NEIL Hewitt, corporate relationship manager at Barclays in Salisbury, has gained a Law Society accreditation.

This enables him to provide consultancy advice on the Lexcel standard to medium and larger sized legal practices.

Mr Hewitt is one of 138 Barclays' relationship managers across the country who are fully informed on practice management issues, and endorse quality standards and achievement of the Lexcel standard by legal practices.

Janet Paraskeva, Law Society chief executive, says Barclays' involvement will lead to more solicitors receiving specialist business advice.

"High street solicitor practices are facing increasing demands from more discerning clients, the prospect of additional competition from new providers of legal services and the need to make greater use of new technology to deliver services to clients.

"It is vital that solicitors seek advice from business experts with an understanding of the legal profession and an appreciation of how firms are able to provide the highest standards of client care."

Mr Hewitt said: "Legal practices have very specific needs, which is why a manager with a real understanding of the profession can make such a difference.

"Working with the Law Society means that Barclays' relationship managers can keep their knowledge up-to-date and play their part in increasing the efficiency and success of legal firms."