THIRTEEN has certainly proved to be a good number for a Pershore law firm.

Because for the 13th year in a row Penny Raby & Co of Church Street has secured the national Law Society’s legal practice quality mark Lexcel. The specialist family law firm with a national and international client base and particular expertise in more complex financial disputes, has gained the accreditation every year since 2004 and was one of the first sole practitioner firms to receive the award. It is an optional, recognised accreditation scheme for law firms and in-house legal departments, which gives assurance that a practice meets high client care and business management standards.

Mrs Raby said: "While we are proud to have secured Lexcel, it is our clients and staff who are the main beneficiaries. They can be assured that the way in which we manage the practice has their best interests at heart and that the practice runs efficiently. There is a lot of choice in the legal services market, but being Lexcel accredited demonstrates our commitment to client care and best practice."

Robert Bourns, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, added: "Delivering good client care and maintaining a strong client relationship are essential for solicitors, and those gaining and maintaining Lexcel show their dedication to go above and beyond. Committing to high standards in customer service and practice management is fundamentally important in today’s evermore competitive legal services market."

To gain and retain Lexcel accreditation, practices must undergo a rigorous initial then annual application and assessment process. This includes conducting background checks and an on-site visit from an independent experienced trained Lexcel assessor.