Press release archive for 2019

We have confirmed that, following consultation, we will not be making changes to the current rules requiring solicitors to have a minimum level of professional indemnity insurance (PII) cover.

We have published final detailed information about the legal knowledge that will be tested in the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Following four years of development, including four consultations and input from 35,000 people, our new rules, Standards and Regulations, come into effect today.

We will increase checks on law firms after we found that too many were not complying with anti-money laundering regulations, and warned of strong action against those who continue to fall short.

New research published on World Mental Health Day reveals what solicitor firms could do to improve access to their services for people with mental or physical disabilities.

Solicitors have until Friday to check the latest HM Treasury Consolidated List of asset freeze targets to make sure they are not holding monies belonging to a client that is subject to financial sanctions.

Eight finalists have secured £50,000 each in funding to develop technological solutions to broaden access to legal services in England and Wales.

A new 'one stop shop' webpage providing solicitors and law firms with easy access to resources designed to help prepare for the introduction of our new Standards and Regulation on 25 November, has been launched.

The SRA and Nesta Challenges have confirmed that the Legal Access Challenge has attracted 117 high quality entries from entrepreneurs, legal professionals, technologists, law schools and charities.

We have launched a consultation on proposals designed to make sure that high standards of advocacy are provided by solicitors.

A pilot to test the first part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination - known as SQE1 - has shown that it is on course to be a valid, rigorous assessment, while also highlighting the need for more work to see if a skills assessment is appropriate in the first stage of the exam.

Two-fifths of small and medium businesses in England and Wales believe that legal advice is reserved for big businesses or those that can afford it, according to a recent survey by Nesta Challenges to mark the launch of the Legal Access Challenge.

We have published a new report outlining the investigation, supervision and enforcement work we carry out.

Individual practising fee levels for 2019/20 should remain at the same level, our Board has decided.

Data released today suggests law firms are getting better at resolving complaints made to firms, while most clients say they are happy with the quality of service from firms.

With just over one month to go to the application deadline on 11 August, the Legal Access Challenge has confirmed that it has already received more than 85 expressions of interests in applying for funding, including from entrepreneurs, legal professionals, technologists, law schools and charities.

The introduction of revised approach to maintaining and developing skills among solicitors has been well received by law firms.

A review of law firms has found that almost one-in-five have made no effort to comply with rules to help the public understand law firm’s prices and services.

The Compensation Fund contributions we set for the next practising year are set to fall.

New research from Nesta Challenges reveals six in ten (58%) people in England and Wales think the legal system is not set up for ordinary people, with the vast majority wanting it to be easier for people to access legal support.

Published today, the SRA's Annual Review covers our structure, culture and funding, reports on our work over the 2017/18 practising year and outlines our aspirations for the year ahead.

A review has shown that a significant minority of law firms are not doing enough to prevent money laundering, with some falling seriously short.