National accreditation underpins rapid growth for Askews Legal LLP
A tremendous year of growth, including a national accreditation, has moved Midlands law firm, Askews LLP, one step further to becoming one of the regions first Alternative Business Structures (ABS) with Askews Certified Chartered Accountants. This will essentially offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ for legal and accountancy services.
Askews Legal LLP has now secured, LEXCEL, a recognised legal accreditation from the Law Society that signifies legal excellence within the practice of law firms to show that they comply with an exceptional standard.
This accreditation will raise the confidence of both company’s clients that they are working hard to successfully achieving an ABS status from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
The legal practice has also boosted its workforce with the addition of a new Legal Executive. Catherine Wengraf joins the team with over ten years experience working on all aspects property-related issues. A Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, Catherine joins Askews’ Commercial team where she will work closely with Askews Legal LPP partner Kuljeet Sandhu.
Askews Legal LLP has enjoyed a period rapid growth since launching at the beginning of the year. Following changes to the Legal Services Act 2007, which now allows firms to trade with other professional service companies to form Alternative Business Structures, the two firms are working closely together with a view to formally forming an ABS. A partnership between the accountancy side and the legal side will mean Askews will offer a much better deal for customers who want to focus solely on their business progression and are looking for the most effective way to access professional services.
Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, President of the Law Society of Englans and Wales, said: “Gaining and maintaining Lexcel is no mean feat. There are many facets of being a Lexcel accreited law firm, including client care. A commitment to customer service in today’s evermore competitive legal services market is vital. By undergoing the rigorous Lexcel application and assessment process practices can show the positive steps they are taking to help clients in the increasingly diverse, complicated legal services market. The scheme is a beacon of quality to clients and potential clients alike.”
Already this year Askews Legal LLP has secured over £18,000 compensation for a client in relation to an unlawful detention matter, secured a £55,000 compensation for an Employment Agency client who supply labour to farmers, and defended a professional private criminal client charged with various offences including blackmail.
Askews Legal LLP has also acted for a public licensee who owns a number of establishments in the country in defending him against enforcement action brought by the Council, and secured a contract with a firm of Solicitors to undertake all of its legal matters including providing advice on a wide range of complex legal issues faced by solicitors firms.
Just as Askews Legal LLP has grown, Askews accountancy firm has also taken giant strides forward after launching an innovative online accountancy service in July, and recently being awarded partner status by Sage for the reselling of Sage One software.
As one of the first companies in the UK looking at achieving an Alternative Business Structure, Askews believes that offering the choice of combined accountancy and legal expertise will really provide businesses in the region with a hassle-free combined professional service.
Kuljeet Sandhu, Solicitor and Head of Litigation and Commercial Legal Services at Askews Legal LLP says: “Combining professional services will prove extremely successful for Askews, and we are proud to be achieving some great results for our clients. We have accomplished a really good year of growth and the Lexcel accreditation is a valued reward for a year of hard work.”
For more information contact:
Neil Askew on 024 7623 1000 or enquiries@askews.co
Natalie Hunt, Bridge PR and Media Services on 024 7652 0025 or natalie@bridgepr.co.uk
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