Olliers says all 29 criminal lawyers have passed its new Client Care Accreditation exam
Olliers Solicitors has confirmed that its team of 29 experienced criminal defence lawyers have all officially passed the firm’s newly launched Client Care Accreditation exam.
The scheme was introduced last September and was designed to formalise what the firm describes as its core value of delivering unmatched client care across every stage of a client’s experience. Olliers said the accreditation was created to ensure consistent standards across all client touchpoints, from initial contact through to ongoing case management.
Alongside the lawyers, three members of support staff were also given the opportunity to sit the accreditation. Olliers said the support team received tailored training focused on their role in triaging new enquiries and supporting the client journey from the first point of contact.
Each team member completed 12 hours of training before sitting a two-part exam. The firm said the accreditation is intended to confirm a practitioner’s ability to deliver what it describes as exceptional client care.
The training programme covered areas including effective communication, managing client expectations, Lexcel compliance and the importance of proactive client care. Olliers said the focus was not limited to technical competence, but aimed to strengthen service delivery through structured standards and consistent practice.
Matthew Claughton, managing director of Olliers Solicitors, said the firm takes accreditation seriously and noted that all lawyers work towards the Law Society’s Police Station and Criminal Litigation accreditations. He said the firm had introduced its own scheme in response to what he described as a lack of an external client care accreditation in the sector.
Claughton said Olliers has its own training academy offering ongoing education and training, covering technical skills as well as personal development, marketing and practice management. He said the firm formalised client care standards to ensure they are embedded across daily work and can be evidenced through training and accreditation.
Olliers also highlighted other initiatives it has launched in recent years. These include the Olliers Pre-Charge Accreditation Scheme, which the firm said reinforces its position in pre-charge work, and the Olliers Crown Court Accreditation introduced in 2024, which it said was designed to raise standards in advocacy.
The firm said it is also developing an AI accreditation in 2026, aimed at ensuring AI literacy across legal practice.
Claughton congratulated staff who passed the accreditation and said the firm’s approach to awards, rankings and training is rooted in day-to-day commitment to clients. He said the firm’s commitment is based on the view that anyone can become involved in the criminal justice system and should have access to strong legal defence and human support.
Olliers said its commitment to client care is also reflected in its Service Pledge, which it said is supported by compliance monitoring and continuous feedback.