Oldham Law Firm praised by Law Society

Posted on June 4, 2020

Oldham Law Firm, Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers has been praised by the Law Society for how it is handling the lockdown and continuing to manage client expectations.

Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers in Oldham are currently going through an audit to secure the Law Society’s legal practice quality mark, Lexcel for the 18^th year in succession. Due to the coronavirus pandemic a visit to the offices has had to be postponed, but staff interviews have taken place remotely and evaluation of customer care and management has also taken place.

Lexcel – Law Society Standard

Lexcel is a Law Society standard with high expectations: an audit developed specifically for the legal profession which gives assurance that a practice meets high client care and business management standards. Lexcel is run by the Law Society, the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales

Whilst are offices in Oldham, North Manchester and Tameside are closed, staff are all working remotely, using video technology to keep in touch with their teams and providing client appointments.

Anne Milne, the industry’s independent assessor currently evaluating Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers praised how the firm had adapted to the recent pandemic back in March.

“I think the management style, along with the approach to flexible working, supporting staff in helping achieve a good work/ home life balance has helped make the transition to homeworking as smooth as possible,” she said.

“Staff are very happy with the way IT is working and very pleased with support on any operating problems. In addition communications were also thought to be very good, with people appreciating whole firm meetings as well as department meetings during lockdown. These, along with the general openness of line managers, has ensured people feel they have been kept in the picture during the Covid-19 crisis,” she added.

Audit during Covid-19

Partner and Practice Manager at Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers, Joanne Ormston, said: “Our focus is always on client care, but Lexcel 2020 found us mid-Covid-19 and so it’s been a very different time for us all. The fact that the inspector chose to comment on how well we are coping is a real boost and we really appreciate how our staff have adapted during the crisis and gone the extra mile for their clients.”

“We now have a thorough pandemic plan in place ready to act swiftly in any second wave. Our offices have been adapted with clear corona signage and screens with every possible protection for staff and clients when things get back to business as usual,” said Joanne.

“Gaining and maintaining Lexcel is a considerable feat as there are many facets of being a Lexcel accredited firm but we firmly believe a real commitment to customer service in today’s evermore competitive legal services market is vital and look forward to finishing the inspection soon,” she added.

Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers offices adapt to Pandemic

The firm are busy preparing for the day when staff can return to the offices. In the meantime teams are working safely and remotely from home and each of our offices are being adapted for Covid-19 compliance, ensuring that clients and staff will be provided with protection.

If you have a legal or financial enquiry please do not hesitate to contact us on 0161 785 3500 or by completing the online enquiry form

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

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