LEXCEL
The Lexcel standard provides legal practices with a framework of best practice principles for managing their firm. In particular, Lexcel helps practitioners establish systems and processes which help demonstrate compliance with their regulatory obligations and risk management processes.

The standard is regularly updated to reflect recent changes in law and practice management and will take account of the SRA’s move toward Outcomes Focused Regulation from 6th October 2011.

How will my practice benefit?
Achieving Lexcel means you will be recognised for offering excellent
client service. This in turn will benefit you in a number of ways:

• Increased profitability
• Better risk management
• Improved management efficiency
• Enhance client care
• Fewer mistakes
• Support with compliance
• More impactful marketing
• Lexcel has been approved by the Legal Services Commission as an acceptable alternative to SQM
• A standard that is recognised by the SRA as a robust practice management tool.

How does Lexcel work?
Lexcel assessment is a simple and transparent process which is:

• independently assessed
• available to any size or type of practice including in-house, local government, sole practitioners and international practices
• flexible – only specifying standards, not procedures
• valid for three years with annual monitoring visits
• can be combined with other quality standards.

Quality & Compliance Legal offers a consultancy service which can range from a mock audit to assess how prepared your practice is, to a full support service, taking you through the standard over a number of months. The time and cost involved in your requirements can be assessed at a free consultation either in person or by telephone. Rebecca has conducted one of the first international assessments of a firm accredited with Lexcel. We can also give  feedback on your regulatory obligations throughout the Lexcel consultancy (if so instructed) so that you can face your next SRA visit with confidence!

SQM
Quality & Compliance Legal are experienced in the SQM standard and can offer consultancy support to prepare you for your SQM audit. We also work for a number of clients helping them to make the transition from SQM to Lexcel. Rebecca trains regularly for the SQM Delivery Partnership and lectures to internal assessors and to SQM providers.

CONVEYANCING QUALITY SCHEME
If your firm wishes to apply for the conveyancing quality scheme, we can assist in advising on the practice management aspects required by the standard and can help prepare the practice generally.