The scheme looks at all aspects of practice management and helps to ensure that a practice delivers excellent client care and a consistantly high quality of service. It recognises a quality of service above and beyond the Solicitors Code of Conduct, put in effect from the 1st July 2007.

The Lexcel quality mark means that we have had disciplinary records checked at the Law Society and undergone rigorous independent assessment to ensure we meet the required standards of excellence. We are assessed on an annual basis to ensure standards are not only maintained but are also continuously improved. The assessment is based around meeting 55 requirement in the following areas :

Structures and policies / Strategy, the provision of Services and Marketing

Financial Management / Facilities and IT

People Management / Supervision and Operational Risk Management

Client care / File and case Management

Lexcel accredited firms have been shown to have fewer complaints at the Law Society. The 2004 annual report from the Law Societys Independant Commisioner found that Lexcel practices had 40% fewer complaints per fee earner than unaccredted practices.

What this means for our clients - The Lexcel accreditation means that Amelans not only promise, but have been independantly assessed to provide the following :

The basis under which charges will be calculated, including the best information possible on the likely overall costs of the matter, and the likely time-scale
Accurate measurement of time spent on matters for billing purposes
Regular updates on the progress of matters, including any changes to anticipated costs or time-scales
Timely response to all client communications
Effective supervision of all legal work (including file reviews) and regular checking of all flies - by all those doing legal work
Effective operational risk management, including arrangements to ensure that all risks are identified, assessed, appreciated and addressed
Confirmation in writing of the terms of business under which instructions are received
Effective identification and management of personal and commercial conflicts of interest
Name and status of the fee earner(s) working on your matter, and the person(s) responsible for overall supervision
Appropriate training, development and appraisals for all staff