IFA column: Empowering the Next Generation – specialist accreditation
Unlocking Career Potential through the Resolution Specialist Accreditation Scheme
On Friday 10 November at County Hall in London, I had the privilege of addressing an audience of forward-thinking professionals at the YRes National Conference alongside Louise Buttery of Family Law Partners. Our focus? The transformative power of the Resolution Specialist Accreditation scheme and its role in propelling the careers of family lawyers and financial advisers to new heights.
The conference provided a unique platform to underscore the significance of this accreditation, emphasising its potential to redefine the professional trajectories of Resolution’s younger professionals. In an era where collaboration and knowledge-sharing are paramount, the conference offered a place for young professionals to exchange ideas and best practices.
This article sets out the key insights shared during our workshop and explores the ways in which the Resolution Specialist Accreditation Scheme can be a cornerstone for young professionals seeking to elevate their careers.
Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation is a coveted benchmark of expertise within family practice, symbolising a practitioner’s dedication to excellence and professionalism. This distinction not only highlights a lawyer or financial adviser’s extensive knowledge and experience but also their adherence to the high standards of practice as set by Resolution. It serves as a quality assurance to clients, the judiciary and regulatory bodies, underlining the holder’s expertise and reliability.
For lawyers, acquiring this accreditation fulfils a critical element of the Legal Aid Supervisor requirements, and it offers financial incentives, such as a guaranteed enhancement for hourly rates in certain cases. Financial advisors, upon accreditation, ascend from associate to full membership within Resolution, affirming their proficiency in financial matters related to family law.
Prospective candidates must meet stringent entry criteria, including a comprehensive grasp of Resolution’s competence frameworks, demonstrable practical experience, and a solid record of professional development. The application process is exacting, comprising open book assignments that evaluate a candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, as well as reflective case accounts that require practitioners to critically analyse their handling of complex cases.
Maintaining the accreditation necessitates reaccreditation every three years, compelling practitioners to consistently exhibit their mastery in family law and commitment to ongoing education. This requirement ensures that accredited specialists remain at the forefront of family law practice, equipped with the latest knowledge and best practice standards.
The collaborative aspect of this accreditation is particularly beneficial. Accredited lawyers and financial planners working together can offer comprehensive support, combining legal acumen with financial savvy. This partnership is advantageous during all divorce stages, from initial disclosures to the final implementation of financial settlements. Lawyers provide the legal framework and negotiate settlements, while financial planners contribute a nuanced understanding of financial implications, ensuring well-rounded client advice.
Resolution’s ethos of equality, diversity and inclusion ensures the accreditation process is fair and unbiased. The organisation provides support for candidates who may require reasonable adjustments, guaranteeing an equal opportunity for all applicants to demonstrate their capabilities.
For legal and financial professionals, the merits of obtaining Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation extend beyond personal achievement. It endorses their role as industry leaders, enhances their visibility to potential clients, and aligns them with the highest standards of family law practice. The rigorous process, while demanding, is a worthwhile investment, offering long-term benefits for both the practitioners and the clients they serve. As the benchmark for excellence, this accreditation not only elevates individual careers but also contributes to the overall quality and integrity of family law practice.