What is Lexcel?

Lexcel is that Law Society’s practice management quality mark.

Written specifically for the legal profession, it allows any type and size of practice to undergo independent assessment to certify that the Lexcel Practice Management Standards are being met.

Developed by the Law Society as a management tool to address the particular business needs of legal practices, they have gained wide acceptance as an aid to effective practice management and improved client care.

Who benefits from Lexcel?

Lexcel can benefit any practice, regardless of size or type of work undertaken. In addition to both the largest and smallest private practices, in-house legal departments in both public and private sector organisations can also benefit from Lexcel.

Clients also benefit from Lexcel, as it gives them confidence that they will receive a quality service from an accredited solicitor.

How does it benefit the practice?

Lexcel benefits the practice in a number of ways including:

• Improved risk management leading to fewer claims and complaints, and favourable treatment from insurers

• Improved client care leading to greater client satisfaction and better client retention.

• Greater consistency of service

• Improved marketability

• Greater success at tenders, pitches and beauty parades

• Assistance with new practice rules and compliance

How does it work?

Annual assessment are carried out by independent assessment bodies to ensure that the the 55 requirements within Lexcel are being met.

Appropriate checks will also be made on the practice’s disciplinary records. This is done prior to the assessment taking place and must be done before a certificate is awarded.

Other quality standards

The Lexcel office aims to give automatic credit on Lexcel requirements where it can be shown that these have been previously demonstrated at a recent assessment for another quality mark.
The Lexcel office publishes overlap tables that show where Lexcel requirements are see to be the equivalent of requirements in ISO9001, Investors in People, or the Legal Services Commissions SQM.
In addition to the above, it is possible to arrange joint assessments for Lexcel with either ISO9001 or Investors in People, thus helping to avoid the disruption of multiple assessments.

Who is Lexcel accredited?

650 practices are either accredited or are currently undergoing assessment, including 16 of the largest 100 firms, 60 sole practitioners and 150 public sector practices.

Click here to access the Lexcel area within the Law Society of England & Wales website.

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