Lexcel Auditing

Lexcel is the Law Society's legal practice quality mark for practice management and client care. It helps firms to achieve excellence in compliance and practice management.

Lexcel provides a flexible, supportive management framework to help practices develop consistent operational efficiencies and client services, manage risk effectively, reduce costs and promote profitability.

Lexcel sets the required Standard in seven different areas: structure and strategy, financial management, information management, people management, risk management, client care, file and case management.

Practices and organisations accredited against the Standard have the flexibility to implement procedures that are appropriate to their circumstances.

Why apply for Lexcel accreditation?
It is vital to manage the quality of your legal services effectively. A quality management system that is independently assessed demonstrates your commitment to consistently deliver services that meet client expectations, improve overall satisfaction and assist regulatory compliance.

1. Increase client satisfaction
Achieve consistent levels of client service across your practice or department / organisation and reduce the number of client complaints and increase overall satisfaction levels among clients.

2. Win more new business
Leverage Lexcel to attract new work and provide an advantage in tender processes, tailor Lexcel to your practice's / organisation's processes to help provide a clear point of competitive differentiation and to say that Lexcel is accepted by the Legal Aid Agency instead of the SQM.

3. Gain operational efficiencies
Increase profitability and efficiency through use of standardised processes throughout the practice or department / organisation and access more competitive insurance premiums.

4. Minimise the risk of claims
Protect your brand and reputation by using standardised processes to reduce risks of claims or complaints that may lead to negligence claims and improve compliance with regulatory requirements.

Who is membership for?
Lexcel is designed for any legal practice, regardless of the size or type of work undertaken. From private practices in England and Wales and also international markets, to not-for-profit organisations, in-house teams in organisations and local authorities.

Two versions of Lexcel are available to reflect the needs of domestic and international markets:

  • Lexcel England and Wales version 6.1 of the Standard for legal practices and in-house departments in England and Wales.
  • Lexcel International version 5.1 of the Standard for practices in England and Wales with independent offices overseas and practices in foreign jurisdictions.

 
Lexcel England and Wales is divided into two versions to meet the needs of legal practices and in-house legal departments. These entities are defined as:

  • A law practice in the form of partnerships, limited liability partnerships, sole practitioners, incorporated law firms and alternative business structures (ABSs) authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
  • An in-house legal department, including those in corporations, public sector (including ABSs), law centres, not-for-profit and government organisations.

How do I apply for accreditation?
Achieving Lexcel requires the completion of an application form and assessment. Contact us for further details and we will guide you through the process.