Beacon of quality: Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ Managing Partner (left), and Christopher Gates, Compliance Officer, with the firm’s Lexcel certificate.
Dorset and New Forest law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has secured the national Law Society’s legal practice quality mark, Lexcel.
Lexcel is developed specifically for the legal profession. It is an optional, recognised accreditation scheme for law firms and in-house legal departments which gives assurance that a practice meets high client care and business management standards.
To gain and retain Lexcel accreditation, practices must undergo a rigorous initial and then annual application and assessment process. This includes conducting background checks and an on-site visit from an independent experienced trained Lexcel assessor.
Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ Managing Partner, said: “While we are proud to have secured Lexcel, it is our clients and staff who are the main beneficiaries.
“They can be assured that the way we manage the practice has their interests at heart and runs efficiently. There is a lot of choice in the legal services market, but being Lexcel accredited demonstrates our commitment to client care and best practice.”
Jonathan Smithers, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, said: “Gaining and maintaining Lexcel is a considerable feat. There are many facets of being a Lexcel accredited law firm, including excellence in client care. A real commitment to customer service in today’s evermore competitive legal services market is vital.
“By undergoing the rigorous Lexcel application and assessment process, practices can show the positive steps which they are taking to help clients in the increasingly diverse and complicated legal services market.
“The scheme is a beacon of quality to clients and potential clients alike,” added Mr Smithers.
Ellis Jones joins more than 1,700 other legal practices in England and Wales with Lexcel accreditation. The practice management accolade has also gone international with firms in Scotland, the Middle East, Poland and the Republic of Ireland having gained accreditation.
Note to journalists:
Ellis Jones is one of the largest law firms in Dorset and West Hampshire with 130 staff including 11 partners. It has offices in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Ringwood, Swanage and London offering a wide range of services to individuals and businesses.
For more details, please contact: Andrew Diprose, Director, Deep South Media Ltd, on 01202 534487.
