There are about 11,000 firms of solicitors in England and Wales and 1,082 legal practices have the Lexcel accreditation. So why is it that so many firms have either not achieved the Lexcel accreditation or have not been inspired to apply?

Having spoken to some solicitors in the Manchester area, there seems to be some scepticism regarding the value of the Lexcel accreditation. Maybe in such a demanding, turbulent and economically uncertain time, Lexcel becomes an objective of lesser importance. The dynamics of the legal industry dictate that there are ever changing and evolving procedures enforced on practitioners. Such changes can bring anxiety, excitement and opportunity in equal measure. One certainty is that these changes, whether compliance- or legal-practice-based, are time-consuming for any firm to adopt and apply.

Our practice, Beeley and Co, is just over two years old. We are a relatively small personal injury practice. However, since our inception we have seen a 50% increase in staff and just been awarded the Lexcel accreditation. We have achieved this under the watchful and skilful direction of Adele Warchester, compliance and risk management consultant.

There is no denying that structuring work patterns and office procedures to correlate with the Lexcel standard is time-consuming. However, I feel it has been time very well apportioned. Rather than approaching the Lexcel standard in a ‘tick-box’ manner, the principles of firm-wide communication and supportive risk management for fee-earners can only help to build a strong, united and motivated team. Such team dynamics are essential for sustained healthy growth in any law practice.

The breeding of a mentality to question, challenge, and advance from outdated, stifling procedures and produce a culture of continuous improvement has to be a recipe for success. As the solicitor’s regulatory body has now abandoned the tradition of prescriptive rules in favour of an outcomes-focused approach, surely this ethos must be one that will ensure positive outcomes across a firm, and please both clients and regulators alike.

Of course, one of the most commonly perceived benefits to a solicitor’s practice of the Lexcel accreditation is a reduction in professional indemnity insurance. Having discussed this aspect with a professional indemnity insurance underwriter from one of the leading insurers in the market, his approach seems to mirror that of our regulators. The Lexcel quality mark does not guarantee an automatic reduction in premium. But it is a demonstration of a firm’s attitude towards quality management, but the outcome of actual case management is of more relevance when calculating premiums.

A lot of the processes we have implemented have been introduced gradually and with close collaboration between staff. I can say, with all sincerity, that this active participation has both galvanised and united every member of staff in working towards a common goal. So successfully has the process unified our team, our Lexcel inspector advised us to apply immediately for the Investors in People accreditation - Silver award, which we have been successfully granted.

When every member of the team is motivated and empowered to contribute to designing working procedures, they are more inclined to ensure positive outcomes. Staff who operate in such a culture are also more inclined to embrace and appreciate the larger commercial challenges faced by firms. Contented, motivated staff make genuine and credible ambassadors for the practice.

Having now journeyed completely through all the risk management and office procedures of the Lexcel standard, we feel stronger and more capable of successfully navigating through the challenges of OFR and the competition brought about by the introduction of alternative business structures. If the focus is on the outcome - surely the devil is in the detail and the Lexcel standard provides the framework and culture for ensuring success.

Joe Gibson is practice manager at Beeley & Co in Stockport

  • Get more information on Lexcel, the Law Society’s practice management standard