WA's first Approved Quality Practices certificates presented to law firms

19/3/97

Attorney General Peter Foss today presented Western Australia's first Approved Quality Practice certificates to a select group of law firms.

The certificates are awarded by the WA Law Society to those firms which meet the high standard required when dealing with different aspects of legal practice.

Since the Quality Practice Standard was launched in June last year, 50 law firms have registered for a training program on understanding and implementing "the standard".

To gain a certificate firms must perform to the highest levels, meeting "the standard" in a range of areas including identification of clients' expectations, recording activity, reporting to clients, accounting for money and maintaining confidentiality and security.

"The presentation of these certificates is a vital cog in the wheel of quality assurance," Mr Foss said.

"Approved Quality Practice certificates signify the hard work done by those firms in meeting the required standards and, importantly, they spell out to the community that the recipient firm is a reputable organisation in the eyes of the Law Society.

"It is all too easy to forget that the legal system and its practitioners are something of a mystery to the general public.

"Easily identifiable and reputable qualifications, such as these certificates, will help to distinguish a firm from its peers, and in the eyes of the everyday client."

Mr Foss said 17 certificates were awarded to deserving firms - 16 in Perth and one in Bunbury.

He congratulated the Law Society on their continued commitment to helping its members provide efficient, reliable and accountable service to clients.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 221 1377