Our Accreditations
We have obtained approval from the Law Society of England and Wales for our standard of service to clients in both our general work and also specifically for each of our departments. Many of our accreditations are reviewed on a yearly basis which means we engage in 3 separate audits each year.
Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS)
Our Wills, Probate and Trusts team is accredited by the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS). This means we follow best practice procedures so we can offer you the highest standard of expertise and service. To qualify for this accreditation, we had to demonstrate compliance with the Wills and Inheritance Protocol and meet the comprehensive requirements. We are audited annually for this accreditation.
Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS)
The Law Society set up this accreditation to give home-buyers and sellers a recognisable benchmark of quality when choosing a Conveyancing Solicitor. Our Conveyancing and Property Department has been awarded it. This shows that we communicate clearly with you regarding the details of your case and the costs involved.
LEXCEL
This Law Society award assures you that we conduct our business in a principled manner. We have to provide proof to an independent auditor covering everything we do including how we run our finances, recruitment, management, file handling, and most importantly, how we work with you and the information we give to you. It also sets additional standards as to how we keep your personal data safe.
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
(SRA) sets out the principles and code of conduct that we must abide by, so we can continue to provide legal services to the highest standard. Being regulated by the SRA proves that we operate with integrity and in the interests of our clients and the wider public.
Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme (CLAS)
As a member of this Law Society scheme we have demonstrated that we have, and will maintain, a high level of knowledge, skill, experience and practice in the area of criminal litigation criminal litigation. This covers all aspects of our work from the police station to the magistrate’s court. We were awarded this accreditation after rigorous external examination. In addition, our partner Chloe Jay has qualified as a Higher Court Advocate meaning that she can appear in the higher Crown Court where more serious cases are heard.
Family Law Panel
As a member of this Panel, we have shown that we have and will maintain the required level of competence and knowledge, as defined by the Law Society, in the area of family law. In order to be accredited, we had to demonstrate that our solicitors are suitable to become accreditation scheme members. They have to keep demonstrating this throughout their membership. To join the Panel there is an assessment by the Law Society of the solicitor’s knowledge and experience in Family Law. Accreditation is normally for three years for each solicitor.
Family Mediation
The Law Society established the Family Mediation Accreditation so that people needing family mediation can confidently choose a mediator. An accredited family mediator has been comprehensively assessed so you know they provide a high-quality mediation service. This accreditation meets the standards set by the Family Mediation Council (FMC).
Civil Mediation Council (CMC) Accreditation
Our Senior Partner Shaun Underhill and also our Partner Jayne Llewelyn are accredited by the Civil Mediation Council through CEDR and ClearADR respectively. To achieve this they undertook training and were assessed. This accreditation means that their clients know they are trained to actively assist them find solutions for their clients’ legal problems which are realistic, quick, and cost-effective.
The Law Society
The Law Society is the representative body of solicitors in England and Wales. They have delegated the regulation of solicitors to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The Law Society provides services and support to practising and training solicitors, as well as acting as a sounding board for law reform. The Law Society can also help you with your queries about a solicitor – click here to find out more.
