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Have your say on solicitors' accreditation schemes

26 October 2007

The future of the accreditation schemes that help the public find solicitors who specialise is under review. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has opened a consultation, asking for views on how a revised scheme might operate.

The first accreditation schemes were introduced in the 1980s for lawyers who specialised in children and mental health matters in response to the need to protect vulnerable consumers.

There are now 11 accreditation schemes covering areas of law from personal injury to family mediation. The SRA wants to see consistency in how the schemes operate and remove any confusion for both the public and practitioners on what accreditation means.

Peter Williamson, chair of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, said:

"There are a number of key areas where we would like to receive views—for instance, the coverage of schemes and whether the schemes should be compulsory or not. Although some of the schemes have become effectively compulsory because of funding issues, we are asking if consumer protection means they should be compulsory for all who practise in certain areas of law.

"We also want views about setting one level of competence for accreditation. Also, should other factors such as length of experiences and size of caseload count as well?"

To participate in the consultation, visit consultations.sra.org.uk. The consultation will run for 12 weeks and closes on 25 January 2008.

For more information on SRA accreditation schemes, visit accreditation.sra.org.uk.