News releases
Poll: Strong support for independent regulation
15 March 2007
Concentrate on client satisfaction rather than marketing, solicitors told
Overwhelming public support for independent regulation of solicitors is revealed today by an exclusive poll commissioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Some 89% of respondents said they thought solicitors should be regulated by an independent body, according to a telephone survey of more than 900 adults across England and Wales this month.
SRA Chairman Peter Williamson said: "The decision to establish the independent Solicitors Regulation Authority, clearly separated from the Law Society's representative role, is endorsed by these findings."
The poll also reveals the majority of those polled had confidence in the integrity and efficiency of solicitors: 76% said most solicitors act with honesty in representing their clients, 74% said most solicitors serve their clients efficiently, and 73% put the interests of their clients first.
Peter Williamson commented: "These findings indicate that solicitors must try harder to be respected and trusted by consumers. The SRA has a vital role to play in enabling consumers to understand the standards they are entitled to expect from solicitors. "
Satisfied clients far more important than marketing, poll suggests
The poll also asked which sources people would trust when choosing a solicitor. The vast majority (86%) would trust personal recommendation most. The next highest source (6%) would be the regulator. Only 2% would trust advertisements, and only 1% would trust websites.
SRA chief executive Antony Townsend said: "Solicitors who neglect client care but invest heavily in advertising and marketing should think again. Long-term business growth is much more likely to depend on clients who would be happy to recommend them to relatives and friends.
"While we cannot recommend solicitors, we plan to expand significantly the information we provide to enable consumers to make informed choices."
Note to editors
- The poll was carried out by CommunicateResearch between 2 March and 4 March 2007. Respondents were selected using random digit dialling, and the sample was weighted to be representative demographically of all adults.
- Download the full response data below. Other questions covered whether the respondents
- had ever used a solicitor,
- thought various statements about the obligations of solicitors were true or false (Note: solicitors do have to explain their charging, act in the client's best interests and offer independent advice, but do not have to give the client a timeframe for the work.),
- agreed or disagreed that most solicitors acted with honesty in representing and advising their clients—most solicitors served their clients efficiently and most solicitors put the interests of their clients first.
- The Solicitors Regulation Authority replaced the Law Society Regulation Board on 29 January 2007. It regulates 104,000 practising solicitors in England and Wales.
- The SRA Communications team can usually be contacted on +44 (0)1527 512944. However, on Thursday, 15 March, we will be unavoidably out of the office and contactable on 07980 725580 only.