Assessors and consultants

Lexcel assessors

The Lexcel assessment is organised by one of the twelve independent Lexcel assessment bodies (PDF, 79kb) who are licensed by the Law Society.

Assessments are conducted by trained Lexcel assessors licensed by the Law Society. This ensures that the process is independent, objective and ensures rigorous quality control. Only assessors who are suitably qualified with experience of the legal sector, and have undergone special Lexcel training, are allowed to assess practices against the standard.

The assessors identify whether a practice works to the core requirements of the practice management standard by examining its procedures and processes. The following forms will be used when an assessment is undertaken in relation to Lexcel:

• Guidance notes for the completion of Lexcel assessment reports (PDF, 22kb)
• Pre-application report form (DOC, 104kb) - if the practice is registered on the Commitment Scheme and opts for a pre-application assessment to be carried out
• Lexcel assessment report form (PDF, 101kb) - the assessor may also use the Lexcel case management checklist (PDF, 56kb) to assist in auditing files.

Please note that the duration of assessment guidelines (PDF, 32kb) have been revised from those published in the Lexcel Assessment Guide, 3rd edition, and Lexcel: Helping Practices Improve Profitability.

Lexcel consultants

Independent Lexcel-trained consultants can be used by practices which need advice on complying with or applying for assessment.
Download a list of Lexcel-trained consultants (PDF, 193kb)

The Law Society's Consultants' Code of Practice (PDF, 43kb) sets out guidelines for those wishing to use the services of management consultants. The guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive or exhaustive but they should assist in establishing the suitability and competence of consultants.