Who can apply for Lexcel?
Any practice, regardless of size or type of work can apply for Lexcel accreditation. The standards are flexible because they identify which areas must be covered, but leave practices free to choose procedures appropriate to their circumstances.
Full details of the Lexcel application process are included in the Lexcel information pack. Please contact us to obtain these.
Costs
Practices are charged an annual registration fee and an assessment fee for applying for and being assessed against the Lexcel standard.
The annual registration fee
The Law Society will charge your practice a registration fee for each annual assessment after your application is received. Annual registration fees are based on the size of the practice and are shown below:
Private practice | Non-private practice |
|---|
| Sole practitioners - £60 | 1-5 fee earners - £60 |
| 2-4 partners - £175 | 6-15 fee earners - £175 |
| 5-7 partners - £230 | 16-40 fee earners - £300 |
| 8-10 partners - £300 | 41-60 fee earners - £405 |
| 11-15 partners - £350 | 61+ fee earners - £520 |
| 16-25 partners - £485 | |
| 26-50 partners - £580 | |
| 51+ partners - £865 | |
All fees are subject to VAT.
The assessment fee
Each assessment body will charge a fee for conducting a Lexcel assessment. The cost of assessment and subsequent annual maintenance visits varies according to the size of the practice. Each assessment body will have its own charging structure and charges are likely to be based on day rates.
Duration of assessment
Meeting the Lexcel requirements
Self assessment
Before proceeding with an assessment, practices must complete the Lexcel v4.1 self-assessment checklist. The form should then be sent to your chosen assessment body for your assessor's reference. This is important as it can identify weaknesses that need correcting before the assessment or if the assessment is premature.
Your practice is likely to be meeting a number of the Lexcel requirements already, especially if you have other quality standards in place, and particularly if this is the SQM from the Legal Services Commission. Lexcel recognises that there are certain overlaps with these standards which may make the application process easier. Practices can undergo simultaneous assessment for IIP and ISO during the Lexcel process. This can help reduce the time and cost associated with becoming Lexcel accredited.
Lexcel overlaps with other management quality standards such as:
If you are interested in achieving the Lexcel practice management standard you can start preparing now by:
- assessing how many of the standards you already have in place by completing a self assessment form:
- registering with the Lexcel Commitment Scheme, and
- reading:
- considering whether you need help from a consultant to implement the standards.
Selecting an assessment body
Once your practice is satisfied that it meets the Lexcel requirements you must select an assessment body.
Submit your application
Each practice must complete and submit an application form to the Lexcel office prior to their assessment.
You must include with your application:
- details of your practice's approved indemnity insurance provider, claims handler and policy number
- a full list of all employees identifying fee-earners (stating whether admitted or non-admitted) and non-fee-earners
- a letter authorising the application (for non-private practice only).
Your practice's self-assessment checklist must be sent to your chosen assessment body prior to the assessment.
The Lexcel office will provide your chosen assessment body with a copy of the application form and other relevant information.
Application forms:
Please note:
Indicating that there is a current or previous complaint or claim against your practice does not mean instant refusal of an application. Each practice's application is decided on an individual basis.
For more information contact the Lexcel office at the Law Society:
- Email: lexcel@lawsociety.org.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7320 5933
- Address: Lexcel Office, The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL