Lexcel Award for Excellence in Practice Management 2012

Winner

JD Spicer & Co
JD Spicer have used Lexcel to further their strong commitment to client care. Lexcel helped the firm to build by providing a structure that allowed it to grow and meet clients' needs. Some of the initiatives include improved strategic planning, expansion to a new Birmingham office, a comprehensive restructure and a new focus on pro bono work.

Highly commended

Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Trowers & Hamlins have held UK Lexcel accreditation since 2003. During 2011-12 the firm's five Middle East offices decided to seek Lexcel accreditation internationally. Trowers & Hamlins is the first firm to have achieved this accreditation in the Middle East.

London Borough of Enfield Legal Services
When London Borough of Enfield Legal Services first took on Lexcel, there was disparity in processes between teams and fee earners. The team made a decision to gain accreditation quickly, and were one of the quickest authorities to become Lexcel accredited. Since accreditation they have used Lexcel to continually review and develop their services.

Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors
Paul Crowley & Co decided that achieving Lexcel would be the catalyst that would determine their future. They quickly developed and implemented service and management standards to achieve accreditation. Since becoming accredited, the firm has experienced tangible growth, and recently opened their fourth office.

Shortlisted

Beeley & Co Solicitors
Beeley & Co set Lexcel as a primary objective in their business and marketing plans when the firm was established three years ago. They employed the Lexcel ethos to develop a culture that enabled staff to actively contribute to their own working processes, motivating the team and achieving positive outcomes for clients.

Pannone
Pannone's cutting-edge approach to practice management includes portals for clients to access live information on progress and costs , online reporting systems, text alerts on case updates and automatic emails to fee earners when cost estimate limits are approaching. Associates are also trained in client counselling, building on feedback from client care visits. This is backed by a thorough internal auditing process and an ethos grounded in sustainability.

Rowlinsons Solicitors
Rowlinsons Solicitors achieved Lexcel in 2009, and since then have used the quality mark to enhance the firm's reputation. Training and opportunities for staff to gain qualifications and progress within the firm have created an atmosphere of attainment, direction and consistency of service.

Simpson Millar LLP
Simpson Millar achieved Lexcel 12 years ago, and every year since. They continue to improve and use Lexcel as a benchmark in all they do. In the past year they've established a new appraisal system for staff, a risk management committee and the introduction of an automated client feedback system which feeds into management and appraisal processes.

Staffordshire County Council - Legal Services
Staffordshire County Council Legal Services wanted to complement their Lexcel accreditation with a new case management system. They incorporated key Lexcel processes into the technical specifications for the new system.