After several busy months ramping up to two firm-wide audits, the first being compliance with the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) accreditation and then a separate audit by the Legal Aid Agency, MJC Law is delighted to announce that we have passed both with flying colours – with no corrective or remedial action required.
In relation to the Legal Aid Agency Audit, this is the second year running that the firm was found to have met 100% compliance with the rigorous contract requirements.
In relation to the SQM accreditation, the Auditor highlighted the firm’s commitment to providing an outstanding service in a number of areas including compliance, staff training and development, and data management and protection. MJC Law received comprehensive feedback about various areas of the practice; though the Auditor was markedly impressed with the client-centred approach the firm adopts.
The Auditor noted in their report:
“From interviews and a review of the file review records, it was clear the file reviews are taken seriously and are undertaken thoroughly…. The commitment to delivering high standards of client care and the support for vulnerable clients was clearly evident during interviews and the examination of client files.”
The Auditor also commended the practice’s development and awareness of potential cybersecurity risks:
“The practice (is) working towards obtained Cyber Essentials Accreditation. Staff interviewed were conscious of their obligations in relation to data protection and information security. There was a good level of understanding of the steps needed should a data breach occur.”
Helen Fanning (Practice Manager) oversees all areas of compliance and the Auditor described the firm as being “managed exceptionally well.”; the firm’s records and reviews were “excellent” and were said to “exceed the standard requirements” for SQM accreditation.
The Auditor also praised the firm-wide commitment to personal development who described the three directors and our fee earners generally, as “well regarded in their field, and some are accredited under the Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation Scheme and the Mental Capacity Accreditation Scheme.”
Plaudits were given to Lauren Crow (Solicitor and Director) for her recent work outside of the firm, having recently been appointed as a First-Tier Tribunal Judge sitting in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal, illustrating the firm’s contribution to the legal profession beyond our practice.
Finally, the Auditor was also impressed with the firm’s focus on employee wellbeing and providing development opportunities to its junior staff, as they reported:
“The practice is keen on growing their workforce organically by recruiting assistants and paralegals and encouraging them to obtain professional qualifications. This is already proving very successful with paralegals qualifying as solicitors.”
A massive well done and thank you to all MJC staff for their hard work in the run-up to the audits, particularly those who were selected for interview as this is a truly great result!
