Weightmans LLP

Weightmans LLP is a top 45 law firm with 110 specialism rankings, 184 individual rankings in Chambers and Legal 500 and a turnover of £100m.

They have gained a reputation for being a national leader in representing large public sector bodies such as the NHS, as well as specialising in areas of insurance and coporate practice for high street composite insurers and national employers.

Partner and Head of Compliance James Holman kindly took the time to speak to us about their journey and recent achievement.

Why did you feel that Lexcel was appropriate for your firm?

“It speaks our language. The quality mark is valuable, but in any event, Lexcel provides a worthwhile checklist and a good aide memoir to risk management for any law firm. Also, the standard has evolved over the years so it continues to be useful and relevant, in recent evolutions for example in the information security arena.”

What is the main benefit of external accreditation?

“Clients definitely want to see some kind of quality mark and it’s crucial for the bigger clients – page 1 of the tender will have a box for this – it’s vital not only for securing an opportunity to pitch to new contracts but to keep business at re-tender. There are other benefits as well. Our assessors offer good suggestions for best practice, different ways of doing things and new ideas, so where there might have been a gap in a policy we’ve been able to tighten it up.”

How do you find the assessment process?

“Our assessors have always been very friendly and supportive and I have become confident and comfortable with their approach. For a large firm like ours, the logistics of an assessment can be difficult to organise, but the assessors find the right balance. They’re flexible rather than dogmatic whilst remaining rigorous.”

Do you have any advice for a firm that may be considering applying for Lexcel?

“Without doubt look at the standard and reflect on what you can get from it – it’s not just for large firms but a sensible starting framework for looking at risk in any law firm. It doesn’t just cover your interaction with clients but also how the firm is managed as a whole.”

Centre for Assessment would like to offer our congratulations to Weightmans on their successful Lexcel reaccreditation. Since first achieving certification in 2004 this was Weightmans’ 13th successful assessment and their 4th full reaccreditation.

If you would like to find out more about Lexcel or discuss how it could benefit your organisation, please click here