Commenting on the accolade, Bryn Howell-Pryce, Director of Richard Wilson Long said: “We are delighted to have secured CQS status. It has taken a number of months and a lot of hard work throughout the firm to gain this accreditation, so we are extremely pleased that the quality conveyancing service that we have always strived to provide has been given formal recognition.”

Vice President of the Law Society, John Wotton, says that “all accredited firms should be congratulated for their achievement. The application process is thorough and all those firms who achieve the CQS status have shown that they have what it takes to achieve and maintain high professional standards as well as delivering excellent customer service.”

The Quality Conveyancing Scheme requires Solicitors’ practices to undergo a strict assessment with random audits and reviews to meet the demanding standard set for the accreditation and the scheme has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Building Society Association, the Legal Ombudsman and the Association of British Insurers.

For further information, please contact Bryn Howell-Pryce, Director on 01491 879 100 or bhp@richardwilsonlong.co.uk.

We were founded 80 years ago this year.  On the 2nd July 1931 Richard Wilson wrote in his diary; "First day at my own office. Opened at 9.30. Had a telegram of good luck from Mum and Dad last night".  We look forward to the next 80 years.

For many years we have been friends with, and had a business association with, Richard Long who practices with his wife Tina as 'Longs Solicitors'. We are delighted to announce that with effect from the 1st July our two firms have merged and the name of the firm has changed to Richard Wilson Long.  Longs Solicitors is a niche commercial firm dealing with all types of company, commercial, property and employment law. The merger of our two firms complements and enhances the range of legal services that Richard Wilson & Co has always been able to offer to its private and business clients. Richard has been a territorial officer in the Royal Green Jackets for some 30 years and is also a County Councillor in Kent.

The Bar Standards Board has just released the results of a survey of the public's attitudes to professionals.  Good news for solicitors who came out top of the poll with 17% of respondents saying they trusted them. Accountants came out at 14% with barristers at 13%.  Journalists did not fare well, scoring only 3% but a percentage point above bankers, and with estate agents and politicians bringing up the rear at 1%.  We must be doing something right!

The Employment Act 2008 abolishes the statutory dispute and grievance procedures as from the 6th April.  They are replaced by a new ACAS Code of Practice which Employment Tribunals will take into account when reviewing procedures. There are numerous other provisions which, in the Government's words, "The Employment Act 2008 strengthens, simplifies and clarifies key aspects of UK employment law. The Act brings together both elements of the Government’s employment relations strategy – increasing protection for vulnerable workers and lightening the load for law-abiding business."