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Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors: Building on Culture and Continuous Improvement with the Lexcel Standard

Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors was formed following a merger between Watsons Solicitors in Darwen and Ramsbottom & Co, with offices across Lancashire. Evolving from a traditional high-street legal practice with 50 people across 3 offices to what is now a 12-site, 300 plus team spanning across three brands nationwide (Watson Ramsbottom, Carters Solicitors and Steeles Solicitors), they offer a full range of legal services including personal, commercial, family and property and strive to offer an exceptional client service with a can-do approach which aligns with the Lexcel standard 7 legal practice quality areas.  

They were initially attracted to the Lexcel standard for its status as a risk management tool, recognition of best practice for law firms and to legal professionals. Their hope was that the standard would help to implement policies and procedures they had previously struggled to apply, reduce their risk profile and to achieve PII Savings as a well-run practice. 

When asked how Lexcel has benefitted them, Watson Ramsbottom went on to say that the standard has enabled them to put in place the building blocks of a well-run practice, and from that base they have achieved significant growth whilst staying true to the principles of their culture. It has undoubtedly helped reduce the annual PII premiums and gives confidence that the plans, policies and procedures in place, which have enabled their senior management team to act consistently, uphold the highest standards of a legal practice. 

Assessor Anne Milne reflected on her time working with Watson Ramsbottom and Centre for Assessment 

"It’s been a privilege to support Watson Ramsbottom on their Lexcel journey over the years. Their evolution from a traditional high street firm to a multi-site practice delivering high-quality legal services has been impressive — and it’s clear that Lexcel has played a key role in supporting that growth. The firm's commitment to embedding robust systems and a strong compliance culture shines through.  

“Working with Centre for Assessment and the team at Watson Ramsbottom has been a smooth, collaborative process, and it’s been rewarding to see the impact of Lexcel reflected in their continued success." 

Furthermore, we asked if they would recommend Centre for Assessment, Watson Ramsbottom said: 

“The accreditation process with Centre for Assessment has always been straightforward to arrange, and the continuity of the same Assessor we believe has undoubtedly helped and has offered continued support the us grow and evolve. Where additional initial assessments have been required due to acquisitions, it has always been possible to fit in additional assessments within the required timescales. CfA have been supportive throughout our Lexcel assessment and accreditation journey over the years, and the process has always been smooth and seamless. 

Lexcel Senior Reporting Officer, Stuart Maher commented: 

“Centre for Assessment have provided us with an efficient Lexcel accreditation experience. Their assessment team are professional, courteous and helpful, and we appreciate the clear communication and guidance they provided throughout the process. 
“We are pleased to have achieved and maintained Lexcel accreditation and would recommend Centre for Assessment to any law firm seeking to achieve and maintain this accreditation.” 

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