SRA Update brings you the latest information about the work of the Solicitors Regulation Authority. It includes important news for solicitors and others working in legal services.
In this issue...
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What's happening with the Legal Services Act?
How many non-lawyer managers can a firm have? Can my wife's secretarial services company be a partner in our firm? These are just two examples of the new FAQs on the Legal Services Act you can access at our website.
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Equality and diversity – your feedback needed
We are inviting feedback from the profession and the public on our equality and diversity strategy and action plan, drafted following the publication of the Ouseley report.
The key areas and activities contained in the documents cover how the SRA proposes to be
- a fair regulator,
- an inclusive, stakeholder-focused organisation, and
- a fair employer.
We are interested in your views about the strategy and plan.
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Higher rights of audience
Following a lengthy consultation, the SRA Board decided to keep a mandatory accreditation system for solicitors who practise as advocates in the higher courts.
MoreAutumn start for work-based learning pilot
Around 40 paralegals working in a mix of private practice limited liability partnerships, local authorities and commercial firms across England and Wales are embarking on the SRA's first work-based learning programme pilot.
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New-look website
Have you found our new-look website more user friendly?
There are now separate areas for students, consumers and solicitors, as well as core information about the SRA. Traffic to the site has doubled during the past 12 months, which is a positive indication that it has improved and is valued.
Check your referral arrangements
We continue to be concerned by breaches of the rules relating to referral arrangements. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal recently fined a practice for breach of the Solicitors' Account Rules and the Solicitors' Code of Conduct, which should act as a timely reminder to check your own arrangements.
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Consumer credit group licence
The Law Society's consumer credit group licence has been varied to include the two new categories of ancillary credit business which came into force on 1 October 2008. The two new categories covered by the group licence are "debt administration" and "credit information services". The validity date on the current group licence has expired, but the Office of Fair Training (OFT) has confirmed that it remains in force while the OFT considers our application to renew the group licence.
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Check your stationery/website details
We remind you that your stationery and website need to include the phrase "regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority", not "regulated by the Law Society of England and Wales". However, please note that you are not permitted to use the SRA logo for this purpose.
Changes to the Accounts Rules
You need to be aware of the Accounts Rules changes which came into effect from 14 July this year relating to the prompt return of surplus client funds or reporting to clients if their funds are retained.
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SOCA 'Payback' Conference – 4 November, Manchester
The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) is hosting a free one-day anti-money laundering conference in Manchester on 4 November.
Next stops for the Regulation Roadshow
Solicitors in the London area are invited to attend one of two sessions being held at
- The Thistle Barbican, Clerkenwell, London, on Tuesday, 4 November, and
- Kenton Hall, Harrow, on Tuesday, 25 November.
On both dates, there will be sessions at 2.30–4.30pm and 5.30pm–7.30pm, followed by a buffet.
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