Implementing Legl has enabled BPE Solicitors to protect its clients, its business, and its reputation from the risks posed by fraudulent activity. It has also accelerated the onboarding process, improving the customer journey and allowing billable work to begin sooner.

Based in the south-west of England, BPE provides a range of legal services for businesses and individuals across the country. Clients include AIM listed companies, as well as SMEs and high net worth individuals.

 With a strong focus on agility and innovation, BPE was on a quest to find a technology solution that would automate and enhance its client onboarding and compliance processes. Following a detailed evaluation of potential providers, BPE selected Legl for its unique integrated risk management solution.

A speedier start

BPE’s onboarding journey could previously be time consuming and complex, with some clients needing to come into the office to have their ID checked. This lengthened the period required before files could be opened, delaying the start of billable work.

Alicia Tooth, BPE’s Compliance Manager, says: “Using Legl means clients can complete the verification in their own time and out of working hours, allowing us to start dealing with their matters at the earliest possible opportunity. Onboarding is taking less time than it did, and we’re able to hold, review and feed back on reports quicker than with our previous software solutions.”

‍Managing risk

The Legl platform also supports BPE in meeting its compliance responsibilities, ensuring that clients are who they claim to be, and that individual matters are legitimate.

“We need to be vigilant around potential money laundering, particularly to make sure we’re not involved in the moving of proceeds of crime,” explains Alicia Tooth. “Legl has provided us with tools to assist in our duties, and to meet the regulatory requirements imposed by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA).”

The Legl solution enables BPE to positively identify the client, through checking their ID, and also running a biometric check.

“Regulation is only going to become more stringent,” adds Tooth. “Legl’s continuous improvement in terms of functionality and services enables us to remain compliant at the outset of matters, and throughout their lifecycle.”

‍Continuing the journey

In recent months, BPE has extended its use of Legl to streamline the payments functionality. The team has developed a strong, collaborative relationship with Legl’s customer success managers, and has participated in co-development activities with the product team.

“We care about our people, our clients, our work and our communities, and Legl’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovative solutions matches our values. Using Legl supports the approach our firm takes, and the objective to improve our journey – and that of our customers – has been resoundingly met. We continue to demonstrate the benefits the system provides to both us and our clients and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”