Press release archive for 2017
December
Concerns about how law firms handle personal injury claims, especially when dealing directly with third-party claims management companies (CMCs), have led to us issuing a revised warning notice.
Research shows room for improvement in how law firms deal with complaints, 14 December 2017We have published research on how law firms deal with the complaints they receive.
November
Money launderers hoping to infiltrate the profession continues to be a major problem, according to the autumn update of the Risk Outlook.
SRA finalises new exam regulations while boosting qualifying work experience supervision, 15 November 2017We have approved the regulations which bring into force the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) while making changes to bolster assurances around qualifying work experience. The SQE is a new assessment to make sure all those entering the profession meet consistent, high standards.
SRA finalises three-year strategy after positive response, 09 November 2017We have confirmed our three-year strategy, which focuses on high standards and choice for public and solicitors.
October
We have published research showing the progress made in creating a more diverse profession, yet highlighting the problem that women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) solicitors still face career progression barriers.
SRA asks for views on proposals to meet new European Insurance Distribution Directive, 24 October 2017We are looking for views on our proposals to deal with the European Insurance Distribution Directive when it comes into force next year.
September
Better information on price and quality of service will help the public make better legal choices and law firms find new clients, according to proposals from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
SRA focuses on high standards in shorter Handbook, 27 September 2017The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is proposing a second phase of changes to its rules for solicitors to make them simpler and more focused on high standards, reducing the length of its Handbook by more than 300 pages.
Solicitor tax work facing greater scrutiny, 21 September 2017Solicitors providing tax planning services could face greater scrutiny from both ourselves and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as the Government looks to clamp down on "aggressive" tax avoidance schemes.
SRA Chair reappointed as it recruits new Board members, 14 September 2017Enid Rowlands has been reappointed as our Chair of the Board for a final year.
Holiday sickness claims increase prompts SRA warning, 06 September 2017The sharp increase in holiday sickness claims has led us to remind the profession of its obligations when handling such cases.
Solicitors urged to check frozen asset list, 01 September 2017Solicitors have been urged to check the HM Treasury frozen assets review to make sure they are not holding monies belonging to a client that is subject to financial sanctions.
August
With exactly two years to go until the deadline for mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI) compensation claims to be submitted, law firms have been told to make sure any applications they work on adhere to the rules.
Profession warned about offensive communications, 24 August 2017Solicitors should take care to make sure that communication is always professional, lawful and does not cause offence, we have warned.
Treasury changes financial sanctions reporting regime, 09 August 2017Solicitors are among those businesses that could face Government action if they fail to report information that could undermine UK financial sanctions.
July
We have set out our new three-year strategy, affirming its focus on high professional standards set in the public interest.
Public and law firm money at risk as regulator reports cyber theft at peak levels, 25 July 2017There has been a record number of reports of cyber thefts from law firms reported in the first quarter of this year, with house moves the main target, according to our latest report.
Solicitors Regulation Authority repeats ‘too good to be true’ investments warning with £50m of recent public losses, 19 July 2017We have again warned the public to be wary of the increasing problem of questionable investment schemes that use the involvement of solicitors or to encourage them to pay over money.
Run-off cover change benefits firms and the public, 13 July 2017The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) plans to change its indemnity insurance rules to make it easier for firms to switch their regulator, encouraging competition in the market while still offering protection for the public.
Elite Insurance - statement, 06 July 2017We are aware that Elite Insurance has announced that it will not write any new business.
June
The judiciary will be asked its opinions on the quality of criminal advocacy in research commissioned jointly by us) and Bar Standards Board (BSB).
SRA responds to CMA report, 29 June 2017We have responded to the recommendations of the Competition and Market Authority (CMA) for legal services, setting out how we are progressing reforms to make the market more open and competitive.
Opportunities for law firms to tackle unmet legal need, 28 June 2017The opportunities for law firms to reach out to potential clients are outlined in a new paper we have published.
SRA looks at the public's experience of conveyancing, 26 June 2017We will be researching the experiences of people who have used conveyancing services offered by solicitors.
SRA highlights publication of Treasury money laundering regulations, 23 June 2017We are working on new guidance for law firms, which we aim to publish shortly, following the announcement of new money laundering regulations by the Treasury.
SRA issues a further warning on investment schemes, 23 June 2017We have issued a further Warning Notice about solicitor involvement in fraudulent investment schemes.
SRA sets out progress in Annual Review, 22 June 2017The progress we have made in maintaining professional standards, protecting clients and delivering its objectives has been set out in our Annual Review.
SRA tender to deliver the SQE, 15 June 2017We have today published the tender documents for the first phase of the sourcing process to appoint an assessment organisation to work with us to develop and deliver the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
SRA commits to new clearer Handbook promoting high standards and choice, 13 June 2017Today we have announced changes that will help drive high professional standards, remove unnecessary bureaucracy and free up solicitors to work in new markets.
May
Financial statements we published today show that last year (November 2015 to October 2016), it granted around £10.3m from the Compensation Fund.
SRA consults on SQE regulations, 31 May 2017We have published our consultation on the regulations which would see the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) come into effect.
Solicitors regulator takes Pride in a modern legal profession, 22 May 2017For the third year running, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will be supporting the Birmingham and London Pride festivals.
April
We will be introducing an independent assessment, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), to make sure all solicitors meet consistent, high standards at the point of entry to the profession.
Cybersecurity issues central as experts agree firms should view them as a serious business risk, 06 April 2017We have brought together leading experts to discuss cybersecurity risks to coincide with our spring update to the Risk Outlook.
Research looks at complaints handling, 04 April 2017We have commissioned independent research companies to begin carrying out research into how firms’ handling of complaints can influence the quality of service clients receive.
March
We are calling on law firms to help to create transgender-positive workplaces, and are sharing real-life stories to help them achieve this.
A Question of Trust - full consultation findings published , 30 March 2017We have published the detailed findings of our consultation about what should happen if a solicitor falls short of expected standards.
SRA proposals could create more opportunities, 24 March 2017Our proposals to introduce a centralised assessment for would-be solicitors could lead to improved diversity in the profession and increased social mobility, a new report says.
Legal regulator sets out vision to help £380m Welsh legal sector thrive, 09 March 2017The Chair of the Solicitors Regulation Authority has set out how she wants to help the Welsh legal sector grow, providing affordable, accessible services for the public and supporting the Welsh economy.
Scammers targeting law firms, 08 March 2017Solicitor firms are being targeted by scammers who want to infiltrate IT systems.
SRA publishes family law research, 02 March 2017The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published independent research exploring the experiences of potentially vulnerable people using family law services.