Our Work / Muckle LLP
Achieving LOCS:23 certification with Muckle LLP
The Problem: Maintaining Data Protection Specialism
Leading North-East law firm, Muckle LLP, has long been committed to maintaining robust GDPR compliance. As a data protection specialist firm, ensuring that it continues to demonstrate a strong level of compliance was of the utmost importance.
Muckle recognised that the introduction of a new certification scheme provided it with an opportunity to measure and evidence its own internal compliance and enhance its compliance level.
As a result, Muckle sought formal certification in LOCS:23—an objective benchmark that they required to demonstrate their expertise.
The Strategy: Pioneering a New Standard of Data Security
Determined to position itself as a forward-thinking firm, Muckle set out to become the first UK firm outside of London to achieve LOCS:23 certification.
LOCS:23 is the first and only GDPR certification standard for the legal sector, approved by the ICO and UKAS. It has been specifically developed to enable law firms and barristers’ chambers to meet their UK GDPR obligations, and evidence to clients that their data is protected to the highest recognised standard.
By achieving this certification, it allows Muckle to:
- Validate its existing compliance measures.
- Strengthen client trust through demonstrable data protection standards.
- Position itself as an industry leader, reinforcing its reputation as data protection specialists.
The Partnership: How Briefed Guided Muckle LLP to Success
Muckle partnered with Briefed as its dedicated LOCS:23 certification partner, where we guided the team through the entire LOCS:23 process. Our support included:
- Conducting a deep-dive gap analysis of Muckle’s data governance framework.
- Providing a clear, comprehensive action plan to address compliance gaps.
- Offering continuous support throughout the implementation and auditing phase to facilitate a smooth certification process.
- Follow-on advice and support on annual surveillance audits, supporting the firm with long-term adherence to the standard.
Firm Partner and Head of the Commercial team, Alex Craig, noted the personal approach from Briefed allowed Muckle to feel at ease throughout the process:
“Ben Murphy and the team at Briefed were instrumental in supporting us through our LOCS:23 journey, from the initial audit to the certification stage.The team’s expertise in the standard and certification process made us feel like we were always in safe hands. Their commercially minded yet personal approach, quick response times, and positive attitude made them feel like a true extension of our team.”
The Achievement: Becoming one of the first LOCS:23 certified law firms in the UK
Through their partnership with Briefed, Muckle LLP successfully became one of the first law firms in the UK to achieve LOCS:23 certification. This major achievement positions them as pioneers in GDPR compliance within the legal sector, and provides them with multiple benefits, including:
- Strengthened data protection measures, reducing the risk of breaches.
- Increased assurance and client confidence in handling highly sensitive information.
- A competitive edge as law firms and local authorities begin to require proof of compliance.
- Confirmation that their GDPR efforts are being made in the correct areas
“Becoming one of the first law firms in the UK to achieve LOCS:23 certification cements our reputation as an industry leader in data protection.
Although it is early days, we are strategically communicating our certification to clients, ensuring they understand the value it brings to their trust in us.
We are also already referencing our LOCS:23 certification in tenders for new work, further demonstrating our position as an innovative and security-conscious firm.”
It has been a pleasure to work alongside Muckle throughout this project – we are delighted that they have achieved full certification, and we wish them every success in the future.
Interested in commencing your LOCS:23 Journey?
Our in-house barristers are LOCS:23 consultants with extensive experience helping clients prepare for and pass the certification.
As a team of proven LOCS:23 specialists, we have a proven track record of success, assisting Muckle and guiding other clients including 30 Park Place and The 36 Group to successful LOCS:23 certification. We have also undertaken the certification ourselves, successfully achieving LOCS:23 certification as a legal services supplier. This firsthand experience gives us unmatched insight into the requirements, challenges, and best practices needed for success.
Get in touch today and our team will assist you in assessing your current compliance levels against the LOCS:23 standard.