Compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct 2011
Lexcel Legal Practice Quality Mark
What are they?
The SRA Code of Conduct introduced in October 2011 brought in a new Outcomes Focused Regulatory Code for the legal profession regulated by the SRA. From 1st January 2013, all legal practices in England & Wales now also have an internal Compliance Officer(s) known as the COLP and / or COFA. These individuals have the unenviable task of ensuring that all regulations and statutes are adhered to. Moreover, they are also charged with responsibility for ensuring a viable business providing a high quality legal service to their clients. Failings in any of the aforesaid means they are required to report the irregularity to their regulator for appropriate investigation and potential censure.
Lexcel is the Law Society's Practice Management Quality Mark for any type of Legal Practice to certify that certain standards have been met following independent external assessment.
The Lexcel Practice Management Quality Mark is only awarded to firms that meet the highest management and customer care standards.
Lexcel accredited practices undergo rigorous independent assessment every year to ensure they continue to meet the required standards of excellence in areas such as client care, case management and risk management.
How can I help your Practice?
Through my work with Legal Eye Ltd, I help the legal firm to steer through the regulations and support their journey to compliance. Focusing on the areas of the COLP, we work together to generate a Gap analysis of areas of non-compliance by reviewing existing information and documentation. Thereafter, we help to remedy any shortcomings. Through Legal Eye, we perform a similar role for the COFA. So if you're worried that you may not have done enough, or unsure of what to do, then we need to have a conversation without delay!
As an accredited Lexcel Consultant, registered with The Law Society, I can help legal practices prepare for their external assessment. Working with the Partners and typically their Practice Manager, I can help implement policies and procedures and provide guidance on knowledge gaps.
Equally, I can also bring in other services to focus help into development of key areas of the practice - for example, providing:
- Executive Coaching and Leadership Mentoring services to Partners and Fee Earners to help them to release their true potential within the firm and profession;
- Introducing potential providers of outsourced support services, many of which already work very closely within the sector.
Contact Norman Denton Associates Limited today using the Contact Form above, or email: info@normandenton.co.uk
Norman Denton Associates Limited Registered in England & Wales No: 07820929
Registered Office Address: 225 Upton Lane, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 9PB | 07711 284646
VAT No: GB 200 648 641