Striving for Excellence: Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

At Hawkins Ryan Solicitors, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal services to the residents of King's Lynn and West Norfolk. As a partner and head of the private client department, I am proud of our team's unwavering commitment to excellence.

Recently, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) published a thematic review of probate and estate administration. The review highlighted several areas of concern within the industry, including:

Competence and Training: The review found that many solicitor fee earners lacked adequate training in areas beyond legal and technical aspects. 

Supervision: There was a lack of evidence of effective supervision in many of the files reviewed.

Compliance Issues: Instances of potential misconduct, including failures to obtain or submit qualified accountant's reports and non-compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, were identified.

At Hawkins Ryan Solicitors, we take these concerns seriously and are committed to addressing them proactively:

Competence and Training: We invest in ongoing training and professional development for all our staff. This ensures that our team is not only proficient in legal and technical aspects but also well-versed in the latest industry standards and best practices. We regularly review and update our training programs to keep pace with changes in the legal landscape. 

Supervision: We have implemented robust supervision protocols to ensure that all work is thoroughly reviewed and meets our high standards. Our senior solicitors provide regular oversight and mentorship to junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Compliance: We have stringent compliance measures in place to manage risks and meet our regulatory obligations. This includes regular audits, comprehensive record-keeping, and adherence to anti-money laundering regulations. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in all our dealings.

The review underscored the importance of maintaining high standards in probate and estate administration. It noted that firms generally followed good practices, particularly in meeting the needs of clients in vulnerable circumstances and maintaining effective regulatory controls.

How Hawkins Ryan Solicitors Can Help

At Hawkins Ryan Solicitors, we are proud to align with these positive practices. We ensure that our clients are kept informed and that their matters progress smoothly, even during challenging times. Our sensitivity to the complex dynamics between families and co-executors under the stress of bereavement is a cornerstone of our service. 

Our approach is proactive and client-focused. We continuously review our processes, invest in ongoing training for our staff, and implement best practices to manage risks and meet our regulatory obligations. This dedication ensures that we handle sensitive matters with the utmost care and professionalism, particularly during challenging times for our clients.

At Hawkins Ryan Solicitors, we understand that the road to success is always under construction. We are committed to this journey of continuous improvement, striving to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional service. Excellence is not a final goal but an ongoing commitment to better ourselves and our practice.

If you have any questions or need assistance with probate or estate administration, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and ensure you receive the best possible service.

We look forward to continuing to serve our community with integrity, professionalism, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Andrew Stevenson

Partner