Mark Neale’s blog discusses the key debate around whether ethical lawyers should avoid certain clients on public interest grounds and whether the regulator should police the profession’s choice of client. It emphasizes that lawyers, especially barristers, are not just there to do their clients’ bidding, right or wrong. Read the full story here.
A Solicitors Regulation Authority report has found unbundling legal services could improve access to justice
A Solicitors Regulation Authority Report has found that unbundling legal services could make legal help more affordable for those on low incomes and increase the client base for law firms. Unbundling is a process where the tasks that make up a service are divided between the consumer and provider, allowing clients to carry out some…
AI and the courts: Will machine learning decision making ever replace judges?
Sir Geoffrey Vos, the Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice in England and Wales gave a recent speech on the possibility of AI replacing humans in decision making roles. He made a number of key points: * AI technology is unlikely to replace human beings in judicial decision-making in complex, personal cases….
Solicitors Regulation Authority issues guidance on new wellbeing rules
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has issued guidance on the new health and wellbeing rules brought in earlier this month. New Code of Conduct rules include specific obligations to treat colleagues fairly and with respect and not to engage in bullying or harassing behaviour. The new guidance issued this month aims to help firms and individuals…
Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales consults on proposed corporate strategy 2023-2026
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has launched a consultation on its Corporate Strategy 2023-2026. The plan focuses on 4 high level objectives: Delivering high professional standards – This means setting, upholding and promoting high professional standards for those we regulate, in a way that is fair, proportionate and robust. Strengthening our risk based and proactive regulation…
The Mentor Chapter Seventeen – For good.
This open letter discusses the need for lawyers to be officers of the court first and foremost before their role as commercial facilitators. Gilbert emphasises the importance of ethical behaviour, and warns against financial incentives which might impede this. He also implores other lawyers to become roles models. Read the full story here.
Legal Services Board approves new SRA rules to improve workplace culture
The Legal Services Board of England and Wales has approved two changes to the Solicitors Regulation Authority Standards and Regulations. The rule changes aim to improve work place culture in law firms. The new rules make explicit the need for employees to be treated fairly and for managers to challenge any treatment deemed not to…
Legal Services Board of England and Wales publishes report into CILEX CRL dispute
The Legal Services Board of England and Wales has published its report into the disagreement between the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) and its regulator CILEX Regulation (CRL). The investigation was to determine if enforcement action was needed. Ultimately the oversight regulator decided that matter could be resolved informally. The dispute arose from CILEX’s…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales is consulting on rules to restrict excessive fees in financial mis-selling claims
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales is running a consultation on the wording of new rules being brought in to restrict excessive fees when claiming compensation for clients in cases of financial mis-selling. The consultation comes in the wakes of an obligation under the Financial Guidance and Claims Act 2018 to prevent excessive…
One year into the Solicitors Qualifying Exam in England and Wales shows good progress is being made
Introduced in September 2021, the Solicitors Qualifying Exam has reformed how solicitors qualify in England and Wales. Reports into the first year shows that good progress has been made in implementation of the assessment. More than 3000 candidates across 42 countries have so far sat the exam, with the SQE Independent Reviewer Report concluding that…