Lexcel Quality Standard & Conveyancing Quality Scheme Support
We provide consultancy support to make Lexcel and CQS accreditation or re-accreditation as straightforward and cost-effective as possible.
Lexcel is the Law Society’s legal practice quality mark, recognising excellence in practice management and client care. It provides a flexible framework to help firms:
- Improve operational efficiency and client service;
- Manage risk effectively;
- Reduce costs and enhance profitability.
Firms are assessed annually by independent auditors, giving the accreditation credibility with insurers and lenders.
Lexcel sets standards across seven key areas:
- Structure & strategy.
- Financial management.
- Information management.
- People management.
- Risk management.
- Client care.
- File & case management.
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) is the recognised quality standard for SRA-regulated firms in residential conveyancing. It sets out expectations for competence, risk management, and client service, benefiting practices, clients, and industry stakeholders.
CQS accreditation demonstrates that your firm:
- Has the expertise to deliver quality conveyancing advice;
- Uses standardised processes to manage and reduce risk;
- Educates clients on what to expect when paying for conveyancing services.
Accreditation also provides greater access to lender panels and helps protect your firm’s reputation.
Our Services
Lexcel or CQS Consultancy
We provide consultancy support to make Lexcel and CQS accreditation or re-accreditation as straightforward and cost-effective as possible. Services include:
- Initial accreditation review to assess your requirements.
- Policy and process reviews ahead of accreditation/re-accreditation. We can also conduct a comprehensive gap analysis of your systems and procedures, against the Lexcel or CQS Standards, followed by a detailed mock audit report. This mirrors the format of the official audit report and highlights the relevant Lexcel or CQS requirements, any concerns or areas needing attention, and practical steps to achieve compliance.
- Policy and procedure updates as required. This may include a review and drafting of office manuals, policies, and controls, preparation of key plans and registers, drafting or updating key documents, file reviews and interviews to measure current compliance.
- Ongoing compliance consultancy. We also provide action plans, templates, and proformas to ensure your documentation is complete, compliant, and audit-ready.
Flexible Engagement
Lexcel and CQS services can be delivered as one-off projects or as part of an ongoing SRA compliance retainer.
Our Lexcel and CQS Consultant
Christine Tallon
Christine is a former practicing solicitor having qualified in 1991 and worked in private practice (including at equity partner level at a medium sized firm in the City) until late 2017. Whilst working for a medium sized firm in London, Christine was a member of the firm’s risk and compliance committee for a period of 6 years and also the Lexcel lead for the firm for two years and therefore actively involved in the process of preparing for annual Lexcel visits and in the review and updating of policies and procedures.
Christine moved into legal risk and compliance consultancy work in late 2017 and subsequently also became a Lexcel accredited consultant and Lexcel assessor in April 2018 since which time she has conducted many Lexcel assessments on a regular basis. Her consultancy work also involves drafting policies and procedures, undertaking file reviews, outsourced complaints handling, providing training, CQS ghost audits and general compliance support. Her experience in private practice means that she understands the practicalities and is able to offer practical solutions to the compliance issues which firms might face.