Retainer Service
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
Most of our clients prefer to use our services on a retainer basis simply because the cost is far cheaper than instructing us on an hourly rate or fixed fee basis. The scope and nature of the services provided tends to vary from firm to firm, as each organisation has different needs and priorities.
Services Usually Included in our Retainer Arrangement
Quality Assurance
We have assisted hundreds of firms with their quality assurance assessments and have a 100% pass record. You will receive advice and assistance in relation to maintaining compliance with Lexcel, SQM and the CQS Core Practice Management Standards. As well as guidance and assistance with preparing for routine audits or corrective actions. Please note that this does not include assistance with the initial application and the first audit unless specifically agreed otherwise.
Audits
We have over 25 consultants with up to date and expert knowledge and skills about the scope and nature of a whole range of audits including compliance, legal aid, quality assurance and AML. You will have access to their knowledge and expertise.
Professional Grade Cloud COLP & COFA Software
We shall provide you with a firm wide licence to use our high-quality cloud based Compliance Caddy software during your retainer term. Our compliance software is built for speed and simplicity. Rather than incorporating superfluous features, it is designed to get the job done in as little as 10 minutes or less per month. If you use it, you will be able to demonstrate to the firm’s managers and the SRA that you are compliant with the SRA Standards and Regulations.
I have spent nearly 7 years battling through LAA compliance on my own and the extremely valuable retainer I now have in place means I do not have to any longer. It's a real weight off my mind, especially in these difficult times. Within 2 weeks it has paid for itself several times over. Cannot recommend the team at DG Legal highly enough.
Jodie Leonard
Director | Boyle Tricks Leonard
Compliance Bulletin
You will receive a highly rated compliance bulletin on a regular basis covering what you need to know and what action you must take. This can be sent at your request to multiple recipients within your firm in order that they may all keep up to date with developments.
Precedents / Templates
You have access to and may use any number of documents from our template library.
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
Telephone and Email Support
As a retainer client, you have access to telephone and email support in relation to your compliance and practice management queries from our Retainer Client Care Team and receive priority responses.
Courses and Materials
You are able to have access to our chargeable premier training courses at discounted rates and may have access to some course notes without charge. For further details, please see our Training Courses page.
Expert Advisory Notes
We aim to send easy to read and accessible briefings alerting you to significant compliance changes and reform that may require your attention and explaining precisely what you need to do to remain compliant.
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
SRA Communications
We can assist with guiding you on how to respond quickly and appropriately to SRA requests for information.
Business and Marketing Planning
We can provide you with practical assistance and ideas that work based upon experience gained by visiting more than 1,000 firms over the past 20 years.
Excellent legal consultants, we have been a retainer client for many years. David and the team are always there for help and guidance. They also hold regular training courses, which are very informative.
Duncan Frost
Partner | Foxes Solicitors
Cost
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 compliance issues, please call 01509 214 999, send us an email or complete our free enquiry form.