SRA Standards and Regulations

Approval of role holders

Subject to rules 13.2 to 13.4, the SRA may approve a person's designation as a COLP or COFA or to be a manager or owner of an authorised body if it is satisfied that the individual is fit and proper to undertake the role, in accordance with the SRA Assessment of Character and Suitability Rules. The SRA will deem a person to be fit and proper to be a manager or owner of an authorised body if...

Eligibility

You will be eligible to apply for authorisation: as a licensed body, if you are a licensable body and have at least one manager that is an authorised person (other than a licensed body or an RSL); as a recognised body, if you are a legal services body in which all of the managers and interest holders are legally qualified (other than RSLs); or as a recognised sole practice, if you are a...

Authorisation decision

The SRA may grant an application for authorisation in relation to one or more reserved legal activity. The SRA will refuse an application for authorisation if it is not satisfied that, if authorisation is granted: the applicant's managers, interest holders or management and governance arrangements are suitable to operate or control a business providing regulated legal services; the applicant...

Restrictions on services provided by a recognised body or recognised sole practice

If you are a recognised body or recognised sole practice, your business may consist only of the provision of: professional services of the sort provided by individuals practising as solicitors and/or lawyers of other jurisdictions; and the services set out in annex 2 (whether or not they are also included in paragraph (a)), and if you have a notary public as a manager or employee, then...

Decisions on review

A review will usually be determined by an authorised decision maker on consideration of written evidence alone. An adjudicator may at their sole discretion invite the relevant person to be interviewed by an authorised decision maker accompanied by their representative (if any). Subject to rule 4.3, on a review (save for a review of a decision made under rule 3.1(h) of the SRA Regulatory and...

Individual authorisation

As set out in the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations: A decision made under regulation 1.1(b) not to be satisfied that an individual holds a degree or qualifications or experience which are equivalent to a degree. A decision made under regulation 3.1(a) not to be satisfied that an individual holds a legal professional qualification that is recognised by the SRA, which confers rights...

Regulatory and Disciplinary

As set out in the SRA Regulatory and Disciplinary Procedure Rules: A decision made under rule 3.1(a) to give a written rebuke. A decision made under rule 3.1 (b) to direct the payment of a financial penalty together with the amount of that penalty. A decision made under rule 3.1(c) to disqualify a person from acting as a HOLP, HOFA, manager or employee of a licensed body. A decision made under...

Firm authorisation

As set out in the SRA Authorisation of Firms Rules: A decision made under rule 2.2 to refuse authorisation of a recognised body or recognised sole practice. A decision made under rule 4.3 to revoke or suspend authorisation of a recognised body or recognised sole practice. A decision made under 3.1 to impose conditions on authorisation of a recognised body or recognised sole practice. A...

Miscellaneous

A refusal to grant permission to a solicitor to employ or remunerate in connection with their practice any individual who to their knowledge has been disqualified from practising as a solicitor as a result of being struck off the roll; or who is suspended from practice as a solicitor; or whose practising certificate is suspended as a result of being an undischarged bankrupt.

Consumer credit guidance

Where you undertake credit-related regulated financial services activities, you must have regard to any guidance issued by the SRA from time to time relating to such activities.