LSB announces no statutory review of unregulated sector
Following calls for increased regulation of the wider legal services industry, the Legal Services Board (LSB) has announced it will not pursue a full statutory review of the sector at this time. In a draft report published this week outlining the LSB’s in-depth examination of the unregulated sector, the LSB cited that its findings do […]
What to expect when the SRA come knocking
Speaking at the recent Legal Eye Annual Risk & Compliance Conference in Birmingham, Sean Hankin, Head of Forensic Investigation and Intelligence at the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), laid bare the powers and practices of the regulator when it comes to inspecting firms. Types of visit AML proactive Hankin ran through the types of visit that […]
LSB competence review: “out-of-date” lawyers must go
As the Legal Services Board (LSB) continues its review into continuing competence within the legal profession, the LSB has said that regulators must ensure lawyers do not operate with “out-of-date” skills or knowledge, the Board said within a recent paper titled “Ongoing competence – Emerging themes from consultation”. The LSB consulted on a draft statutory […]
Supreme Court rules SRA should retain costs protection
The Supreme Court handed down its judgment in CMA v Flynn Pharma Ltd on Wednesday, wherein it clarified its position that the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) should be eligible to receive costs protection as a default when bringing prosecutions. The case saw the involved pharmaceutical companies successfully challenge the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) fining […]
HMCTS webinar – Video Hearings service demonstration
The Video Hearings service is HMCTS video hearings solution, which has been developed as part of the Reform Programme. It allows people to participate in a hearing using a computer, tablet or smartphone and is specially designed to replicate the experience and formality of a hearing in a court or tribunal building. This practical webinar […]
Law Society slams new SRA health and wellbeing rules
Proposals laid out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for changes to its rules on health and wellbeing at work are not supported by evidence, the Law Society of England and Wales said on Friday. The SRA’s consultation is aiming to clarify the regulatory requirements for solicitors and firms in the areas of health and […]
1150% increase in SRA’s fining power “not appropriate”
Safeguards needed to offset exponential rise in regulator fining powers, says Law Society The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is set to reform its approach to financial penalties including an increase of its fining powers by 1,150% without balancing these changes with appropriate safeguards, the Law Society of England and Wales said. “It is disappointing the […]
SRA announces updated plans on financial penalties
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced how it intends to move forward with plans to update its approach on issuing financial penalties to law firms and solicitors who fall short of the expected professional standards. The regulator launched a public consultation last year on proposed changes to its current approach to issuing penalties. The […]
SRA consults on 2022-23 business plan, budget and fee levels
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has launched a public consultation on its 2022-23 Business Plan and budget, including details of the work it plans to focus on in the coming year, continuing its commitment to accountability and transparency. Covering the third and final year of the SRA’s current Corporate Strategy, the plan sets out the […]
SRA: views wanted on pre-paid funeral plans
Solicitors involved in pre-paid funeral plan work – and the wider public – are being asked for their views to help shape the approach of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in dealing with new rules in this area. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will be introducing new rules concerning pre-paid funeral plans from July […]
SRA publishes first ethnicity pay gap report
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has for the first time published its ethnicity pay gap and is encouraging others in the legal sector to do the same. The ethnicity pay gap shows the difference between the mean or median hourly pay received by White staff and staff from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background. […]
Four ways your firm can support access to justice
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare what the Free Legal Advice Sector has feared and warned about for many years. Inadequate funding has caused free legal advice provision to remain fragile and inconsistent nationwide, leaving frontline charities faced with increasing calls for immediate support, as resources shrink. Advice deserts are a growing concern with many […]
SRA gives key consumer protection another chance
Following consultation on the future of post six-year run-off cover, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced that it will seek a further 12-month extension to the Solicitors Indemnity Fund (SIF) – to September 2023 – to enable detailed consideration of key points raised in feedback. The consultation, which ran from November 2021 to January […]
Law Society comments on LSB policy statement
The Legal Services Board’s (LSB) policy statement on empowering consumers sets expectations for legal services provider regulators to offer useful information to consumers about the cost and quality of their services, but solicitors’ leaders warned these throw up real challenges as one legal case is rarely directly comparable to another. Law Society of England and […]
SRA appoints new Director of Education and Training
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has appointed Julie Swan as Director of Education and Training, a role which will include leading the ongoing delivery of the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination). Julie will succeed the present incumbent, Julie Brannan who leaves in June this year after a hugely successful period in this important position. Julie has […]
Law Society responds to LSB business plan 2022/23
The Legal Services Board (LSB) published its 2022-2023 business plan on Wednesday, outlining it will continue to focus on diversity and inclusion (D&I) and technology and innovation in the profession. Law Society of England and Wales president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “We welcome the LSB’s continued focus on D&I and technology and innovation, which align […]
SRA to consult on annual “keeping of the roll” exercise
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is consulting on plans to reintroduce the requirement for non-practising solicitors to complete an annual application confirming that they wish to remain on the roll. Solicitors without practising certificates would be asked to complete annual application from 2023 onwards. In making their application, individuals will also be confirming that the […]
SRA launches health and wellbeing consultation
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is consulting on proposed changes to its rules that would reinforce its powers to deal with risks to clients and the public when these stem from a poor work culture in law firms. The proposals also seek to clarify the SRA’s approach to situations where a solicitor’s health issues affect […]
Law Society makes statement on LSB competence changes
The Law Society has welcomed the Legal Services Board’s (LSB) consultation on ongoing competence and standards, as the oversight regulator looks to change how legal professionals maintain their high standards. The LSB has been examining whether the current approaches taken by regulators are effective in protecting consumers and the public interest. The LSB is consulting […]
SRA updates its guidance on Russia sanctions
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have updated their guidance for firms and solicitors on making sure they are adhering to the Government’s sanctions on Russian nationals and organisations in light of the conflict in Ukraine. Along with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), the SRA published guidance for firms and solicitors in February to help […]