had the benefit of some excellent support and advice from David Gilmore and his colleagues at D G Legal over many years, and, most recently, from Catherine Harper whose services I recommend without hesitation. Dealing with Catherine felt like having an extra specialist on our in house compliance team. She completely understood what was required and provided excellent advice and support in a professional and proactive way. Catherine was completely on top of Lexcel 6.1, understood our approach to the challenges of GDPR and the new Money Laundering regulations, and offered informed and practical assistance throughout. The whole experience was a very professional, calm and reassuring one and I look forward to working with the DG Legal team again on our next compliance challenge. I would also commend DGLegal to anyone seeking advice regarding any aspect of the new SRA code of conduct coming into force on the 25th of November [2019]."
Phil Walsh,
Partner & Practice Manager | Miles & Partners LLP
"For anyone with a legal aid contract in Crime I strongly recommend DG Legal with particular reference to Steve Keeling. His expert knowledge, thoroughness and response rate are all second to none. We are retainer client’s and I must say the service really is impeccable. We have held a legal aid contract for a very long time now however, since being with Steve Keeling, whom not to mention was previously employed by the LAA for a number of years, we have passed all of our audits with flying colours. At the end of a recent audit the auditor in fact stated the LAA was very impressed with our firm. I have to say DG Legal really are the best when it comes to compliance."
Gurdip Kaur,
Practice Manager, Mann & Co
"I highly recommend DG Legal. The advice and assistance I have been provided with has been invaluable in the LAA Tender and an SQM application. All the members of the team I have dealt with are knowledgeable (they are experts in their field), accessible (quick responses to calls and emails) and friendly.
In addition, the courses on offer are informative and a really good opportunity to network. As a retainer client, I feel DG Legal's services are excellent value for money."
Charles Njindou,
Principal, Charles Paulin & Co Solicitors
"Cannot fault the service. Very helpful and I always get swift replies with comprehensive information to any questions I raise. After my specialist quality mark audit I was surprised to get a call the next day asking how it went and offering support in relation to the next steps. They guided me through the audit and updated all my documents/policies, they look more professional than ever. The service has been second to none. Thank you DG Legal."
Natalie Moore,
Director, NjP Solicitors
"David and the team are brilliant! David really knows his stuff and is an excellent communicator. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone."
Brian Coulter,
Director, Alexander Shaw Solicitors Limited
"Sarah Charlton’s professional expertise is truly commendable. She is very knowledgeable, approachable and helpful. Thank you Sarah!"
Elizabeth Madagu,
Topstone Solicitors
"I have known David for many years. He has extensive experience of the issues legal aid practitioners have to deal with, and an excellent track record in helping them find solutions to the challenges they face. As his business has grown, he has surrounded himself with others who share his deep understanding of how the legal aid system works, and his commitment to seeking to ensure that firms are able to continue helping the clients who are so much in need of their services."
Richard Miller,
Head of Legal Aid, The Law Society
"Attended the DG Legal Anti Money Laundering Overview webinar. It was free and easy to access. Very experienced presenter. Practical examples which were a comfort to compare my firm’s own processes against. Very useful."
Jayne Henshaw,
Director, Banner Jones Solicitors
"I found today’s course on Mental Health Peer Review extremely informative and helpful and the Panel Members very useful. Thanks very much for all of your assistance DG. I will certainly be recommending you and your company to other providers who need help with peer review and will be filtering the information learned out to my firm."
Mavis Campbell,
Principal, MCK Solicitors Ltd
"A huge thank you to Emma, Alison and the team at DG Legal for their help with the preparation for our recent Lexcel audit. Emma’s support and encouragement was extremely welcome in the run up to and during the audit visit. Her prompts and suggestions maintained our focus, ensuring internal deadlines were met and ensuring all documentation was ready for inspection, resulting in an audit with no corrective actions."
Emery Johnson Astills,
"A fantastic seminar by DG Legal at the Miller Insurance building. The Panel of speakers were well informed, spoke with clarity and simply engaged my mind throughout the session. As the Senior Partner of my firm I can honestly say that it was well delivered, location being convenient and well thought out addressing current issues. I have attended many seminars and this is beyond 10/10 especially given that it was free too, so accessible to everyone. My colleague who attended with me was delighted that I booked him in too. Keep up the excellent work!"
Abul Taher,
Senior Manager, Hamlet Solicitors LLP
"Our firm contracted DG Law to run various legal aid immigration training sessions. Amie Higgins, a consultant at DG Legal gave such a clear step by step guide that helped us not only to run our legal aid matters in an easy and efficient manner in no time, but to successfully get SQM accreditation in what felt like an effortless way. Amie has been there with ready advice for every question we have had, with detailed explanations of the procedure and the law, drafting templates for any possible step or correspondence to ensure compliance with the best care for the client and their matter. After our training, it felt like we have been running legal aid for years. Huge thanks to Amie. Highly recommended."
Alketa Shuli,
Head of Immigration, Milestone Solicitors
"An absolutely first class legal consultancy service second to none . We have had over a decade of tremendous support on a bespoke and client centred basis. They have undoubtedly been an integral part of our progression and development. We would recommend them wholeheartedly for a brilliant addition to your firms team . Well done and a huge thanks to David, Mel and Team DG Legal . Onwards and upwards."
Ranjit Thaliwal,
Director, Thaliwal & Veja Solicitors
"DG legal is a one stop shop for legal consultancy. The team headed by David has such a broad spectrum of experience that they are always able to provide first class advice whatever the situation. Their ongoing compliance toolkit is extremely user friendly and they are always one step ahead of compliance updates. We have used DG since 2006 and in that time their offering has only got stronger."
Robert Borwick,
Director, ABV Solicitors
"We have enjoyed working with Melanie. Her realistic, down-to-earth but professional approach is a real credit to DG Legal. She has always delivered quality work promptly, reliably and with a helpful and approachable manner. We look forward to working with Melanie and the rest of the DG Legal team in the future."
Laura Spooner,
Practice Management & Compliance, LexisNexis
"An absolutely fantastic team!! They provided me with an outstanding service with a time limited application for authorisation. Special thanks to Catherine, Alison, Laura and David who made the process seem so easy. They were on hand to answer questions promptly and even out of hours. Their knowledge and professionalism was excellent and they brought a great sense of humour to make the process less daunting for me. I am grateful for your assistance and look forward to continuing to work with the Team."
Joy Diali,
Director, ADJ Law
"I have just attended the first class DG Legal ‘SRA Standards & Regulations Reforms’ Seminar at the London offices of Miller Insurance. As a busy lawyer, it was fantastically helpful to have so much important ‘stuff’ covered during this seminar. David Gilmore managed to get a panel of speakers who were real experts in their field and spoke with great clarity and authority. Quite simply, DG Legal provide a high quality service to Law Firms such as mine. DG Legal have been an absolute joy to work with over the past year. Emma has been fantastically helpful and super efficient in all her dealings with our Firm. Despite numerous obstacles we faced throughout the contracting process, she was remarkable in her sensitivity and speed of response to all queries raised. I wish there were more than the 5 stars to tick. Emma truly deserves ‘top marks’ and we are very grateful for all she has done for our Firm."
Erol Izzet,
Principal, Carter Jones
"If there is a firm that epitomizes professionalism, courtesy and efficiency it is DG Legal. David and Melanie went above and beyond the call of duty in many ways. They are the go to people for regulatory assistance.
From a very satisfied client - this is what client service is all about."
Frederick Mostert,
Principal, Frederick Mostert Ltd
"I always enjoy working with the team at DG Legal. Particularly David Gilmore and Matt Howgate. They make dry topics entertaining and practical."
Rebecca Bidwell,
Director, Bidwell Henderson
"We were terribly impressed with Amie Higgins and grateful for all her tremendous work."
Jason Sugarman QC,
Foundry Chambers and R S Legal Strategy
"Melanie undertakes external reviews for us as part of our quality compliance. She provides focussed and constructive reports and feedback each time enabling us to focus training and improvement. "
Frances Coulson,
Partner, Moon Beever
"For newcomers to legal aid contracts I strongly recommend Amie Higgins whose training is well prepared without being top heavy. The fact that she has worked and continues to work in the area of immigration and public law is a big advantage to those in the filed."
Yvonne Gwashawanhu,
Solicitor, Tann Law
"All of you at DG have been fabulous with your help. On behalf of Grayson Willis Bennett LLP we owe you all a great debt of thanks"
Mike Willis,
Managing Partner, Grayson Willis Bennett LLP
"Thank you so much for sharing with us your very detailed Duty Solicitor guidance notes. It’s brilliant and will be a massive help to us and others."
Graeme Swain,
Solicitor, Swain & Co Solicitors LLP
"We’ve had the pleasure of utilising the services of DG Legal for many years now and I don’t know how we would manage without them. They’re an amazing team with extensive knowledge on all matters of compliance and regulation. They’re always so happy to assist on the other side of the phone, it feels like they’re part of the firm. I would recommend them to all legal practices, having them on board means I can just get on with practising the law. Thank you to the whole DG Legal team!"
Rakesh Veja,
Director, Thaliwal & Veja Solicitors
"I have known the team at DG Legal for over 5 years.
In having used them to set up my private practice, they were the only organisation that were efficient, reliable and trustworthy. Having to deal with the SRA, The Law Society, The LAA, and then indemnity insurance brokers were a few of the challenging organisations that I had to face. It is here that the vast experience of David Gilmore, with his endless list of contacts comes into fruition.
On a more important note, after he and Melanie had assisted in setting up my business, they have always been available at short notice; either on the phone or email. It is obvious from the level of service provided that DG Legal pride themselves on client care and then changing this professional relationship into an ongoing friendship, making you feel at ease to get on with other matters.
David’s knowledge of having previously worked at the highest level is clearly apparent when you talk to him. He is full of facts and figures and more importantly, I have found that he is always available in case of an emergency. He has a very sound business structure and a very solid team behind him."
Jay Morjaria,
Director, LBM Law
"The Contract Compliance Process Audit process was very demotivating and at the point where we contacted David Gilmore we were very pessimistic about our prospects. It was a great relief to find someone who understood our situation and could bring a positive light to it. David Gilmore responded promptly to our request for help, provided an initial assessment of our prospects quickly (and free of charge) and gave us good advice from the outset. We were impressed with David Gilmore's involvement throughout the process through research, preparation of written submissions, calculation of likely financial outcomes and representation at the appeal hearing. The confirmation that we achieved Category 1 in both appeals (two offices) has been a great boost for our Family team and we could not have achieved these results without David Gilmore's assistance. I would recommend him to any firm in this situation."
Alan Cunningham,
Practice Manager, Sheltons
"Attended a course run by David in Leicester. David has a wealth of knowledge and is very informative, very competent and very articulate. David engaged really well with the whole group and kept everyone interested throughout the day. David also went out of his way to explain in great depth the legal aid tenders after the course. David is the real deal. I would always recommend."
Syed Shah,
Principal, Saracens Law
"We were very impressed with the service we received from D G Legal in developing our new website. We were very busy at the time of this work and we were very light touch in what we suggested. Our rushed thoughts (it would be a kindness to call these a brief) were translated into an excellent structure and we were delighted with the way the website was created. It was a speedy process. We have found it straightforward to add items to the website which has been a tremendous outcome."
Carol Storer,
Director, Legal Aid Practitioners Association
"Gilles expert knowledge of LAA costs regulations and rules proved invaluable in successfully appealing an adverse LAA audit of a very high value file, where if we had lost the appeal the firm would have suffered a significant financial loss. I have no doubt that Gilles support and forensic application of his knowledge was the main reason why we where successful in our appeal, thanks you again Gilles!"
John Durkan,
Managing Partner, Switalskis
"We attended the SRA standards and regulations seminar provided by DG Legal on the 14 October and found it focused, informative and just what was required. Excellent content and presentation."
Meena Chopra,
Partner, The DM Partnership
"Gilles Ward was exceptional. His approach, knowledge, reliability and working methods have been outstanding. He has added value and I can't think of anything else he could have done."
Head of Chambers,
Barristers Chambers
"We have used DG Legal for over 10 years and in the last few years we have had dealings with a number of the team. They are all very helpful, understanding the legal profession and our requirements at all times. We get a personal service, calls are returned and we are provided with support at the level of expertise needed.
We are very satisfied with the company."
Caroline Lewis,
Practice Manager, Faradays
"On behalf of Sheffield Law Centre I want to thank you for your assistance. You helped us to analyse our situation and find a solution to our cashflow and financial problems. The fact that you were independent of the law centre meant that the management committee took your recommendations seriously and acted swiftly. Without your work we would have found things much more difficult and may even have ceased to exist."
Kathryn Hudson,
Co-ordinator, Sheffield Law Centre
"We are indebted to DG Legal for the expert advice and service we have received from them. They have recently supported us to successfully appeal a LAA decision which, we doubt, would have been successful had it not been for their knowledge and expertise. We have also received invaluable advice during the recent tender process, as well as expert advice on a multitude of contract queries. We are greatly reassured by the support we receive from DG Legal."
Kim Miles,
Manager, DHA
"The service offered was extremely helpful and without the same bearing in mind the workload and pressure of having contracts in different areas, we would have been stretched to say the least. Our firm found DG Legal to be invaluable."
Steven Christopher,
Practice Manager, Youngs Solicitors
"FMW Law Ltd have engaged the services of DG Legal since March 2011 and they have proven to be an invaluable source of advice and assistance in respect not only of Lexcel but also our dealings with the Legal Aid Agency and the SRA. There speed of response is without question as is the knowledge of their staff, even when raising complex questions the likes of which they have not come across before there research and responses have been impressive and it would seem that no stone is left unturned in the search for appropriate advice. Having worked with other regulatory advisers in the past who simply refer you to the text, this is not something that staff at DG legal do, they go out of their way to provide a level of service and support which make their service invaluable, and I look forward to an enduring working relationship with David and his colleagues."
Alan Robertson,
FMW Law
"The Baring Foundation has been working with DG Legal since 2010 and in that time the organisation has become a highly trusted partner. Since 2011, David Gilmore has been providing consultancy support to a number of our grantees from the specialist legal advice sector. This has proved to be an indispensable component of the grants programme, providing expert help to organisations carrying out complex and demanding work, as well as contributing to efforts to capture the impact of the activities being funded. David’s detailed knowledge of the legal services sector has also been immensely valuable to us as a grant maker as we have planned how best to support the legal advice sector at this challenging time."
Matthew Smerdon,
The Baring Foundation
"We are extremely grateful indeed for your invaluable help."
Samantha Little,
Partner, Russell Cooke
"Whenever we have engaged David in a project he has added value beyond his remit and his input has always paid dividends beyond the cost."
Bob Nightingale MBE,
Chief Executive, London Legal Support Trust
"Good training....a degree of clarity not usually seen."
Leroy Pitter,
Solicitor, Paddington Law Centre
"The quality of service was excellent. Unlike larger organisations, it was easy to reach David Gilmore and he always returns my calls and is usually on hand to give instant telephone or e-mail advice. I found that extremely reassuring. I was also impressed by the way in which David Gilmore adhered to his commitments. He never lets you down. DG lifted a great weight from my shoulders."
Denise Baker,
Principal, Baker & Co
"As a Not for Profit Solicitor Agency, we felt that at last we had found a trainer that understood LSC Contracting and related issues at a professional level. Up until that point much of the training available within the NFP sector did not meet solicitor requirements and was focused more at a general caseworker level. The individual time spent law centre advisers was invaluable and of great benefit in enabling them to maximise their billing time. David Gilmore is very supportive and continued to advise long after the training had taken place. Excellent value for money."
Noeleen Adams,
Manager, Law Centres Federation
"Very helpful with brilliant ideas."
Indira Ratnasekera,
Senior Solicitor, Leslie & Co
"We are glad that David gave us brief and timely advice. He approached team members as individuals, and gained the trust and confidence of all staff. With regard to the brief given to David, TLC has now performed 94% of target despite being short of 2 members of staff."
Nabeela Craske,
Manager, Thamesmead Law Centre
"I was very impressed with the speed of the work, the professionalism and most appreciative of the early assessment of our position. The quality of service was impeccable."
Pritam Anand,
Partner, Punatar & Co