News releases

New code of conduct demands solicitors provide 'a good standard of service'

29 June 2007

From 1 July, solicitors in England and Wales will have an explicit duty to provide "a good standard of service" to their clients, according to their new code of conduct.

Up until now, solicitors had to provide "a proper standard of work" to consumers. The new rule widens the responsibility to include the service consumers get from their solicitor.

"The new code of conduct has raised the bar in terms of the rules for solicitors. It's not just the standard of the legal work they do that will matter—it applies to how they care for their clients", said Peter Williamson, chairman of the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

"We think it is important that both solicitors and their clients understand each other's expectations and responsibilities. The new code sets these out clearly. We hope consumers will be guided in understanding what standards to expect when they are choosing and using a solicitor."

The new rule on client relations outlines how solicitors should deal with giving information about costs, levels of service and their complaints handling procedures. "The language we have used and the simple structure of the new code means clients should find this easier to understand", commented Mr Williamson.

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Note to editors

The Solicitors' Code of Conduct comes into force on 1 July 2007. Please visit rules.sra.org.uk.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates more than 100,000 solicitors in England and Wales.