Freedom in Practice: Better outcomes for consumers – join the debate
The legal services market is about to undergo radical change. Are you prepared? Find out more and give us your views to help ensure the changes are introduced successfully.
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Moving toward a fairer fee policy
A new system for paying for the costs of regulation will be put in place in October. Its aim is not to increase revenue from fees but to share costs more fairly across the profession. There will be a firm-based fee and an individual fee. We are sending letters to firms, indicating the total fees and contributions payable.
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Future of the assigned risks pool
Changes to the way the assigned risks pool (ARP) operates come into effect on 1 October. The ARP will continue to provide professional indemnity insurance cover to firms that cannot buy it on the open market.
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Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme gets green light
The Legal Services Board has approved the introduction, from September, of the SRA's new Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) for internationally qualified lawyers and lawyers qualified in the UK seeking admission as solicitors in England and Wales.
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Sale-and-rent-back agreement changes
If you deal with sale-and-rent-back transactions, you need to be aware that extensive, new, consumer protections come into force on 30 June 2010.
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Career dilemma
Can I be a paralegal if I'm a qualified solicitor?
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Employers' duties – case study
If you are an employer, make sure you comply with the Solicitors Act regarding your duties. The solicitor in this study didn't, and was suspended from practice for six months, with catastrophic consequences.
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SRA to exercise new disciplinary powers
From 1 June 2010, the SRA will have the power to impose a written rebuke and/or impose a fine of up to £2,000.
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In brief
Quinn Insurance UK
As of 14 May 2010, our guidance to firms that have professional indemnity cover with Quinn Insurance UK continues to be to take no action.
Higher rights of audience
The procedure for qualifying for higher rights of audience changed on 1 April 2010, when the Solicitors' Higher Rights of Audience Regulations 2010 came into effect. See our frequently asked questions.
Damages-based agreements
If you undertake employment work, please note the requirements of the Damages-Based Agreement Regulations 2010, which are now in force.
New SRA service complaints policy
Are you unhappy with our service? We have published our new complaints policy. For a hard copy, email complaintsteam@sra.org.uk.
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