1. Making sure that your legal
systems are in safe hands
The Collective Voice of the Legal Software Industry

2. THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT MODERN
LEGAL IT SYSTEMS CAN MAKE A SIGNIFICANT
CONTRIBUTION TO THE OVERALL SUCCESS
OF ANY LAW FIRM
Law firms today, like every other business, rely on computer systems to help run
their firm, give better service to their clients and improve productivity and profitabil-
ity. Deciding on the most appropriate system for your firm is important, and so is the
choice of the supplier. So if you’re looking to change your legal IT system, make sure
that an LSSA member is on your list.
LSSA members supply software to 76% of law firms in the UK and 87% of firms
who provide Legal Aid services. So it is in the interests of LSSA members to
continue to ensure that law firms gain real benefits such as delivering better services
to their clients, whether through providing new services, making existing services
more efficient and responsive to clients’ needs, or improving the firm’s performance,
all of which enables law firms to grow. By doing this we all succeed - both LSSA
members and law firms.
The Legal profession and the legal software industry never stand still, and neither
does the LSSA. New emerging technology and constantly changing legislation mean
the LSSA is ever at the forefront to assist and advise law firms on how best to adapt
to new technology, evolving business models, growing customer requirements and
an ambiguous legal regulatory environment.
THE LSSA WAS FORMED WITH THE SPECIFIC AIM
OF PROMOTING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS AND
OFFERING UNBIASED AND WELL INFORMED
GUIDANCE TO LAW FIRMS

3. THE LSSA RECOGNISES THAT CUSTOMERS MAY,
FROM TIME TO TIME, HAVE REASON TO COMPLAIN
ABOUT THE QUALITY OF SERVICES OR GOODS
SUPPLIED BY LSSA MEMBERS
RESOLVING ISSUES
The LSSA is an established association with an acknowledged reputation, not for
just raising standards, but also for impartial mediation - a foundation established
when the LSSA was formed, which gives us the power to resolve issues quickly and
fairly.
In the event that a customer has a complaint about a product, or the quality of
service, provided by an LSSA member, either party can refer the matter to the
LSSA.
Members must co-operate promptly with all requests for information and abide by
any decision made by the LSSA within a stipulated time frame. Failure to do so could
result in suspension or even expulsion.
Law firms can have confidence in the knowledge that when buying a legal software
system from an LSSA member they are buying a product and service that they can
trust. In addition, they have the security that they have the backing of a regulatory
body dedicated to delivering the highest standards in the legal software industry.
WHERE DISPUTES CANNOT BE RESOLVED DIRECTLY,
THEY MAY BE REFERRED TO THE LSSA FOR MEDIATION

4. LAW FIRMS CAN HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE
KNOWLEDGE THAT WHEN BUYING SOFTWARE
FROM AN LSSA MEMBER, THEY ARE BUYING A
PRODUCT AND SERVICE THEY CAN TRUST
LSSA MEMBERSHIP
To become a member of the LSSA, legal software suppliers have to meet a rigorous
set of criteria and comply with our strict Code of Practice. Every LSSA member has
full professional indemnity and product liability insurance. In addition, they must
have at least two years’ continuous involvement in the legal market and provide
excellent references from their bank and existing customers.
The LSSA Code of Practice and the strict criteria have been laid down to provide
law firms with both protection and security. For example, LSSA members must
demonstrate their long term commitment exclusively to the legal market, so you
know you’re dealing with dedicated specialists.
You can also be sure that the LSSA member supplier will recommend a system
which genuinely reflects the needs of your firm and is appropriate to these needs.
In addition, full cost details for both immediate and ongoing support must also be
supplied.
In order to get the most benefit from your system, all LSSA member suppliers must
provide in-house customer support, so that if queries arise you know you will have
access to people who can help.
Ensuring that your system delivers a return on your investment, you must be
able to understand and use it to its best effect. Therefore all LSSA members must
offer relevant training and consultancy expertise. Should you decide to change
your system, then fellow LSSA members must co-operate in order to cater for data
transfer and conversion.
THE LSSA SETS CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
FOR MEMBERS

5. LSSA MEMBERS ADHERE TO A CODE OF PRACTICE
WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO PROMOTE THE
HIGHEST LEVELS OF QUALITY AND SERVICE
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Ensure Employees, Sub-Contractors and Distributors follow Code of Practice
guidelines in all dealings with customers and other members and provide satisfac-
tory monitoring arrangements to ensure compliance.
Maintain professional indemnity and product liability insurance adequate for
the scope, value and volume of the business transacted.
Keep information relating to customer business confidential.
Hold secure all passwords and other system safeguards from unauthorised parties.
Not access the customer computer system without prior permission and then solely
for the purpose of assisting the customer.
Ensure that ownership of any intellectual property and license terms are properly
identified at the time of supply.
Not give inducement or pay commission directly or indirectly to any consultant or
advisor appointed by the customer for business obtained without prior notification
to the customer.
Provide adequate training and ongoing support for their products.
Give clear notice of the support arrangements to customers where bought-in
components become obsolete.
Maintain an escrow or similar arrangement to enable users to have access to the
source code of the software in the event of a liquidation of the member.
Not make disparaging remarks or inaccurate statements relating to other members
or their products.
Other requirements regarding documentation and the setting of clear expectations
are also specified and can be obtained from the members or the association.
Information concerning the Association, the Code of Practice, the Mediation service
and Disciplinary Procedures may be obtained from the secretariat.
Complaints Procedure
Any alleged acts or omissions of a member considered to be in breach of the Code
of Practice will be investigated by the Disciplinary Committee in accordance with
LSSA Disciplinary procedure.
Only allegations made in writing and signed by the complainant will be entertained.
If customers wish to make such allegations they should be made with full details
and supporting evidence to the secretary. The customer may be required to attend
a hearing and give evidence, in which case the customer will be open to cross-ex-
amination. If the customer makes an allegation which results in disciplinary action,
the customer will be informed of the outcome, otherwise the Disciplinary Committee
shall decide whether, and if so how and when, publication of the decision will be
made.

6. Contact Us:
LSSA, River Cottage, Water Lane, North Witham, Grantham, NG33 5LJ
Tel: 01476 860417 Mobile: 07768 737449
www.lssa.co.uk