We are delighted to announce that Julie West Solicitors has become a member of Surrey Hills Enterprises (SHE), a respected membership organisation that supports local businesses, promotes sustainability and helps strengthen the rural economy across the Surrey Hills.

As a firm based in Leatherhead, we are proud to serve individuals, families and businesses throughout Surrey and the surrounding areas. Joining Surrey Hills Enterprises reflects our longstanding commitment to the local community and our desire to support other independent businesses that contribute to the success and vitality of the region.

We are proud to announce that Julie West Solicitors has been accredited as a living wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation. This means that we pay all our staff, including contractors and interns, at least the real living wage, which is higher than the government’s minimum wage. The real living wage is based on the cost of living and reflects what people need to get by.

We believe that paying the living wage is not only the right thing to do, but also benefits our business and society. By paying the living wage, we can attract and retain talented and motivated staff, improve their well-being and productivity, and enhance our reputation as a responsible and ethical employer. We also contribute to reducing poverty, inequality, and social problems in our community.

We go through rigorous and continual testing and inspections in order to be awarded Lexcel accreditation. This testing ensures that we have the highest standards in:

1. Protecting client confidentiality;

2. Communicating with clients clearly, honestly and regularly about their case and legal costs;

3. Dealing with complaints appropriately; and

4. File and data management.

Only 16% of law firms have achieved Lexcel. The Lexcel accreditation is a promise to you, from the Law Society, that when instructing us you are in the hands of a trusted professional practice of the highest possible standard. We were one of the first firms in the country to be accredited with the most recent version of the standard.

The Equity Release Council was formed to create a united voice for the industry and build on the legacy of Safe Home Income Plans (SHIP) as the trade body for equity release product providers. Its membership now includes advisers, solicitors, surveyors and product providers.

As a member, we adhere to the council’s high standards of conduct and practice, providing independent legal advice to ensure you understand your rights, obligations and benefits under the terms of your equity release plan.

At a face to face meeting with you, we will discuss the terms and conditions of your contract and ensure you are aware of the risks and rewards of proceeding before signing.

Consumers are at risk from online and/or unregulated providers who are unqualified, untrained and uninsured. The Law Society set up the Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQs) to provide a clear point of differentiation between expert firms of solicitors and other providers.

We are proud to have achieved the high standard of practice and integrity required to become accredited with WIQs. In order to maintain our accreditation our solicitors undergo annual mandatory training and reassessment procedure.

We have proved that when it comes to handling residential conveyancing and mortgage work, we are not only capable, but that we are experts.

Accreditation is awarded based on the training and integrity of our staff, as well as our adherence to efficient and prudent practice management standards and conveyancing procedures.

We were proud to be one of the first practices in the UK to achieve this status (number 90!). When you instruct us you can be assured of our high level of knowledge, skills, experience and management.