Lexcel
LEXCEL REACCREDITATION
We are delighted to confirm that we have been re-accredited with the LawSociety’s Management Quality Mark, Lexcel, which we have held continuously since 2009.
Lexcel is developed specifically for the legal profession. It is an optional recognised accreditation scheme for law firms, which gives assurance that a practice meets high Client care and business management standards. To gain and retain Lexcel accreditation, a firm must undergo a rigorous initial assessment and then annual application and reassessment processes. This includes conducting background checks and an on site visit from an experienced, trained Lexcel Assessor.
Anthony Northey, the firm’s Senior Partner says: “We are of course very proud to have secured our Lexcel re-accreditation – however, Clients,potential Clients and staff are the main beneficiaries. They can be reassured that we manage and run the business effectively. There is a lot of choice in the Legal Services market, but being Lexcel accredited demonstrates our commitment to care and best practice”.
Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, President of the Law Society of England & Wales said: “Gaining and maintaining Lexcel is no mean feat. There are many facets of being a Lexcel accredited law firm, including Client Care. A commitment to customer service in today’s ever more competitive legal services market is vital. By undergoing the rigorous Lexcel application and assessment process practices can show the positive steps they are taking to help Clients in the increasingly diverse, complicated legal services market. The scheme is a beacon of quality to Clients and Potential Clients alike”.
Michael Johnson, our Lexcel Assessor said “Law firms earn Lexcel. They earn it through diligently dedicating intense effort to introduce, maintain and monitor the systems and procedures that are a hallmark of Lexcel. Those systems and procedures are centered on client care, file and case management and key areas crucial to the proper running of a well-organised firm: risk management, structures and key policies, strategic plans, financial management and confidentiality and people management”.
“Nothing stands still and recently the Lexcel Mark has become even harder to obtain and maintain as its requirements have broadened and deepened through the new Lexcel version 5 and which also entwines around increased regulatory requirements”.
Michael went on to say “It is an absolute credit to Sharman Law LLP not ‘just’ that they have maintained their Lexcel accreditation, but the way in which they did it. Not only have they met the challenge of the new Lexcel version 5, but in 21 key areas including client care and file management, they exceeded those Lexcel requirements to a significant extent and were accordingly awarded Areas of Good Practice”.