About us

Client Satisfaction Measurement

We are determined to achieve the best results for our clients.  We do not make any assumptions about what that means.  We measure and monitor results and gather feedback to ensure that our clients come back time and again . . .

The feedback given to us by our clients is vital, as it allows us to understand how effective we are at meeting the expectations of those clients.  We monitor satisfaction and gather feedback in two ways.  We run a client satisfaction survey to measure overall views on our performance and levels of satisfaction and we have a programme of annual key client visits to gain more specific and in-depth feedback.

Client satisfaction survey 2009/2010

We use an independent research agency to conduct a mixture of qualitative and quantitative telephone interviews with a broad cross section of our client base.  Clients are asked about their levels of satisfaction and how they would rate their relationship with Weightmans as their legal suppliers.  The survey also benchmarks our performance with other law firms across England and Wales.

All results are published across the firm, so that we can replicate best practice and address any areas where we may not be meeting client expectations.

Following on from the survey conducted in 2008, in November 2009 Weightmans again embarked on a comprehensive survey of our client base to gauge satisfaction levels. For the second time, we commissioned strategic research agency, Acritas to carry out the research independently on our behalf. Our Top 60 clients, representing 82% of our overall fee income, were interviewed, either face to face or by telephone, with a final report delivered in April 2010. The aims of the survey were to gain a greater understanding of the pressures and issues facing our clients’ businesses and to gather in-depth feedback on our performance as a firm and where that could be improved.

In general, the survey highlighted that we have an impressive list of clients who are pleased with the work that we do. Those clients want to build on our existing relationship and strengthen that as they continue to work with us.  We are admired for our expertise and knowledge and valued for the reputation and credibility we have in the markets in which we operate. It is clear that we are regarded as a trusted adviser by many of our clients.

One clear message from the survey was that Weightmans is still perceived to be understated in terms of our brand. Whilst we operate successfully in certain areas for clients, we do not send enough clear messages about who we are and what we can do to help our clients across all of their business. Acritas say: There is a clear feeling of goodwill towards Weightmans but a sense among clients that the firm is not always fulfilling its potential and could gain more of a competitive edge. This is something that we aim to address during the coming year with some specific profile raising campaigns.

Highlights of the survey

  • Weightmans’ average satisfaction score for service overall is 8.1 out of 10, exceeding the Acritas Sharp Legal UK 2009 benchmark of 7.9 out of 10
  • 74% of clients believe Weightmans does offer added value and 15% feel this is true to some extent
  • Clients are looking for speed, efficiency, aligning with the client’s needs, a flexible approach and adequate resource to be able to provide a consistently high quality of service.
  • Weightmans main strengths are perceived to be specialist sector knowledge, knowledgeable staff and relationships with clients.
Sarah-Jane Howitt
"It is clear we are regarded as a trusted adviser by many of our clients"

Sarah-Jane Howitt