The QPS Standard

The Standard is divided into five specific areas under the following headings:

Procedures Manual
Each practice is required to have a manual setting out procedures specified by the Standard.

Taking Instructions
The practice must ensure that it has appropriate expertise to handle a particular matter, and must ensure it effectively deals with any conflict of interest. The practice must confirm the basis upon which instructions are accepted, and costs are incurred, and identify and focus on clients' expectations generally.

Handling the Matter
The practice shall have procedures for activity recording, file management and review, the recording of key dates and setting authority levels for personnel. In addition, provision must be made for progress reporting, the handling of subsequent instructions and/or variations to instructions and costs, changes in personnel and billing.

Finishing the Matter
The practice must have procedures for reporting to the client and accounting for money, property, documents, files and security and confidentiality issues.

Other Procedures
The practice must establish appropriate procedures for induction of personnel and training, access to reference materials and procedures for client redress.

Past Amendments to the Standard

On 2 July 2002 the Council of the Law Society adopted several changes to the Quality Practice Standard, which polish its operation in key areas such as costs and trust funds. The amendments also introduce new provisions for accredited practices in the areas of privacy and technology. The amendments will be required to be observed by firms seeking accreditation or further accreditation after 1 January 2003.

On 3 July 2007 the Council of the Law Society adopted amendments to the QPS Rule 5, Logo and Advertising, creating clauses 5.3 - 5.6.