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…
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…
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
England and Wales supervision and restoration
These materials were presented at the 2016 International Conference of Legal Regulators. Session title: I always feel like somebody’s watching me: reinstatement and supervision of lawyers on probation England and Wales supervision and restoration paper
80% of major jurisdictions use central qualifying assessment
In an international benchmarking exercise, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in England and Wales finds that almost 80% of the jurisdictions surveyed have a common assessment as part of lawyer qualification. Report on SRA website
Trust and the market: Rethinking regulation
London, United Kingdom | 15 July 2016 In a fast-changing marketplace, how do regulators build public confidence and balance public protection with the need to support an open competitive market that provides high-quality, affordable services? Trust and the market: Rethinking regulation addresses this question. Chaired by broadcast journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy, experts from several sectors share…
SRA Innovate
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in England and Wales has a policy of encouraging providers to communicate their service innovations so the regulator and providers can make sure regulation is not a barrier to innovation. The programme is called ‘SRA Innovate’. The SRA website says, ‘If you have been thinking of a new way to…
SRA approach to regulatory objectives
The approach of the Solicitors Regulation Authority to its regulatory objectives is explained on the corporate strategy page of the SRA website.
SRA initiatives overview
The SRA publishes its initiatives on the SRA website.