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# CPM21

21st Century Professional Management For Lawyers

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://cpm21.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Pages

- [Home](https://cpm21.co.uk/) - Our experienced consultants will help you ensure that your business grows while maintaining compliance with the regulations, contracts and quality standards that apply to your firm. So whether you are regulated by the SRA, the CLC or CILEX we can help. From AML, LEXCEL, CQS, SQM or WIQS we are here to help you deal with the compliance load. We can coach and mentor your senior team and others to create time and headspace for reflection on the future of the business and give you time back to create a better work-life balance.
- [Privacy Notice](https://cpm21.co.uk/privacy-notice/) - Privacy Notice to Client Firms and Individual Customers Effective 31st December 2020 - V5 - 1st July 2024 Cpm21 (21st Century Professional Management) is a Trading Name of PXJ Consulting Ltd Valley View 38 Lletty Dafydd, Clyne SA11 4BG Telephone No: 01443 742895 E-Mail Address: paul.jones@cpm21.co.uk UK Data Privacy/Data Protection Law changed significantly on
- [CPM21 Terms of Business](https://cpm21.co.uk/terms-of-business/) - Terms of Business – CPM21 (21st Century Professional Management) Trading Name of PXJ Consulting Ltd - V2 1st July 2024 1. Our Contract 1.1. These terms and conditions (Terms) together with our Engagement Letter set out the terms and conditions upon which CPM21 (I/we/us/our) will provide its consultancy and training services to you (Contract). These
- [About Us](https://cpm21.co.uk/about-us/) - Our team of experienced advisers have worked in the legal profession and across a variety of sectors at a senior level (including the Legal Services Commission.
- [Cookie Policy](https://cpm21.co.uk/cookie-policy/) - Cookie Policy Effective Date: 01-Dec-2022 Last Updated: 01-Dec-2022 What are cookies? This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are and how we use them, the types of cookies we use i.e, the information we collect using cookies and how that information is used, and how to manage the cookie settings. Cookies are small text files
- [Contact](https://cpm21.co.uk/contact/)

## Services

- [Legal Aid Supervision Course](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/legal-aid-supervision-course/) - The Legal Aid Agency’s (LAA’s) Family, Civil & Crime Contracts place an important emphasis on the role of the Supervisor. If you are new to this role or need to bring your knowledge up to date, this is a vital course for you. In some cases it is a mandatory course if you wish to
- [M & A - Practical Tips on How To Approach a Merger or Acquisitions Project](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/practical-tips-on-how-to-approach-a-merger-or-acquisitions-project/) - Are you thinking of merger or acquisition as a growth mechanism for your firm? If so, you will not be alone. The pace of change and the need to adapt to ongoing reforms, combined with the cost of innovative technologies and rising PII costs are forcing law firms to reappraise the way they work. The
- [AML - Anti Money Laundering Compliance](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/aml/) - SRA AML Audits: The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has been conducting a significant number of remote Anti Money Laundering (AML) audits
- [Social Media for small legal firms](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/social-media-for-small-legal-firms/) - Digital development is in full swing, we now live in a world where instead of looking through the Yellow Pages book, you can Google search the nearest place to order a sandwich. With that in mind, is a social media account important for your firm’s brand? Well, consider the economic times we live in; to
- [Practice MOT – SRA Compliance Health Check](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/practice-mot-sra-compliance-health-check/) - SRA Standards & Regulations As solicitors’ practices are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), they are required to comply with the SRA's Standards and Regulations 2019 and the associated Codes of Conduct for firms and individual solicitors. In addition, the firm will have to comply with the SRA's Accounts Rules 2019. Practice
- [Complaints Handling and dealing with the Legal Ombudsman](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/complaints-handling-and-dealing-with-the-legal-ombudsman/) - In November 2019, the Solicitors Regulation Authority introduced their new Standards and Regulations 2019 and two new Codes of Conduct; the SRA Code of Conduct for Firms 2019 and the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs 2019. Also, in April 2023 the Legal Ombudsman will update its scheme rules This course will
- [Strategic Business Planning](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/strategic-business-planning/) - In the frenetic environment that lawyers and legal sector managers inhabit, it can be difficult to raise one’s head from client and work demands to focus on the future of the business. It is important therefore to take time away from the office and work environment to focus on the needs of TOMORROW’s business. The
- [Business Development](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/business-development/) - As a law firm owner, you’ll rightly want to focus your time and effort on your clients. However, you’ll need to set time aside to market and develop your business and the need for a marketing plan which is regularly reviewed is crucial for the future success of your firm. There are many benefits to
- [File Reviews](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/file-reviews/) - The advantages to a law firm in conducting procedural and compliance file reviews goes far beyond a successful outcome of an annual Lexcel audit.
- [Complying with the UK Sanctions Regime](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/complying-with-the-uk-sanctions-regime/) - Sanctions Throughout 2022 the issue of sanctions became an ever-increasing headache for firms of solicitors. For many this was a new area of concern, and for the more aware it presented significant compliance issues due to the fast moving, and ever changing, nature of the sanctions to be considered. Throughout 2022 the SRA provided sanctions
- [Benchmarking Your Firm’s Performance](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/benchmarking-your-firms-performance/) - Benchmarking Your Firm’s Performance to Drive Continuous Performance Before embarking on a change programme, it is important to conduct a financial review to understand how your firm is currently performing and where you want to be within a specified timeframe. The review is conducted by benchmarking your firm’s current performance using several legal sector benchmarking
- [Make Cash Flow in a Legal Practice](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/make-cash-flow-in-a-legal-practice/) - GROSS FEES are VANITY PROFIT is SANITY CASH is REALITY Focus on Fees There is often a focus in legal firms on fees. Whilst adequate fee earning is critical to the business it is not the end of the story. Firms can often tell you the total gross fees (turnover) for the last year. Few
- [Strategy Deployment](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/strategy-deployment/) - The Business Plan Some firms may have in place a very well documented strategic business plan. This document can often sit in a drawer gathering dust until the partners or directors decide to dust it down and review it. It is then often returned to the draw and does not see the light of day
- [People Management and Appraisals (PDRs)](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/people-management-and-appraisals-pdrs/) - Even the most experienced lawyers who are used to managing clients, struggle when trying to manage staff. One of the most important exercises that is very often done badly in legal firms is staff appraisals. There is often a lack of time, skills and inclination to do the job properly. PDRs Appraisals are better described
- [AML Compliance Training - Are you SRA audit ready?](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/aml-compliance-the-sra-are-on-their-way-are-you-ready/) - The SRA believe that keeping money launderers out of legal services has long been a priority. The SRA are on their way, are you ready?
- [COLP Assist](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/colp-assist/) - The COLP or Deputy COLP is often faced with difficult decisions. If there has been a suspected breach of the SRA Standards & Regulations 2019 or the associated Codes of Conduct, they will have to decide how serious the breach is. If they form the view that it is a serious concern (material breach) then
- [Lean Thinking](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/lean-thinking/) - Efficiency can be defined as achieving more with the same or less resources. Lean Thinking is a set of efficiency improvement tools and techniques that can enable firms to achieve more profit without increasing staff and other costs. It is the key to profitable growth especially if you are growing your practice through the acquisition
- [Peer Review Appeals](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/peer-review-appeals/) - The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requires that firms achieve at least a Category 3 – “Threshold Competence” result in order to maintain their F2F legal aid contract. If a firm receives a Category 4 or 5 then that amounts to a ‘fail' and the firm is entitled to appeal that decision. A Category 4, if
- [LAA Contract Compliance](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/laa-contract-compliance/) - You have successfully tendered as a new entrant or for renewal of your existing CRIME or CIVIL (e.g. Family) contract. Assuming you pass the verification stage, then you will still need to comply with the LAA’s Contract Specification for your Category of Law. You will also be subject to the LAA’s Contract Standard Terms and
- [WIQS](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/wiqs/) - The Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Scheme (WIQS) is available for Private Client Firms or those with a Wills Trusts and Probate Department who wish to quality badge their services. The WIQS accreditation is a best practice quality mark for wills and estate administration advice. As a member of the WIQS Scheme, firms will have
- [The Role & Responsibilities of the COFA and complying with the SRA Accounts Rules](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/the-role-responsibilities-of-the-cofa-and-complying-with-the-sra-accounts-rules/) - The COFA is responsible for all financial type matters within a firm of solicitors. Primarily, this is ensuring compliance with the SRA Accountants Rules and complying with the reporting obligations. It is therefore important that the COFA is aware of what is going on with all things financial and can clearly evidence the required compliance
- [Legal Aid Agency Tendering](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/legal-aid-agency-tendering/) - We have assisted a number of firms to successfully tender for Crime and Family Legal Aid Contracts. We were heavily involved in helping Crime firms develop Delivery Plans for themselves and their Delivery Partners when the LAA made that a condition of that particular and ultimately withdrawn tender. We help firms understand the terms of
- [UK GDPR & Data Protection](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/uk-gdpr-data-protection/) - The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is a critical compliance issue for all legal practices, however large or small those firms may be and whichever categories of law they offer to clients. Lawyers are acutely aware of their obligation to keep their clients’ affairs confidential under the SRA Standards and Regulations 2019 and
- [SWOT Analysis](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/swot-analysis/) - One of the most under-used tools for developing a business strategy is the SWOT. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways of understanding and testing the business objectives. A SWOT can only be used in a specific context as, what may be a positive strength in one context will be a definite
- [SQM](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/sqm/) - The Speciality Quality Mark (SQM) is owned by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). This Quality Assurance Standard must be obtained by firms that are not LEXCEL Accredited and hold either a Criminal Contract or Civil Contract. The Standard is usually applied to Legal Aid work only, as opposed to LEXCEL which requires the whole practice
- [Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS)](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/law-societys-conveyancing-quality-scheme-cqs/) - Lender Panel membership is often dependant on a firm obtaining or retaining its CQS accreditation. Failure to do so would result in fees from Residential Conveyancing being lost and clients having to be referred to another firm for mortgagee work. Historically, firms who were LEXCEL accredited could largely rely on that accreditation to retain CQS.
- [Complaints Handling](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/complaints-handling/) - Cpm21 provide a bespoke complaint managing service for law firm clients. Law firms may access the service on an individual complaint basis or alternatively fully outsource their complaint handling to cpm21. Our aim is to reduce the stress that is often involved in managing complaints. Our consultants work across many areas of legal practice such
- [Coaching & Mentoring](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/coaching-mentoring/) - Coaching and Mentoring the Leaders in your Business The key management roles performed by lawyers in a typical law firm are Managing Partner, Senior Partner, and Head of Department. Although these roles differ, there is a common theme running through them – they all involve leadership. Those in management roles need to understand what is
- [Lexcel](https://cpm21.co.uk/service/lexcel/) - The Legal Profession continues to face change on a massive scale. The SRA and other regulators are demanding higher levels of compliance. One way to assist is to achieve the Law Society Quality standard, Lexcel. The standard will help you and the firm by promoting best practice and providing a framework for you to comply

## Team Members

- [Heather Wurster](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/heather-wurster/)
- [Teresa Maloney](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/teresa-maloney/)
- [Susan Hughes](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/susan-hughes/)
- [Trina Wilkins](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/trina-wilkins/)
- [Ameca Jones](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/ameca-jones/)
- [Joe Maloney](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/joe-maloney/)
- [Paul Jones](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/paul-jones/)
- [Wayne Williams LLB MBA](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/wayne-williams-llb-mba/)
- [Adam Collins](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/adam-collins/)
- [Ian East](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/ian-east/)
- [Hannah Ménard](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/hannah-menard/)
- [Ian Hopkins](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/ian-hopkins/)
- [Andrew Clarke](https://cpm21.co.uk/team/andrew-clarke/)

## News Items

- [Changes to the Employment Rights Act 2025](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/changes-to-the-employment-rights-act-2025/) - Employment Rights Act 2025 The Employment Rights Act 2025 will introduce a number of important changes at the start of April 2026. Further reforms will be phased in gradually. Barrister, Roger Davies the Managing Director of P4B Law Limited looks at some of the forthcoming changes and offers practical advice. April 2026 Paternity leave and
- [The FCA are on their way- are you ready?](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/the-fca-are-on-their-way-are-you-ready/) - Our consultant Andrew Clarke shares his thoughts on the recent government announcement that the Financial Conduct Authority will take over responsibility for supervision of the legal sector for anti-money laundering purposes. For several years, cpm21 has maintained an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) training course within the portfolio called ‘The SRA are on their way: are you
- [Equality, Diversity & Inclusion - Where we currently are](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/equality-diversity-inclusion-where-we-currently-are/) - The SRA’s view on EDI is as follows: ‘We have a duty over and above that of many other sectors with regard to diversity, as the legal sector is responsible for the fair administration of justice and should reflect the population it serves.’ With this statement in mind, it is important to ensure that all
- [2024 – The State of the Solicitors Profession A Year in Review](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/2024-the-state-of-the-solicitors-profession-a-year-in-review/) - Ameca Jones Jones
- [Launch of the LAA 2025 Crime Contract Tender](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/launch-of-the-laa-2025-crime-contract-tender/) - Launch of the LAA 2025 Crime Contract Tender Important Information and Deadlines The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has officially launched the 2025 Crime Contract tender. This new contract has the potential to last for up to 10 years, marking a significant opportunity for existing and new crime firms. Application Deadline The deadline for the submission
- [Money Laundering – New Products, Business Practices and New Technology](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/money-laundering-new-products-business-practices-and-new-technology/) - Money Laundering Jones Ameca If Solicitor firms didn’t already know it before, they certainly do know now about how serious the Solicitors Regulation Authority is about policing the Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Regulations 2017 (MLR 17). The spate of fines handed out to firms in the first 6 months of this year, as reported by the Law If Solicitor firms didn’t already know it before, they certainly do know now about how serious the Solicitors Regulation Authority is about policing the Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Regulations 2017 (MLR 17). The spate of fines handed out to firms in the first 6 months of this year, as reported by the Law
- [Flexible Working and the need to update your Policy](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/flexible-working-and-the-need-to-update-your-policy/) - Covid 19 Pandemic may well have been a once in a lifetime event, however some of its effects linger on when it comes to employee working patterns in the UK. Working from home became the new normal for many, including legal firms and their employees. Those legal firms that didn’t have remote access to their
- [Empowering Law Firm Leaders: How to build a high-performing leadership team](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/empowering-law-firm-leaders-how-to-build-a-high-performing-leadership-team/) - Ian Hopkins, senior consultant at CPM21, shares his thoughts on how SME law firms can build a high-performing leadership team. I joined Amy Bruce, head of marketing at Osprey Approach, for the second episode of the Empower Law Firm Leaders series, to share practice advice and guidance on future-proofing your law firm with an effective
- [File Reviews and their increasing importance in relation to SRA Regulatory Compliance](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/file-reviews-and-their-increasing-importance-in-relation-to-sra-regulatory-compliance/) - I know, I know. I heard the collective groans when people read the heading for this article. Unfortunately, file reviews have never been as important as they are now, with the Law Society Gazette full of headlines of situations which could have been avoided if effective file review and supervision were in place. So, let’s
- [Effective performance management for smaller law firms](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/effective-performance-management-for-smaller-law-firms/) - Ian Hopkins explores best practice in delivering effective performance management in smaller law firms. This article first appeared in the December/January 23/24 edition of Legal Abacus Magazine. Research will show that employees who feel they are valued by their employer and have the opportunity for personal development are more likely to be higher performers and
- [2023 – The State of the Solicitors Profession A Year in Review](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/2023-the-state-of-the-solicitors-profession-a-year-in-review/) - And breathe. What a phenomenally busy year it has been for our solicitor firm clients and us at cpm21. As is our tradition at this time of year, we will reflect on the main events of the year, and the effects they have had on solicitors firms. Last year’s article opened with the War in
- [Digital Crisis Management - Social Media Edition](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/digital-crisis-management-social-media-edition/) - While Legal Firms are focusing on the ‘typical’ digital cyber-risks, such as email hacking, phishing emails, potential website compromises and miscellaneous scams in their Business Continuity Plans, they may not be prepared to deal with a digital crisis in relation to their social media Accounts. In this article, Ameca Jones, Social Media Manager for cpm21
- [The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 is finally with us!](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/the-economic-crime-and-corporate-transparency-act-2023-is-finally-with-us/) - Royal Assent was granted on 26th October 2023. It contains a new corporate criminal offence of ‘failure to prevent fraud’ which will render large companies liable for fraud committed by associated persons, a definition that goes beyond the limit of an employee. It also reforms the ‘identification doctrine’ which defines how criminal liability can be
- [Effective Networking](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/effective-networking/) - Developing a network of contacts that will help you grow a client base with a steady pipeline of work is extremely important and frequently a requirement for lawyers seeking career progression. The idea of networking, however, may cause you sleepless nights, but the good news is that networking is not as difficult as might first
- [SRA WARNING NOTICE of 16 OCT 2023 re AML & Sanctions: Client and Matter Risk Assessments](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/sra-warning-notice-of-16-oct-2023-re-aml-sanctions-client-and-matter-risk-assessments/) - Cpm21 has been warning firms for some time that they must prioritise their AML & Sanctions Compliance. We have also warned that the likelihood of an onsite SRA AML audit is increasing. I attended the SRA’s COLP and COFA conference at Birmingham on the 18th of October 2023. It is clear that what we have
- [Legal Aid Agency launch Civil / Family Tender for 2024 Contracts](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/legal-aid-agency-launch-civil-family-tender-for-2024-contracts/) - The Legal Aid Agency yesterday published the criteria for tendering for the new contracts that come into force on the 1st September 2024. The deadline for submission of the tender is the 17th October 2023. Firms therefore have only just over a month to prepare and submit their tenders. Tendering is through the usual LAA
- [Complex case project plans – an administrative burden or an essential management tool?](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/complex-case-project-plans-an-administrative-burden-or-an-essential-management-tool/) - In this article Ian Hopkins Senior Associate Consultant at cpm21 explains why all law firms should embrace the importance of project plans in complex cases to better manage matter and firm wide risks. The Lexcel standard V6.1, Section 7.1 which deals with file and case management states that law firms must ensure that the strategy
- [Why law firm partners should use data to enhance and improve decision making at their firm](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/why-law-firm-partners-should-use-data-to-enhance-and-improve-decision-making-at-their-firm/) - Ian Hopkins Senior Associate Consultant at cpm21 was recently a guest speaker on an Osprey Approach Legal Software UK webinar “Becoming data driven: How modern law firms can continuously optimize with real time data.” In this article Ian Hopkins shares his thoughts on how smaller law firms can use data to enhance and improve the
- [The Importance of Benchmarking Performance for Law Firms](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/the-importance-of-benchmarking-performance-for-law-firms/) - “How can I improve the financial performance of my firm, and get ahead of the competition?” – A question all Managing Partners should be asking themselves now, particularly with the UK economy and consumer spending being squeezed. In this article Ian Hopkins Senior Associate Consultant at cpm21 considers the benefits of benchmarking as a tool
- [SRA 2023 Diversity Reporting Deadline Looms](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/sra-2023-diversity-reporting-deadline-looms/) - That’s right, another Diversity reporting deadline is looming. Solicitor firms will have between the 26th of June and 23rd of July 2023 to submit their diversity data to the Solicitors Regulation Authority. As a reminder to existing firms, and some guidance for new firms, here is what it is all about. Some years ago, the
- [SRA Update on FWRA and AML Training](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/sra-update-on-fwra-and-aml-training/) - Ian Hopkins Senior Associate Consultant with cpm21 was a delegate at the recent LEGALEX digital conference at which Ross Gillson Head of AML Policy at the Solicitors Regulation Authority was a keynote speaker. In this article Ian shares his thoughts on the main AML themes identified by Ross Gillson in his presentation “AML 2023 –
- [The Three Step Programme to Monitoring Performance in Law Firms](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/the-three-step-programme-to-monitoring-performance-in-law-firms/) - Ian Hopkins explores best practice when it comes to law firm financial performance monitoring. This article first appeared in Legal Abacus Magazine Monitoring financial performance at all levels of your firm is crucial to maintaining a vibrant profitable business. If the leaders and managers in your firm understand and act upon the financial management information
- [New Entrants & Existing Firms allowed to apply for new Family & Civil Contracts](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/new-entrants-existing-firms-allowed-to-apply-for-new-family-civil-contracts/) - Legal Aid Agency March 8, 2023
- [Social media, the Good, the Bad & the Ugly](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/social-media-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/) - To me, social media is habitual, like brushing my teeth in the morning. Checking all the different platforms for updates, comments, likes etc. However, to some people and firms, social media is almost alien, and this would be expected if it’s not something that you are actively using or have no interest in. This article’s
- [Is your wills bank working for your firm?](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/is-your-wills-bank-working-for-your-firm/) - High street law firms have a large wills bank, with many thousands of stored wills which potentially is an excellent pipeline of future work and fees for firms.
- [The Legal Ombudsman Scheme Rules - Changes from April 1st 2023](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/the-legal-ombudsman-scheme-rules-changes-from-april-1st-2023/) - It doesn’t seem that long ago, but the Legal Ombudsman has been with the legal profession since 2010. In that time, rule changes have been minimal, and there has been little requirement for firms to change such things as client care letters or complaints procedures. That will change from April 1st, 2023. (No, there is
- [Effective Supervision](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/effective-supervision/) - In November 2022 the SRA published guidance on what they consider to constitute effective supervision in law firms. In this article Ian Hopkins Senior Associate Consultant with cpm21 explains the main themes of the SRA guidance. The risk-based approach to supervision Law firms should use a risk based approach when deciding on appropriate supervision arrangements
- [2022 – The State of the Solicitors Profession A Year in Review](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/2022-the-state-of-the-solicitors-profession-a-year-in-review/) - So, it’s that time of year again. As 2022 prepares to give way to 2023, as is our tradition at cpm21 we’ve taken some time to reflect on what has been another fast-paced year for our clients in the solicitors profession and ourselves. When we wrote our last article, COVID restrictions were coming to an
- [Alert to Accredited Police Station Reps, Duty Sols, and Legal Aid Crime Supervisors!](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/an-alert-to-accredited-police-station-reps-duty-sols-and-legal-aid-crime-supervisors/) - Legal Aid : Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme has remained static, and they have not been required to undergo reaccreditation until now..
- [Anti Money Laundering Update - July 2022](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/anti-money-laundering-update-july-2022/) - This month sees some more compliance changes for firms to deal with in the form of changes to the Anti Money Laundering regime.
- [Changes to the Specialist Quality Mark](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/changes-to-the-specialist-quality-mark/) - The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) are making changes to the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) Standard from the 1st October 2022. The new SQM Standard will apply to all applications for a desktop audit and requests for a full audit made after 1st October 2022. What’s New? There are 6 new requirements: Section A1.1 Business Plan
- [NEW ENTRANTS to be allowed to obtain a Civil Legal Aid Contract](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/new-entrants-to-be-allowed-to-obtain-a-civil-legal-aid-contract/) - The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is taking the unusual step of opening up a tender to firms that wish to enter the Legal Aid market and obtain a Civil Legal Aid Contract e.g., in Family Law. The LAA states that they have received expressions of interest from organisations that wish to enter the market. Given
- [The SRA Business Plan for November 2022 to October 2023… Keeping firms on their toes…](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/the-sra-business-plan-for-november-2022-to-october-2023-keeping-firms-on-their-toes/) - The SRA have published their latest “business strategy,” and something that is no surprise catches the eye immediately regarding their continued approach to their Money Laundering obligations. While the obvious point to make firms nervous is the final one below, they should also note some of the other ones that the SRA will most likely
- [Staff retention – Do you have trouble retaining the lawyers in your firm?](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/staff-retention-do-you-have-trouble-retaining-the-lawyers-in-your-firm/) - Feedback across the legal sector shows that law firms are finding recruitment tougher than ever with firms both large and small struggling to recruit the lawyers they need to achieve their growth plans. More reason than ever then, for law firms to redouble their efforts to hang onto their existing lawyers, although that may be
- [We hate to say it but…](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/we-hate-to-say-it-but/) - The Solicitors Regulation Authority have released their Anti-Money Laundering Report covering the 2021 to 2022 period. You can read the full report here; https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/research-publications/aml-annual-report-2021-22/ There are lots of takeaways for firms subject to the Money Laundering Regulations, and lots of conclusions and facts that we noted at cpm21 that supports what we have been telling
- [Social media- a maybe or a must for legal firms?](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/social-media-a-maybe-or-a-must-for-legal-firms/) - “Social media is not only more cost-effective than advertising, but it also offers great opportunities for innovative engagement with your customers”- Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group. Digital development is in full swing, we now live in a world where instead of looking through the Yellow Pages book, you can Google search the nearest
- [SRA offered unlimited fining powers for economic crime](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/sra-offered-unlimited-fining-powers-for-economic-crime/) - With headlines about the scrapping and then reinstatement of the 45% marginal tax rate and the reversal of the proposed Corporation Tax rate, solicitors’ firms could be forgiven for not spotting the potentially career-ending fining powers being offered to the Solicitors Regulation Authority. When it comes to sanctions for breach of the Money Laundering Regulations,
- [Family & Civil Legal Aid Contracts extended to 2024](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/family-civil-legal-aid-contracts-extended-to-2024/) - The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has now announced that Family and Civil Contracts (2018 Standard Civil Contract) are to be extended yet again, until 2024. The Ministry of Justice (MOJ), it seems, now intends to conduct a major review of Civil Legal Aid. One hopes that the implementation of any favourable recommendations does not take
- [Practical Tips on how to Approach a Merger or Acquisition Project](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/practical-tips-on-how-to-approach-a-merger-or-acquisition-project/) - With the number of law firm mergers and acquisitions having declined over the past 10 years, commentators predict that the number of firms looking to merge or acquire will sharply increase over the next 12 months. Having been involved at senior leadership level in previous merger and acquisition projects, cpm21 Senior Consultant Ian Hopkins gives
- [Wayne Williams & Ian Hopkins of CPM21 attend Solicitors Regulation Authority Reception at the Senedd - 26th April 2022](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/wayne-williams-ian-hopkins-of-cpm21-attend-solicitors-regulation-authority-reception-at-the-senedd-26th-april-2022/) - CPM21’s Managing Director, Wayne Williams MBA and our Senior Associate Consultant, Ian Hopkins MBA were pleased to attend the Senedd on 26th April 2022, for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) reception. The event was hosted in the beautiful Senedd building in Cardiff Bay, by Mick Antoniw MS Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution. The SRA Board and representatives of
- [Keep your business plan under regular review – The future of your business may depend on it](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/keep-your-business-plan-under-regular-review-the-future-of-your-business-may-depend-on-it/) - Keep your business plan under regular review – The future of your business may depend on it In this article Ian Hopkins Senior Associate Consultant with cpm21 explains why law firms need to regularly review and update their business plan. Once your firm has decided on the way forward, and a business plan is in
- [Make Sure Your Law Firm Leaders Are Supported](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/make-sure-your-law-firm-leaders-are-supported/) - With a sudden spike in the number of law firms reporting financial difficulties to the Solicitors Regulation Authority, being a law firm leader in the current climate is arguably more challenging than it has ever been. The problem is not confined to small firms according to the SRA, but across the board, with some large
- [How Smaller Law Firms Can Compete in the Current Recruitment Market](https://cpm21.co.uk/news/how-smaller-law-firms-can-compete-in-the-current-recruitment-market/) - The demand for lawyers in the UK legal profession currently outstrips supply tilting the market strongly in the candidates’ favour. Earlier this year, 2,500 legal jobs with Top 100 firms were advertised on LinkedIn, but 48% of those jobs had no candidates apply, leaving the positions unfilled. The competition to recruit has caused salaries

## Courses

- [The Data Use and Access Act – What You Need To Do](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/the-data-use-and-access-act-what-you-need-to-do/)
- [The Legal Ombudsman Model Complaint Handling Process](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/the-legal-ombudsman-model-complaint-handling-process/)
- [The SRA Accounts Rules & Inspections](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/the-sra-accounts-rules-inspections/)
- [Financial Crime Recognising & Managing the Risk](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/financial-crime-recognising-managing-the-risk/)
- [Stepping into Leadership](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/stepping-into-leadership/)
- [Legal Aid Supervision Course](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/legal-aid-supervision-course/)
- [The Concise COLP Training (PM)](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/the-concise-colp-training-pm/)
- [The Concise COLP Training (AM)](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/the-concise-colp-training-am/)
- [Complaints Handling & Dealing with the Legal Ombudsman (PM)](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/complaints-handling-dealing-with-the-legal-ombudsman-pm/)
- [Complaints Handling & Dealing with the Legal Ombudsman (AM)](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/complaints-handling-dealing-with-the-legal-ombudsman-am-2/)
- [Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Training](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/equality-diversity-inclusion-training/)
- [AML Compliance-The SRA are on their way, are you ready?](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/aml-compliance-the-sra-are-on-their-way-are-you-ready/)
- [Safeguarding & Data Protection Training](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/safeguarding-data-protection-training/)
- [Social Media Training for Support Staff](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/social-media-training-for-support-staff/)
- [Complaints Handling & Dealing with The Legal Ombudsman (PM)](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/complaints-handling-dealing-with-the-legal-ombudsman-pm-2/)
- [Financial Planning for SME’s and High Net Worth Individuals](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/financial-planning-for-smes-and-high-net-worth-individuals/)
- [Inheritance Tax Planning using Trusts & Regulated Investments](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/inheritance-tax-planning-using-trusts-regulated-investments/)
- [Social Media for small legal firms](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/social-media-for-small-legal-firms/)
- [Complaints Handling & Dealing with The Legal Ombudsman (AM)](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/complaints-handling-dealing-with-the-legal-ombudsman-am/)
- [The Role & Responsibilities of the COFA and complying with the SRA Accounts Rules](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/the-role-responsibilities-of-the-cofa-and-complying-with-the-sra-accounts-rules/)
- [Part 2 – Online – Legal Aid Supervision](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/part-2-online-legal-aid-supervision/)
- [Part 1 - Online - Legal Aid Supervision](https://cpm21.co.uk/course/part-1-online-legal-aid-supervision/)

## Course Schedule

- [The Data Use and Access Act – What You Need To Do](https://cpm21.co.uk/schedule/the-data-use-and-access-act-what-you-need-to-do/)

## Testimonials

- [Azizur Rahman - Director - Daniel and Baker Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/azizur-rahman-director-daniel-and-baker-solicitors/) - Paul Jones was recommended to us, and I have to say, he more than exceeded our expectations. The advice and recommendations provided to our firm was second to none and without him, I am not sure we would have obtained the Lexcel standard.
- [Arfan Rashid - Director - Rashid Law](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/arfan-rashid-director-rashid-law/) - Paul Jones was highly recommended to me by a Lexcel accredited firm. They were firmly of the view they could not have gone through the accreditation without Paul's assistance and due to his ongoing input, the firm has consistently been reaccredited. From the first conversation I had with Paul, confidence in his services was instilled
- [Julian Wintle - Partner - Red Kite Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/julian-wintle-partner-red-kit-solicitors/) - “With the ever-increasing complexity of regulation, it is reassuring to be able to call upon the services of cpm21, who have an “always willing to help” ethos and a depth of experience and knowledge in the subject, as well as a sound understanding of law firm quality accreditation standards. I would recommend them to any
- [Keith Norris - Managing Partner - Noble Harbour Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/keith-norris-managing-partner-noble-harbour-solicitors/) - I retained Ian Hopkins of CPM21 to review and update my firm's CQS and AML policies and procedures. I found Ian to be excellent to deal with throughout, with clear communication, deadlines achieved and transparent as to the cost involved. I'd have no hesitation in recommending Ian.
- [Deborah Feltham - Partner - Gwyn James Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/deborah-feltham-partner-gwyn-james/) - We have worked with Wayne Williams for a number of years, and he has provided us with excellent advice and support. He has guided us in the development of our firm and provided wise counsel throughout. I have no hesitation in recommending his services, ably supported by the extremely efficient Caroline.
- [Richard Singh - Partner - Carpenter Singh Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/richard-singh-partner-carpenter-singh-solicitors/) - The support from CPM21 is fantastic. The team are on hand to help whenever called upon. We are delighted to be working so closely and can highly recommend their services
- [Zep Bellavia - Managing Partner - Harding Evans Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/zep-bellavia-managing-partner-harding-evans-llp/) - We enjoyed the facilitation delivered by Wayne and his team at our strategic planning sessions. We found their input useful and our answers to their incisive questions very revealing. As a team who understand law firms and their personnel we would not hesitate to recommend their services."
- [Jonathan Hine - Partner - Jacklyn Dawson Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/jonathan-hine-partner-jacklyn-dawson/) - Wayne provides consistently good, friendly and practical advice and support through the Lexcel process. His support has been invaluable to us and our Lexcel achievements over several years would have been far more difficult without him.
- [Marie Boudier - Business & Finance Director - Bowden Jones Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/marie-boudier-business-finance-director-bowden-jones/) - We have used cpm21 as our Lexcel Advisors from the beginning of the process. They have provided us with sound advice, knowledge and guidance throughout. We have a great relationship with our Advisor, Hannah Menard who I would recommend to any Firm considering going through the Lexcel accreditation process or looking for some help and
- [Peter Lynn - Senior Partner - Peter Lynn & Partners Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/peter-lynn-senior-partner-peter-lynn-partners/) - CPM21 offer an outstanding service in supporting and advising the firm in respect of its service standards. We have used Paul Jones for a number of years and he has been outstanding in his knowledge and willingness to help - I have no hesitation in reccommending their services.
- [Jon Lewis - Partner - Declan McSorley & Jon Lewis Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/jon-lewis-partner-mcsorley-lewis/) - The harder it becomes for high street practices to juggle the demands of the work and the compliance issues, it is re-assuring to have Wayne on hand to guide us safely through the Quality Mark audits and reviews. His know-how and insight prove invaluable time and again and his is the first we turn to
- [Derrick Gooden - Director - Grech Gooden Cormack Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/derrick-gooden-director-grech-gooden/) - We have been assisted by Paul over all our Lexcel audits and his knowledge is second to none. A true pro.
- [Tim Hartland - Senior Partner - Colin Jones Clarke & Hartland Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/tim-hartland-senior-partner-colin-jones-clarke-hartland/) - Paul was once again invaluable in assisting us through the audit process.
- [Jeremy Davy - Director - Gordon Dadds Group Solicitors Limited](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/jeremy-davy-director-gordon-dadds-group-solicitors-limited/) - I was very impressed by Wayne Williams who showed himself to be an experienced individual who gets the job done.
- [Dan Lewis - Director - Hains & Lewis Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/dan-lewis-director-hains-lewis-solicitors/) - Without Paul Jones' support we would never have achieved the Lexcel Standard.
- [Debbie Owen - Practice Manager - Martyn Prowel Solicitors](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/debbie-owen-practice-manager-martyn-prowel-solicitors/) - Paul Jones provides an excellent service. His knowledge and communication is exceptional.
- [David Hinton-Jones - Morris & Bates](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/david-hinton-jones-morris-bates/) - Wayne was excellent throughout. We couldn't have asked for a better consultant to work with. Wayne was encouraging and understanding but always driving us forward to achieve our goal.
- [Fiona Jones - Humphrey Roberts & Bott](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/fiona-jones-humphrey-roberts-bott/) - We have worked with Wayne and Cpm21 Ltd for a couple of years and can only say what a highly professional and friendly team they are to work with. Wayne's knowledge and expertise in getting us through re-accreditation of our Lexcel Standard was exceptional and his advice and support invaluable. We are extremely satisfied that
- [Lindsay Markey - Partner - Costley & Partners](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/lindsay-markey-costley-partners/) - We believe that what you provide is essential to all firms of solicitors and that your breadth of knowledge is a unique skill set. Response Time is exemplary.
- [Wyn Hughes - Partner - Humphrey Roberts & Bott](https://cpm21.co.uk/testimonial/wyn-hughes-partner-humphrey-roberts-bott/) - We have just received Lexcel accreditation and this has all been down to Wayne and the team at cpm21 Ltd. The training and support we received from Wayne was exceptional. From our first meeting he had a clear understanding of our business. His knowledge and in-depth understanding of Lexcel and compliance issues is second to

## Categories

- [Finance](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/finance/)
- [Compliance](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/compliance/)
- [Money Laundering](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/aml/)
- [SQM](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/sqm/)
- [cpm21](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/cpm21/)
- [File Reviews](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/filereviews/)
- [Lexcel](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/lexcel/)
- [Legal Aid Agency](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/laa/)
- [Practice Management](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/practicemanagement/)
- [Reforms](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/reforms/)
- [SRA](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/sra/)
- [Business Improvement](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/businessimprovement/)
- [Social Media](https://cpm21.co.uk/category/social-media/)

## Service Types

- [Compliance](https://cpm21.co.uk/service_type/compliance/) - Anti-Money Laundering (AML) – Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Compliance – Client Complaints Handling – UK GDPR & Data Protection – File Reviews
- [Business Improvement](https://cpm21.co.uk/service_type/business-improvement/) - Business Development, Efficiency, CashFlow, Profitable Growth, Lean Thinking, People Management including Appraisals, Coaching & Mentoring, Financial Benchmarking
- [Legal Aid](https://cpm21.co.uk/service_type/legal-aid/) - LAA Contract Compliance, LAA Crime and Civil Tendering, Peer Review Appeals
- [Strategy](https://cpm21.co.uk/service_type/strategy/) - Strategic Business Planning, SWOT Analysis
- [Training](https://cpm21.co.uk/service_type/training/) - AML, Legal Aid Supervision, Practice Management, Mergers
- [Quality Standards](https://cpm21.co.uk/service_type/quality-standards/) - LEXCEL – SQM – CQS – WIQS