How to apply for Lexcel International (v5.1)
To apply for accreditation, you'll need to:
- complete a self-assessment checklist for initial accreditation
- submit the application form
- be assessed by an independent body
Accreditation is awarded for three years, with annual re-accreditation and monitoring visits to ensure continued compliance.
It can take around six months to become accredited.
Step one: Read the guidance
Before you begin your application, read the:
- Lexcel v5.1 scheme rules (PDF 428 KB)
- standard for Lexcel International v5.1 (PDF 306 KB)
- guidance for sole practitioners for v5.1 (PDF 167 KB)
- guidance for in-house practices for v5.1 (PDF 61 KB)
Step two: Complete the self-assessment checklist
Complete the self-assessment checklist (Word 478 KB) to help determine any areas you should correct before your first assessment.
You must be able to provide evidence that requirements have been in place for at least three months before the date of the first assessment.
Step three: Choose an assessment body
You’ll be allocated an assessor through one of our approved assessment bodies. They’re licensed by us, which ensures that the process is independent and objective.
Contact the assessment body for more information on how an assessor is allocated.
Step four: Submit your checklist
Send your completed self-assessment checklist to your chosen assessment body. This will help to identify any areas that need correcting before your assessment.
Step five: Complete the application form
Complete the application form (Word 1.26 MB) and submit it to us at least six weeks before your assessment date.
You’ll need to provide the date of the assessment on your application form.
We’ll provide your assessment body with all relevant information from your application form.
Submit your application by email
Step six: Pay the application fee
An annual fee is payable, based on the number of fee earners/legal advisers.
When we receive your application form, we'll invoice you for the registration fee.
Read about the cost of accreditation
Step seven: Assessment
Your assessor will visit your practice to determine whether your policies, procedures and plans meet the requirements for Lexcel.
They’ll use the case management checklist v5.1 (Word 156 KB) to assess the file and case management of your practice.
Your assessor will also complete an assessment report v5.1 (Word 128 KB).
Your assessor will complete a corrective action report (Word 119 KB) if you do not comply with the Lexcel Standard.
Step eight: Pay the assessment fee
Each assessment body charges a day rate fee for the assessment that follows our guidelines (PDF 70 KB). The cost is calculated based on several factors, including the:
- total number of fee earners/legal advisers and support staff
- preparation and reporting writing time
- type of assessment being undertaken
Step nine: Accreditation
We’ll assess and review your practice’s application.
We’ll let you know the outcome of your application once we’ve received your registration fee.
Appeals
If you do not agree with the assessor's final report, you may appeal against the decision.
Contact us
Call: 020 7320 5933
Email: lexcel@lawsociety.org.uk
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday