NAVIGATOR Group, a specialist firm in quality assurance compliance, is urging legal experts to sign up to the Law Society's new quality standard.

Lexcel applies to solicitors in private practice and local council legal departments.

From October 1, all practices seeking Lexcel accreditation have to be assessed under the new standard.

Until then, practices can choose whether to be assessed under the old standard, which has been in force since July 2000, or the new one.

Dave Jackson, director of operations at Navigator Group, based at Turkey Mill, Maidstone, said the new standard applied more stringent checks.

These covered risk management, clearer communication channels, client feedback systems, IT and business continuity plans, and specific risks such as money laundering and email management.

He said: "The new Lexcel Standard takes into account evolving ideas on best practice and addresses new risks and developments in the legal profession.

"We strongly advise all legal professionals to opt to be assessed under the new guidelines because this demonstrates their commitment to reach high quality standards throughout their service."

Navigator Group has worked with the legal profession for seven years, including one in 10 of all firms of solicitors in England and Wales, and some 40 local authorities.