Our activities are highly regulated - we will always adhere to these requirements and aim to conduct all of our activities in line with legal sector standards.
Doing the right thing right at all times is a natural priority and we maintain an experienced compliance team to ensure that we do this. Their role is to ensure that new client matters are aligned with our own policies and values, as well as the governing regulations.
Alongside its supervisory and monitoring activities, the team also acts as an internal advisory point for staff that wish to consult about planned or actual client engagements.
Another element of the firm’s approach to compliance is its alignment with important legal sector standards to ensure that the our clients receive services of the highest standard. These are highlighted and explained below.
Lexcel is the UK Law Society’s legal practice quality mark for compliance and practice management. It addresses many aspects of our business including:
The assessment process for this industry leading standard is rigorous and comprehensive. The initial accreditation process takes around six months. Membership of the accreditation lasts for three years with an annual maintenance visit at the end of year one and year two.
VWV has maintained this accreditation since 2004 and the firm believes that it offers important assurance about the quality of our services to current and potential clients. In recent years, assessors have been very impressed with our high standard of compliance with quality standards and the extensive areas of good practice observed.
Year on year, VWV is recognised by independent legal directories Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as one of the best in the UK. For example, our education practice is ranked in the top tier by Chambers & Partners, recognising our team of education lawyers as one of the best nationally.
VWV also holds the following service accreditations:
VWV believes that human rights are an absolute and universal standard. The firm is opposed to all forms of human slavery and trafficking, and will not do business with any organisation that it knows to be involved in these activities. All VWV staff are required to read, understand and comply with its anti-slavery and human trafficking policy. Further information is contained within our Modern Slavery Statement.
There are been no instances in recent years where the firm has incurred fines or penalties for breaches of laws and regulations as a result of the conduct of its activities.