Contact is made with EMQC to request information, a quote, or a booking form. Appropriate forms must also be obtained and completed from the Law Society in order to confirm eligibility.

Once the booking form is completed and returned, EMQC will arrange for an assessor to undertake the assessment. They will contact your practice’s nominated Lexcel contact to arrange dates for your assessment.

Assessments typically include the following processes:

1. The assessor becomes familiar with the systems by which the applicant practice is implementing the Lexcel standard.

2. The assessor seeks objective evidence that the required systems and procedures are in effective operation.

The assessment itself involves the assessor visiting each branch location. The assessor will respect client and business confidentiality. Subject to this, the assessor will, on site:

·      Inspect documentary evidence and look at other relevant records

·      Interview a representative cross-section of principals and staff to confirm that the necessary processes are in place and understood.

·      Conduct case management audits with a selection of fee-earners.

After the assessment has been completed there will be a meeting with the relevant members of the practice at which the assessor will provide feedback on the findings from the assessment. Based upon the assessment the assessor can make one of four recommendations:

1. The assessor requires documentary evidence of corrective action within 21 days of the assessment before a recommendation for certification can be made.

2. A re-visit to check corrective action is required within three months of the assessment before a recommendation for certification can be made.

3. Certification premature – further full assessment is required (with an indication of the likely timescale).

4. Certification

The assessor will produce a written report and recommendation. A copy of the report will be given to you by the assessor, who will also provide a copy to EMQC. We will then internally verify it (to ensure the correct procedures have been followed by your assessor) and send a copy to the Law Society’s Lexcel Office, who will decide whether to grant certification.

If certification is granted, the Law Society issues a certificate to confirm that the practice meets the Lexcel requirements. The certificate is valid for three years, subject to annual maintenance visits to ensure that the Standards are still being met.