Lexcel
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 DG Legal 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
Why consider adopting the Lexcel Standard?
Lexcel is the Law Society’s practice management quality mark. Accredited practices can demonstrate that they meet high standards of excellence in key areas such as client care, compliance and practice management. The Lexcel Standard is a highly beneficial tool assisting firms to increase efficiency and profitability.
The Lexcel Standard defines quality management procedures in seven key areas:
- Structure and Strategy
- Financial Management
- Information Management
- People Management
- Risk Management
- Client Care
- File & Case Management.
Lexcel accreditation has gained significant 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 Standards and Regulations has given practices confidence in meeting their regulatory obligations;
- The recognition of Lexcel as a good risk management framework by insurers has led to discounts on annual professional indemnity premiums for some firms;
- A higher number of insurers may be willing to insure a practice that is Lexcel accredited;
- For legal aid practices, there is exemption from Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) audits; and
- 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. Lexcel can set firms apart from competitors.
Why instruct us?
We are proud that our consultants are probably the most experienced team of Lexcel consultants operating in the UK. Our team are able to assist all types of legal practices, in-house legal departments and other organisations to achieve Lexcel accreditation.
Amongst other unique selling points:
- Our consultants have managed more than 1,000 practices through the Lexcel scheme;
- 100% of our clients who have been assessed against the Lexcel Standard have passed the assessment;
- The Law Society has instructed our consultants to deliver in-house or external training to other consultants and assessors.
We 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 Services
We offer consultancy services to ensure that your organisation passes the Lexcel audit and/or maintains the accreditation. We assist all types of legal practices, in-house legal departments and other organisations and ensure that our services are tailored to the needs of the individual organisation.
As well as offering our extremely popular retainer service or bespoke consultancy, there is also our Lexcel mock audit service. We also offer training courses covering key topics to ensure compliance with the Lexcel standard and other regulations.
Lexcel Mock Audit
We usually carry out a comprehensive gap analysis of your current systems and procedures against the Lexcel Standard, followed by up to a further day preparing a detailed mock audit report. The format of the report mirrors the report you will be provided by the auditor following your actual Lexcel audit.
In addition, we will also provide you with an action plan and detailed advice and guidance on how to fully demonstrate compliance. We can also provide the necessary documents, templates and proformas to ensure that you have in place everything that is required and that all documentation is compliant and up to date. You can be confident that, after our mock audit, you will have all the tools at your disposal to pass your full Lexcel audit.
Retainer Service
Alternatively, there is our popular retainer service.
The purpose of the retainer service is to ensure that organisations are one step ahead of the game by maintaining a managerial system which meets or exceeds the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Legal Aid Agency (where relevant) in addition to maintaining their quality assurance system.
The retainer service is tailored to the needs of the client. The service includes the preparation of policies and procedures to meet the firm’s compliance requirements, email and telephone advice and assistance, as well as regular bulletins and briefings to ensure you remain up to date with the latest developments across the legal profession.
Please contact us for further details about our retainer service.
Lexcel Standard Training Requirements Course
Our online Lexcel Standard Training Requirements Course covers key topics to ensure compliance with the Lexcel standard and other regulations.
The Lexcel standard requires firms to provide training for staff covering:
- Equality and Diversity
- Conflicts of Interest
- Data Protection
- Information Security
- Anti-Money Laundering
Providing training in these areas is also crucial in meeting your regulatory obligations including the SRA’s Standards and Regulations. The course will also assist your firm to meet your legal obligations with the:
- Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- Bribery Act 2010
- Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
- Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017
- Equality Act 2010.
The online course is suitable for staff of all levels, from support staff to senior Partners.
Comprehensive and up to date course notes are provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training.
Our current course availability can be found by clicking HERE.
Delegates from firms with a current retainer contract with DG Legal benefit from discounts across our range of courses.
I have known David Gilmore for more than 20 years, he is extremely knowledgeable regarding Compliance and LAA matters. DG Legal have assisted us for many years in relation to Compliance and in particular submitting the tender bids for both Crime and Civil work. In addition, they have been assisting us in preparing for Lexcel and last week we had our Full Re-assessment, which we passed with flying colours.
Kirit Khushal
Partner | JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors
The Cost
Our Lexcel service is aimed at ensuring you achieve the accreditation 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.
The price for this service depends upon the size of the firm and the precise scope of the service.
Contact Us
To discover more about how we can help your firm with Lexcel, please call 01509 214 999, send us an email or complete our free enquiry form.