Pictured above: (l-r) Louisa Jakeman, Gerry Cusack and Ian
Williamson (Williamson & Soden) Clive Black (Law Society),
Audrey Price (Williamson & Soden)
A Solihull law firm has been named as the first practice
headquartered in the borough to be accredited with a coveted
national 'excellence' award.
It has just been announced that Williamson & Soden, which
also has an office in Birmingham, has been recognised by the Law
Society as meeting the highest standards for its management and
operational systems.
The formal award was presented by Law Society Regional Manager
Clive Black at the firm's headquarters in Shirley, Solihull.
Williamson & Soden senior partner Ian Williamson said:
"This award is a very welcome step in the development of our
business.
"We are pleased that we have gained this acknowledgement and it
is an ideal platform from which we can build further on what we
have achieved in the last 30 years.
"The award is a recognition that the highest quality of client
care and business systems are in place and that we have a great
platform from which to grow our business further both in the
private client and business sectors .
"Because we are strongly resourced in both areas, we are
specifically targeting emerging businesses where we can help with
the legal structures of the company and the personal legal
requirements of the business founders and directors and their
families."
Mr Black said: "Williamson & Soden's achievement in gaining
Lexcel recognition emphasises the firm's commitment to the
continuing development of the firm's practice management
standards.
"By implementing plans in areas such as client care and risk
management, Williamson & Soden will maximise their
effectiveness and efficiency as well as operating the best possible
quality control and risk management systems".
Williamson & Soden worked closely with Law Society approved
consultants to confirm their eligibility for the Lexcel award.
The firm's project team was led by senior solicitor Louisa
Jakeman and partner Gerry Cusack.
Senior Partner Ian Williamson has been approved by the Law
Society as a consultant qualified to give advice to other firms on
the Lexcel standard.
It is estimated that only five to ten per cent of legal
practices in the UK can boast the Lexcel award, which covers such
areas as strategy, financial management, facilities and IT and
people management as well as client care and file and case
management.