SRA Update
Issue 103 - May 2022
Welcome to the latest SRA Update.
It’s really important that we understand your views so that we can regulate as efficiently and effectively as possible. You will see we have launched two consultations this month - on our business plan for 2022/23, and on what disciplinary information we should publish. We also want to hear your insights on how we should approach regulation of pre-paid funeral plans.
We think technology and innovation could help more people access legal services more easily, while also helping your business grow. You can find out about the latest trends in innovation in the legal sector – and practical tips for firms – through our latest newsletter Lawtech Insight or at our next SRA Innovate events in Brighton and Swansea.
Paul Philip
Chief Executive
Have your say on our plans for the coming year by taking part in our 2022-23 Business Plan consultation. As well as outlining our planned activities for the year ahead, the plan also outlines how we intend to allocate our budget and what that means for our part of the practising certificate fee, as well as Compensation Fund contributions.
You can find out more about our proposals for the Business Plan for 2022-23 in our webinar on 26 May. Tracy Vegro, Executive Director, Strategy and Innovation, and Chris Handford, Director of Policy, will be your hosts as we explore the priorities for the coming 12 months.
We want to hear your views on the challenges and opportunities you face, and how we can respond to these as we finalise our Business Plan for the year ahead. Join our virtual roundtable on 16 June.
Due to changes in legalisation from 29 July, we need to consider the best way of making sure law firms involved in arranging pre-paid funeral plans are complying with new regulatory requirements. If you are involved – or interested - in this work, please read our short discussion paper outlining the issues and let us know what you think.
Read more about: Views wanted on pre-paid funeral plan regulation
We publish details on the disciplinary and regulatory action we take against solicitors so that, where appropriate, the public and employers can find out about any misconduct or concerns. It’s been over a decade since we established the principles of our current approach, so we are consulting to make sure our approach is fair and proportionate.
Read more about: Feedback on what disciplinary details are published
Read the latest edition of our Lawtech Insight newsletter, which pulls together the latest news and opinions on technology and innovation in the legal sector and beyond. The first issue features former BBC Legal correspondent, Clive Coleman, on the challenges involved in upskilling the legal sector.
If you are in the London/South East or South Wales areas and are interested in learning more about the issues, challenges and opportunities associated with innovation and technology in the legal sector, why not sign up to our SRA Innovate 2022 events? Staged in Brighton (5 July) and Swansea (7 July) the events will provide you with an invaluable opportunity to get practical tips and discuss key issues with a range of expert law firms, tech providers, consumer groups and more.
Following changes to laws on how personal data is handled, we are consulting on proposals to reintroduce a requirement for solicitors without a practising certificate to complete an annual application confirming that they wish to remain on the roll.
Read more about: Annual exercise for solicitors without a practising certificate
Find out more and have your say on our proposed rule changes on wellbeing. They would reinforce our powers to deal with risks to the public which stem from a poor work culture in law firms. The proposals also seek to clarify our approach to situations where a solicitor’s health issues affect their ability to practise, or to participate in our enforcement processes.
Read more about: Have your say on our proposed new rules on wellbeing in the workplace
We have published our ethnicity pay gap figures for the first time. We know some law firms are already publishing similar information, and hope others will soon follow suit.
The Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research (ICPR), Birkbeck is conducting research on legal representation and advocacy in the youth justice system. Have your say by completing a short questionnaire.
Read more about: Quality of legal representation in the youth justice system
We are holding a series of roundtables in England and Wales to discuss how the qualifying work experience element of our new Solicitors Qualifying Examination affects would-be entrants to the profession. There are events in Birmingham, Manchester and Swansea for those involved in the training of potential solicitors.
Your firm-wide risk assessment is the keystone for all your anti-money laundering work. It’s also a legal requirement to have one. Find out how to make sure your assessment is doing its job at our free webinar, where we will share tips, best practice and what to avoid. It takes place on Wednesday 22 June.
Are you worried about your health affecting your work? Life as a solicitor can be challenging and the demands and pressures can easily build up. We can signpost you to sources of help and make adjustments for you if you are in difficulty.
Welcome to the latest issue of SRA Update.
In this compliance edition, you can find out about our updates to guidance on client confidentiality and remind yourself of what’s happening with leasehold property purchases as the Government introduces new rules. The situation in Ukraine continues to be a fast moving one – keep an eye on our dedicated resources to make sure you are up to speed with what you need to know and how to meet your obligations.
Paul Philip
Chief Executive
We have updated our guidance on client confidentiality after the Legal Ombudsman found their investigations into poor service made by third parties were hampered by a lack of disclosure. Our guidance outlines how the Ombudsman can obtain information even if clients do not give consent.
Read more about: Client confidentiality and the Legal Ombudsman
Criminal Bar Association members voted to adopt no returns in relation to its Advocates Graduated Fee Scheme, as of 11 April. That means that in certain situations, your client risks being unrepresented at a hearing. You have certain duties if this happens to you and your client.
Read more about: Solicitors' duties in Advocates Graduated Fee Scheme matters
With new and updated sanctions continuing to be added against individuals and organisations linked to Russia, it is critical that you and your firm stay up-to-date with the latest measures being introduced. Visit our dedicated webpage to keep abreast of the latest guidance, particularly in relation to anti-money laundering, sanctions and conduct in litigation.
Read more about: Working with clients affected by Russia/Ukraine conflict
The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 received Royal Assent in February and will come into effect at the end of June. You should be aware of the changes so that you can properly advise clients looking to leasehold properties.
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