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ELM Legal Services recognised in the Parliamentary Review
Bristol based firm ELM Legal have recently been recognised in the Parliamentary Review which highlights the best practice of organisations across the private and public sectors. The Parliamentary Review shares some of the most exciting and forward-thinking work that has occurred in the country over the last year, and is edited by former minister The Rt Hon David Curry.
ELM Legal Services delivers will writing and estate planning across the UK. In the firm’s 16 years, it has helped tens of thousands of people to make “secure plans for an uncertain future”. Founder James Emsley says that his team of 18 allow ELM to work across the country, building a rapport with potential clients while always remaining attuned to what is a sensitive subject.
Armed with his law degree, the experience gained in the field and his knowledge of direct marketing, James set about building a business that would provide outstanding customer service, and whose aim was to enlighten the public to the potential legal pitfalls when someone passes on – and the solutions.
Discussing his business James says, ‘so many people had, and still have, little idea how complicated things can become in a very short period of time when dealing with the affairs of the recently deceased. Therefore, ELM’s mission has been to lighten the load for those that need it and to prepare as many people as possible for the inevitable period of uncertainty when someone dies.
The small team of 18 provide the backbone for the consultants who are based strategically across England and Wales to provide as much national coverage as possible. They work very closely with clients to ensure they are aware of all the pitfalls from both a legislative perspective and a personal one. Building a rapport is not easy and applying this to a sensitive subject such as death has to be handled expertly to keep everyone at ease. To facilitate this, the consultants undergo in-house training at least once every three months and all of the meetings with clients are digitally audio recorded, with the recordings kept with the client file.
The other role of the team is to provide a seamless journey for the client, from instruction through to the attestation and beyond. As soon as the instruction arrives, it is recorded on the system and any obvious anomalies are picked up at this point. After it is clarified, it is passed onto the legal team, who go over the instruction yet again and confirm any legal complications. ELM are always looking to improve the knowledge of the core staff and as such, are constantly creating initiatives encouraging them to participate in industry exams such as CILEx and STEP, such as paying their fees. To that end, two members of staff have recently passed CILEx exams and three others have started training with both the IPW and CILEx.’
ELM Legal host free educational seminars in and around the Bristol area for anyone considering this kind of planning. The seminars take potential clients through the basics and proceed to show how a family could be affected with no planning in place. This highlights clearly that leaving no will can have consequences for those left behind.
To find out more about ELM Legal and book an appointment visit: www.elm-online.co.uk
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