The Law Society has established a national consultancy network to provide assistance to firms with outcomes-focused regulation and the new Code of Conduct, client care, compliance and risk issues.
We have incorporated these consultancy services into the new Risk and Compliance Service, with discounted rates to serve the needs of an even wider range of firms.
These services include:
- Two-hour risk diagnostic visit
These 'health screenings' conducted by subject matter experts are the quickest and easiest way to evaluate your organisation's compliance in areas including outcomes-focused regulation (OFR), client care, complaints handling, anti-money laundering (AML), information security, information management, data protection and risk management. The session includes advisory 121's for partners and key compliance personnel. - Compliance support half-day diagnostic visits
Our compliance support half-day sessions are designed to provide you with in-depth support on the compliance issues affecting your firm. With a particular emphasis on governance and embedding sound risk management principles, the session can be tailored to your firm's needs and can also include advisory 121's and training sessions for partners, fee earners and other staff. - OFR half-day training
A bespoke consultancy session focused on giving you and your colleagues relevant information to implement measures to help you comply with the SRA's Handbook and code of conduct. The session includes templates, advice on letters and best practice guidance on your systems and processes. - Client care and complaints handling half-day training
A bespoke consultancy session aimed at providing you and your colleagues with the information to enhance your organisation's client care delivery and complaints handling processes. All sessions include best practice customer service tips, information on evaluating your firm's client care culture and up-to-date guidance from the Legal Services Ombudsman's office. - Anti-Money Laundering half-day training
Visits from the Practice Standards Unit of the SRA can be a concern to many firms. Our consultants can help you understand what to expect and audit you against the common areas of non compliance. The service will provide you with an action plan for tackling any identified areas of concern before you receive the regulator's visit. - Lexcel Gap Analysis half-day session
A bespoke consultancy session aimed at providing you and your colleagues with an assessment of your organisation's systems and processes' alignment with version 5 of Lexcel (the Law Society's practice management standard). This session, designed in collaboration with the society's Lexcel team, is particularly popular with organisations aspiring to achieve or on the verge of applying for Lexcel accreditation.
Using the service
Are you interested in using a consultant but not sure how to get the most from the service? The approach below describes our proven approach for the best results:
1. Consider your concerns
What would you like assistance in addressing? Common topics include:
- Regulatory implications of the Legal Services Act 2007
- Multi-disciplinary practices and alternative business structures
- The Code of Conduct / The Solicitor's Handbook 2011
- SRA visits
- Anti-money laundering
- Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)
- Client care/complaints handling
2. Review your current processes
How do you currently handle areas of risk and compliance? You may find it helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you aware of the implications that OFR, the Code and Handbook will have on your firm?
- Do you have (or suspect you have) problems with client care and complaints handling?
- Is your professional indemnity insurance premium high or have you had difficulty securing PII insurance?
- Are you concerned that you might need help in establishing and managing sound risk management practices?
- Do you need help in learning how to document and demonstrate risk and compliance measures to insurers, investors, or regulators?
- Would creative solutions to managing risk help your firm save money now and in future?
- Do you know what to do if you become subject to an SRA investigation?
- Have you established procedures and processes to help you respond to various risk-based situations?
- Have you set out policies about what actions to take if your business encounters a problem?
3. Get results
After your initial contact with the Risk and Compliance Manager, the image below demonstrates what happens during the four stages of the consultation process.
1. Consultant visits and interviews relevant staff
2. Consulting and/or training approach is tailored to your firm's needs
3. Consultant delivers bespoke consultancy and/or training over the course of required days/weeks
4. Built in reassessments 3, 6 and/or 12 months from initial engagement.
For further information about the services available see our associate consultants page or email us at riskandcompliance@lawsociety.org.uk.