The Law Society of England and Wales welcomes the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) research into understanding the factors which led to an overrepresentation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors in their enforcement processes.
The findings reveal that the issue is multifaceted and influenced by a range of factors including ethnicity, gender, age, entry route to the profession and the context in which a solicitor works. The research stresses the importance for the SRA to take meaningful action on the recommendations made. This must include improving their approach to data collection and analysis.
The report recommends that the SRA work with the Law Society and representative groups to explore what more can be done to support solicitors in one partner and small firms. It also recommends the SRA collaborate with the Law Society to disseminate these findings widely. Law Society president Richard Atkinson said:
“We encourage the SRA to collect and use data to better understand the factors within the SRA’s processes that are not related to firm size and practice areas.
The Law Society provides support for small firms and sole practitioners through our dedicated Practical Advice Service, Small Firms Network hub and other resources available on our website.
We will continue to work with the SRA and other stakeholders to ensure fairness for all solicitors.”
