The SRA is consulting on publishing more of the regulatory data that they hold about solicitors and firms they regulate. They are also consulting on asking the solicitors and firms they regulate to publish more information on the legal services they provide. The SRA is proposing to: require firms to publish their price for services…
SRA consultation – Looking to the future: phase two of our Handbook reforms
Following the SRA’s ‘Looking to the future‘ consultation in summer 2016, they are now consulting on further changes to their Handbook and their proposed revised Enforcement Strategy. This consultation also includes the transitional arrangements for the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Through the Looking to the future programme, the SRA are: simplifying regulations…
The new route to qualification as a solicitor: the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
In April 2017, the SRA announced that it would be introducing a new national licensing exam for those wishing to be admitted as solicitors of England and Wales, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, or the SQE. Where did this idea come from? And why is reform necessary? What is the current system for qualification as a…
Focus on… ABS investment activity
A major aim of the introduction of alternative business structures (ABS) in England and Wales was to allow new forms of capital into regulated law firms to improve market efficiency. Enabling external investment in law firms was designed to allow less reliance on short term sources of financing such as personal debt and overdrafts. The…
Vulnerable consumers
A qualitative study of how consumers with mental health problems and dementia experience legal services published by the Legal Services Board (LSB), England and Wales. Why is this research important? The LSB has a strategic objective to reduce the existing high levels of unmet legal need. Ensuring the needs of vulnerable consumers are understood and…
ICLR 2017 – Panel: “Risk Based Approach to Regulation”
A synopsis of panel session 8, which takes place on 6 October at ICLR Singapore, kindly provided by the session’s moderator, Victoria Rees. Conference materials will be made available to ICLR.net members after the conference. Moderator: Victoria Rees, Director of Professional Responsibility, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, Canada Panelists: Scott MacLean, Acting Executive Director, Investigations, Office…
Centralised assessment seen widening choice, lowering barriers
Proposals to centralise the assessment of would-be solicitors in England and Wales are highly likely to increase the number, and broaden the range, of training providers in the market, according to a report published by the Bridge Group. The report, based on 18 individual and group, semi-structured interviews (25 participants in total) with a representative range of…
UK study probes access, quality and costs in family law
Most solicitors practising family law in England and Wales appear to be providing services in line with expected standards, according to recently published research. The study, carried out by Ecorys UK, found fairly strong agreement among consumers that their solicitor met the core competencies, particularly those relating to their professional manner. Just over one-half (58…
Research on client care letters
Research by Optimisa commissioned by the legal regulators in England and Wales finds that client care letters – letters sent to clients to explain the lawyer-client relationship when the lawyer is first instructed – are not sufficiently effective. The research identifies principles to help legal services providers better communicate with their clients. These principles are…
England & Wales discipline process
These materials were presented at the 2016 International Conference of Legal Regulators. Session title: Attorney Discipline System Intake and Investigation Procedures From Around the Globe: Comparative Analysis and Best Practices England & Wales overview England & Wales handbook England & Wales flowchart England & Wales procedures England & Wales risk assessment