The Legal Services Board has begun a consultative exercise on how best to create more efficient regulation of legal services. The new system places greater emphasis on leadership, delivering the regulatory objectives and running effective operations. The proposed new framework comes after several years of the existing one, feedback from the regulators, and research into…
Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales launches consultation on annual ‘keeping of the roll’ exercise
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales has launched a consultation on the possible reintroduction of the requirements for non-practising solicitors to complete an application to remain on the roll. The need to reintroduce an application process for those without practicing certificates comes from a change in the law on the handling of personal…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales is consulting on proposed changes to its wellbeing standards
The consultation, running from the 4 March – 27 March follows increased concerns about the level of stress solicitors are experiencing as well as reports of bullying and harassment. The consultation addresses two key issues: The SRA has seen instances of serious, unfair and inappropriate treatment in the work place. There has been an increase in…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales issues guidance for law firms on workplace culture
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales has issued guidance for law firms on workplace culture. The new resources aim to improve the work environment experienced by solicitors and their employees and create healthy working practices moving forward. The new guidance coincides with the release of data from the SRA’s review into the work…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales launches research to identify gaps in access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales has launched research to identify gaps in access to justice. The research will focus on where gaps exist across England and Wales and what impact these could have on different groups of consumers. The project will include an investigation into how factors such as ethnicity and socio-economic…
CILEX and training company Pearson co-operating on the creation of new legal services ‘T-level’ in England and Wales
CILEX and Pearson begin work on the creation of a new legal services qualification, a ‘T-level’, which will sit alongside the traditional A-level. The qualification will be for students who want to enter the legal profession, particularly those interested in business administration roles within the legal sector. The qualification will lead directly into a CILEX…
The Bar Standards Board of England and Wales has welcomed the new sanctions guidance announced by the Bar Tribunals and Sanctions Service
The Bar Standards Board of England and Wales has welcomed a new sanctions regime brought in by the Bar Tribunal and Sanctions Service. The new sanctions will be used by Disciplinary Tribunals and by the BSB’s Independent Decision-Making Body in deciding what sanctions to bring against barristers found to have committed professional misconduct. The new…
The Bar Standards Board of England and Wales has welcomed the new sanctions guidance announced by the Bar Tribunals and Sanctions Service
The Bar Standards Board of England and Wales has welcomed a new sanctions regime brought in by the Bar Tribunal and Sanctions Service. The new sanctions will be used by Disciplinary Tribunals and by the BSB’s Independent Decision-Making Body in deciding what sanctions to bring against barristers found to have committed professional misconduct. The new…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales annual compliance officers conference goes hybrid
This key annual conference attracted 600 people to the face-to-face event, followed by more than 33,000 views of virtual sessions the following week. The programme covered topics including: Money laundering The SQE and what it means for your firm Innovation and technology – how can technology help firms spot risks and comply with regulatory obligations…
How Consumer-Focused Innovations in the Legal Services Market Invigorate Access to Justice
Abstract: The Legal Services Act 2007 was devised to effectuate a wide ranging reform in favour of access to justice, bringing about profound transformations to the legal services market. The essay examines the various mechanisms contrived to operate in the consumers’ interest, as well as the impact of technology disruption on the private and business…