®
Quality and Risk Management for Lawyers
Selecting high quality legal services
When selecting a law firm, particularly one in another country, how can you be sure the service you get will be of a high standard?
QMS 4 LAW® certified law firms meet not only the quality management requirements of ISO 9001:2008 but also key additional requirements relating specifically to the delivery of legal services.
QMS 4 LAW is not a standard devised by lawyers or lawyer interest groups for their own benefit. It is independent of all law societies and associations. Firms only achieve certification by satisfying rigorous annual external audits of both intent and behaviour.
QMS 4 LAW is not a membership organisation; it simply sets standards to assure purchasers of legal services that their chosen lawyers deliver high quality services. Law firms must apply direct to independent auditors for certification.
You can therefore be confident that a QMS 4 LAW certified firm is focused on your needs and the standards of service you require.
Before you instruct a law firm, ask them about their quality management systems - and if they are QMS 4 LAW certified.
Background
QMS 4 LAW is a demanding international quality standard especially for lawyers. It exceeds the requirements of ISO 9001:2008. The additional requirements relate specifically to maintaining quality of service in legal work.
QMS 4 LAW extends to the firm's vision, values, finances, business planning, human resources, IT, quality systems, business continuity and risk management. As well as minimum standards for how your case or matter is handled by individual lawyers, the general management and supervision of the firm is covered too. On top of that, QMS 4 LAW demands not only high standards, but also continuous improvement.
QMS 4 LAW is the result of years of project work in law firms of all kinds combined with practical understanding of the combination of key processes and structures that control the quality of service you, the client, receive from your lawyers.
Independent auditing and certification
To give you complete confidence, QMS 4 LAW firms are not audited by QMS 4 LAW Ltd, but by an independent certification body, SGS.
SGS is the world’s leading independent inspection, verification, testing and certification organisation.
SGS is UKAS accredited and recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity, SGS employs over 50,000 people and operates a network of more than 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.
You can find out more about SGS by visiting the SGS website, or you can contact them by email: email SGS.
QMS 4 LAW audited law firms have to work hard for certification. They are independently audited at least once a year. The audit covers not only their quality management systems but also their working practices.