More than just a selection of precedents, The Solicitors Office Procedures Manual: Sole Practice Version is a complete integrated precedent manual containing all of the policies, processes and procedures you are likely to need to ensure good management of your practice and compliance with the following:
- The SRA Code of Conduct 2011, and other relevant parts of the SRA Handbook;
- Lexcel (v6) -the Law Society’s quality standard;
- The Core Practice Management Standards
- The process elements of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (‘CQS’ – section G)
- The Specialist Quality Mark (‘SQM’) 2014 and LAA contracting requirements
Using available downloads all you will need to do is to work through the precedent to add the relevant details for your practice and amend to reflect any particular arrangements in place within your firm.
Based on the original text of the book issued in 2012, the Sole Practice version is divided into separate sections for sole practitioners (those who practise without employees) and sole principals, where more detailed controls are likely to be required. There are numerous precedent forms and guidance notes and the compliance tables show where the precedent text addresses any or all of the above requirements. The distinct legal aid requirements are contained in supplementary form for those firms that require them, making the materials equally suitable for all profiles of sole practices.
You can use the materials to update your current manual or to start afresh. The materials also address the SRA’s preference that all practices should have a compliance plan in place, and will show you how to address your responsibilities as COLP and COFA.
