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Accreditations
At Smith Partnership, we strive to always provide an excellent service beyond the standards of our clients, ourselves and the industry. Client care and satisfaction underpin everything we do - which is why we are proud to have been recognised by these reputable accreditations.
Lexcel 
Lexcel is the Law Society’s practice management standard. It is a scheme for any type of practice to certify that certain standards have been met following independent assessment. The Lexcel practice management standard is only awarded to solicitors who meet the highest management and customer care standards. Lexcel accredited practices undergo rigorous independent assessment every year to ensure they meet required standards of excellence in areas such as client care, case management and risk management.
Family Law Advanced Accreditation - The Law Society 
Our Family Law Advanced Accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest standard of legal advice and representation in complex family law matters.
Awarded by the Law Society, this prestigious accreditation recognises solicitors who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, expertise and experience across a wide range of family law issues.
Choosing an accredited Family Law solicitor gives you the confidence that your case will be handled by a recognised specialist with the skills and experience to guide you through even the most challenging circumstances.
Resolution 
The cornerstone of membership of Resolution is adherence to the Code of Practice, which sets out the principles of a non-confrontational approach to family law matters. The principles of the code are widely recognised and have been adopted by the Law Society as recommended good practice for all family lawyers.
Resolution was formerly known as the Solicitors Family Law Association (SFLA).
Family Law Accreditation - The Law Society 
Our Family Law Accreditation is a recognised mark of excellence by the Law Society, demonstrating our expertise in providing high-quality legal advice and support to individuals and families.
The Law Society's Family Law Accreditation Scheme recognises solicitors who have met rigorous standards of knowledge, experience and professional practice in Family Law.
When you choose an accredited Family Law solicitor, you can be confident that your case is being handled by a recognised specialist with the skills and experience to help you navigate what can often be a difficult and emotional time.
Sight Support Derbyshire 
Approved Provider status is achieved by training our staff in how to provide quality services to people with a visual impairment. The training consists of the following:
- Understanding eye conditions and the impact of sight loss
- Meeting, greeting and supporting someone with a visual impairment
- Assisting and guiding a person with sight loss
- How to recognise someone with a visual impairment
- Practical demonstration highlighting the effects of sight loss
- Key information about sight loss relating directly to attendees on individual courses
- Personal experiences of those living with sight loss
Sight Support Derbyshire is very happy to recommend the services of Smith Partnership to anyone with a visual impairment.
Conveyancing Quality Scheme Accreditation - The Law Society 
Our membership of the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) demonstrates our commitment to delivering a trusted, high-quality conveyancing service to homebuyers, sellers and property owners.
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme is a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices in England and Wales. Firms accredited under the scheme must meet rigorous standards of competence, client care and risk management, while adhering to best practice throughout every property transaction.
Choosing a CQS-accredited firm means you can have confidence that your conveyancing matter will be handled by experienced professionals who are committed to providing a reliable, transparent and efficient service. The accreditation is recognised by many mortgage lenders and reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of legal practice.
Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) 
Victoria Townsend is a fully registered member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) which is an association for expert legal professionals who specialise in Contentious Trusts & Probate matters. This accreditation signifies a level of specialism and expertise in relation to disputed estates and trusts, meaning that we are fully equipped to advise and act on your behalf in relation to such claims.
Children Law Accreditation - The Law Society 
Our Children Law Accreditation from the Law Society recognises specialist expertise in advising and representing children, parents and family members in matters involving children.
The Law Society's Children Law Accreditation Scheme is a respected quality standard for solicitors who have demonstrated extensive knowledge, experience and advocacy skills in children's law. Accredited solicitors are assessed against rigorous criteria and must show a high level of competence in dealing with sensitive and often complex cases involving the welfare of children.
At Smith Partnership, members of the Children Panel include;
Whether you are involved in private or public law proceedings, you can be confident that your case will be handled with professionalism, compassion and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for the child involved.
STEP 
STEP is a global professional body, comprising lawyers, accountants, trustees and other practitioners that help families plan for their futures.
Full STEP members, known as TEPs, are internationally recognised as experts in their field, with proven qualifications and experience.
Our experts who have the STEP accreditation are as follows:
Wiselaw Leading Lawyer 
Shameela Chopdat is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.
Disability Confident Employer - Level 1 
The Disability Confident Employer – Level 1 is an accreditation to demonstrate that a business is committed to proving equal access to those with disabilities and to creating an inclusive workplace. To achieve this accreditation, you must commit to the 5 pledges and to carry out at least one of the named activities to support people with disabilities in the workplace
This accreditation is renewed every 3 years.
Association of Lifetime Lawyers 
Lifetime Lawyers are the gold standard when it comes to supporting vulnerable and older people with legal advice. They help deliver the best outcomes for clients of all ages who are facing important life decisions, including those with complex needs and who may need extra support.
To become a fully accredited member you need to Take the Lifetime Care in Practice (LCP) Award. This qualification helps develop the client care skills needed to work with older and vulnerable clients, be at least 3 years PQE and also take the Lifetime Law in Practice award and re-accredit every 5 years.
Our experts who have the Lifetime Lawyers accreditation are as follows:
Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) 
Rebecca Reid and Katie Bullimore are members of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA). The Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) represents the views and interests of qualified employment lawyers in the UK. The members are drawn from all branches of the legal profession and include barristers and solicitors who act for employers and employees, trade unions, the voluntary sector, industry and the judiciary.
Menopause Workplace Pledge 
Women make up nearly half of the UK workforce, yet many feel forced to reduce their hours, pass up promotions, or even leave their jobs due to lack of menopause support.
By signing the pledge, Smith Partnership have commited to:
- Recognise that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and some women need support.
- Talk openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause.
- Actively support and inform your employees affected by the menopause.
- Change the culture of your organisation by taking at least one action a year – big or small
The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 
The firm is proud to announce it has been named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, with an overall happiness rating of 81% and is recognised in the Medium Organisation category, which celebrates employers with between 50 and 249 employees who demonstrate outstanding commitment to workplace culture, employee wellbeing and engagement.
