Accreditations
We maintain a number of quality marks so that we instantly stand out from our competitors and to consistently challenge and develop our standards.
We are proud to announce that Julie West Solicitors has been accredited as a living wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation. This means that we pay all our staff, including contractors and interns, at least the real living wage, which is higher than the government’s minimum wage. The real living wage is based on the cost of living and reflects what people need to get by.
We believe that paying the living wage is not only the right thing to do, but also benefits our business and society. By paying the living wage, we can attract and retain talented and motivated staff, improve their well-being and productivity, and enhance our reputation as a responsible and ethical employer. We also contribute to reducing poverty, inequality, and social problems in our community.
We are extremely proud that our very own Martin Whitehorn won the award for “Rising Star of the Year” at the 2021 Surrey Law Society Legal Awards at the Mandolay Hotel, Guildford!
Martin was particularly recognised for his efforts on behalf of Surrey Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) in addition to his endeavours as a property solicitor during the stamp duty land tax holiday, working with Surrey Law Society, the University of Surrey Law School and Guildford’s University of Law to support isolated junior and aspiring lawyers in and around Surrey, organise careers events, consult with and challenge the Solicitors Regulation Authority on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination and more.
Julie West Solicitors is a member of ALEP (Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners) and has the expertise to assist with leasehold work.
Formed in 2007 and now with 249+ member organisations, ALEP is a not-for-profit association that brings together barristers, managing agents, project managers, solicitors and surveyors working in the residential leasehold sector.
ALEP promotes best practice by vetting organisations and individual practitioners to ensure they have significant expertise in leasehold enfranchisement.
Membership of ALEP acts as a badge of assurance so that flat owners and freeholders can be confident that they are employing professionals with the right level of experience in handling potentially complex transactions.
We go through rigorous and continual testing and inspections in order to be awarded Lexcel accreditation. This testing ensures that we have the highest standards in:
Protecting client confidentiality;
Communicating with clients clearly, honestly and regularly about their case and legal costs;
Dealing with complaints appropriately; and
File and data management.
Only 16% of law firms have achieved Lexcel. The Lexcel accreditation is a promise to you, from the Law Society, that when instructing us you are in the hands of a trusted professional practice of the highest possible standard. We were one of the first firms in the country to be accredited with the most recent version of the standard.
We are part of the AFLA scheme, a nationwide network of UK law firms committed to assisting the Armed Forces community. We offer a 15% discount to regular and reserve personnel and qualifying families. For more information or to claim the discount click here.
The Equity Release Council was formed to create a united voice for the industry and build on the legacy of Safe Home Income Plans (SHIP) as the trade body for equity release product providers. Its membership now includes advisers, solicitors, surveyors and product providers.
As a member, we adhere to the council’s high standards of conduct and practice, providing independent legal advice to ensure you understand your rights, obligations and benefits under the terms of your equity release plan.
At a face to face meeting with you, we will discuss the terms and conditions of your contract and ensure you are aware of the risks and rewards of proceeding before signing.
Consumers are at risk from online and/or unregulated providers who are unqualified, untrained and uninsured. The Law Society set up the Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQs) to provide a clear point of differentiation between expert firms of solicitors and other providers.
We are proud to have achieved the high standard of practice and integrity required to become accredited with WIQs. In order to maintain our accreditation our solicitors undergo annual mandatory training and reassessment procedure.
We have proved that when it comes to handling residential conveyancing and mortgage work, we are not only capable, but that we are experts.
Accreditation is awarded based on the training and integrity of our staff, as well as our adherence to efficient and prudent practice management standards and conveyancing procedures.
We were proud to be one of the first practices in the UK to achieve this status (number 90!). When you instruct us you can be assured of our high level of knowledge, skills, experience and management.