The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has developed new resources to support the over 34,500 solicitors working in-house in England and Wales. These materials, created in collaboration with the regulator’s virtual in-house solicitor reference group, address issues identified in the SRA’s 2023 thematic review and feedback from in-house solicitors. When asked for comment, Juliet Oliver, General…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales is recruiting a Director of Consumer Policy and Engagement
The post of Director of Consumer Policy and Engagement will be responsible for driving confidence and trust in legal services, engaging in key debates about consumer policy and maintaining close engagement with consumers and consumer groups, and deepening the connection between strategic objectives and policy developments. This new position will lead a new team within…
Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales issues first fines of new fixed penalty regime
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued £750 fines to seven law firms for non-compliance with its transparency rules. This follows similar penalties issued to three firms in November 2023. The SRA introduced fixed penalties to deal with non-complex breaches more efficiently. Firms are given notices of potential fines and the opportunity to rectify the…
Solicitors Regulation Authority report looks at the risks and opportunities of AI in the law
A recently published report in the Risk Outlook series sheds light on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) within the legal services sector. The document underscores potential opportunities, such as the streamlining of administrative tasks through AI, enabling firms to allocate resources more efficiently for intricate assignments. Automation, in this context, offers cost reduction…
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…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales publishes the Legal Choices Report 2022
The Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales has published the Legal Choices report for 2022. Legal Choices is a website that helps consumers make informed decisions when choosing a legal professional, as well as offering information on a range of legal topics such as legal aid, no win no fee and legal insurance. The…
Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales issues financial sanctions guidance
The focus on how UK businesses interact with those connected to certain countries and organisations – and the Government’s sanctions regime – has increased since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. There have been a number of changes to the regime, so the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published guidance to help law firms in England…
Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales warns about involvement in SLAPPs
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a warning notice to the 200,000 solicitors it regulates about the use of abusive litigation aimed at silencing legitimate critics Known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), these continue to be of concern for both the SRA and the public. It has therefore produced a warning notice…
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…
Further fund award is an opportunity to connect innovative services with those who need legal help
The SRA have won a grant from the latest round of Regulators Pioneer Fund (RPF) to help connect those using new legal technologies with those who need their services. They have been awarded £167,856 from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to be used to create a new network where regulators, expert…