Member Article

Legal manager appointed to prestigious national panel

A manager with FBC Manby Bowdler is to play a key national role in ensuring high standards in legal practice are met.

Lyn Coughlan has been appointed as one of seven members of the Law Society’s Lexcel Panel, which assesses legal firms aiming to achieve the highest standards in the UK.

Lexcel is the Law Society’s industry quality mark scheme and the national panel assesses whether firms are complying with the scheme’s management framework aimed at improving efficiency and client care.

As well as determining applications for Lexcel certification and renewal of accreditation, Mrs Coughlan, FBC Manby Bowdler’s Audit and Compliance Manager, will also be involved in developing future patterns of professional practice.

Senior partner Niall Blackie said: “This is a prestigious appointment and the firm is delighted for Lyn, who underwent a rigorous selection processes to be appointed to the panel.

“Her experience and working knowledge of the Lexcel scheme as well as her awareness of the Solicitors Code of Conduct, risk management and aspects of law firm management, means she is not only capable but extremely qualified to undertake this national role.”

Mrs Coughlan added: “I’m delighted to be appointed to the Lexcel Panel. It will be a challenging role, ensuring that the highest standards of client care and efficiency are met by firms applying for the Lexcel quality mark.

“Only around 10 per cent of UK legal practices have achieved this high standard, with FBC Manby Bowdler being one of them. “

Anika Patel, Technical Manager with the Law Society, said: “Mrs Coughlan demonstrated inside out knowledge of the Lexcel scheme as well as a range of other management practices during the selection process.”

Mrs Coughlan will serve a three year term and will contribute ideas and practical experience to the panel’s work, including advising on complex Lexcel-related issues and challenges.

The Law Society is the independent professional body, established for solicitors in 1825, that works globally to support and represent its members, promoting the highest professional standards and the rule of law.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by FBC Manby Bowdler .