- Ensures regulatory compliance: Lexcel supports firms in being compliant with current and new practice rules and regulatory requirements. This may also support them in gaining new work and contracts.
- Enhances risk management and Increases efficiency: by following and adhering to the Lexcel standard, firms will ensure they are not only ensuring compliance with rules and regulation but are also identifying key strengths and gaps for development within their practice. This may identify any key risks for the firm that can then be corrected and brought in line with best practice, this means resources for development are being used where they are actually needed and supports a culture of continuous improvement.
Introduction to Cyber Essentials
What is Cyber Essentials? Cyber Essentials is a UK Government backed standard that allows organisations to protect themselves from the most common types of malware.
It focuses on five key areas:
- Firewalls
- Secure Configuration
- User Access Control
- Malware Protection
- Patch Management
Did you know? From October 2025, Cyber Essentials has become mandatory for UK Legal Aid firms handling criminal contracts. This means that firms handling legal aid contracts across criminal law must achieve cyber essentials certification in order to retain their legal aid contracts.
FAQs
Benefits of Cyber Essentials for Law Firms
Client Trust and Reputation
As a law firm, you will handle extremely sensitive data e.g. contracts, wills etc…, therefore the cyber essentials demonstrate to clients that a firm takes data security seriously, which will stand you in good stead.
Regulatory Compliance
The solicitor’s regulation authority (SRA) and GDPR expect firms to safeguard client data, and cyber essentials help to show compliance with these mandatory obligations.
Competitive Advantage
Many corporate and government clients require suppliers to have cyber essentials as a baseline. Having certification in cyber essentials will help to win new clients and contracts.
Reduced Risk of Cyber Attack
Law firms are a prime target for cyber criminals due to the volume of confidential information that they hold. Certification helps to protect you from these cyber security breaches.
Improved Internal Practices
Cyber Essentials encourages firms to re-look at their IT Setup, processes and staff awareness, leading to stronger day to day operations.
Cost Effective
Compared to other accreditations e.g. ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials is relatively expensive and quick but still provides solid protection.
Future Proofing
With increasing digitalisation of legal services, e.g. cloud based case management systems, having Cyber Essentials sets a foundation for adapting more cyber security frameworks in the future.
Benest & Syvret
"The Centre of Assessment have always been very helpful and supportive when required. Provided us with guidance for Cyber Essentials which we completed after lexcel accreditation - would certainly recommend them to others."
Is Cyber Essentials right for me?
Lexcel x Cyber Essentials
Holding Lexcel and Cyber Essentials together shows a law firm is both well managed and highly secure, giving clients confidence in quality and data protection. Together they reduce risk, build trust, and set the firm apart from competitors.
Who are Centre for Assessment?
We are a leading certification provider and a UKAS accredited body (No. 0120)*, we provide certification to ISO and sector specific Standards, as well as specialised training services. Visit our website for more information about what we do.