Mandatory price publication backed by SRA
The SRA has confirmed its support for the publication of prices for firms in certain areas of law including conveyancing.
SRA sets out progress in Annual Review
The progress made by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in maintaining professional standards, protecting clients and delivering its objectives has been set out in its Annual Review. Published today, Thursday 22 June, the SRA’s Annual Review reflects on its work from the last practising year, 2015/16. It also sets out how the SRA is working in […]
SRA Handbook proposals come under scrutiny
The SRA have stated that significant changes will be made to their Handbook with an aim to improve professional standards and remove unnecessary bureaucracy.
SRA say replacing stolen deposits among top reasons for compensating consumers
Replacing stolen funds intended for housing deposits was one of the top reasons the Solicitors Regulation Authority had to make grants from the Compensation Fund to pay consumers last year.
SRA announces new solicitors assessment to guarantee high standards
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) 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.
Updated SRA Risk Outlook: Are you up to date?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have today updated their 2016/2017 Risk Outlook.
2016 – Lawyer Checker’s Round-Up
Whilst the rest of the world was in turmoil during 2016; the many celebrity losses and the ‘post-truth’ of Brexit and Trump, Lawyer Checker saw a phenomenal year of growth and development. The company was thrilled to enjoy some significant award wins in 2016. In July, at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards, the hard work […]
Conveyancing theft reported as biggest cybercrime problem for law firms
Figures published today by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have shown that email hacks of conveyancing transactions are the most common cybercrime in the legal sector, with £7 million of client losses reported in the last year. Three-quarters of cybercrimes reported to the SRA in the 12 months are some form of “Friday afternoon” fraud. […]
Don’t doubt value of money laundering prevention
Due to conveyancing transactions usually being of high value as well as their ability to take place without raising suspicion, they are a favoured method of laundering money. The Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA) have estimated that up to £57 billion is laundered within the UK on a yearly basis. The firms who deal with these […]
SRA starts discussion on better information for consumers
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has today published initial ideas for improving the information available about law firms and solicitors, which could help consumers make more informed choices and result in a more competitive legal sector. In its discussion paper, “Regulatory data and consumer choice in legal services”, the SRA explores what information it could […]
Second consultation on the SQE gets under way
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has launched its latest consultation on a new single assessment for would-be solicitors – the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
LSB calls for shake-up of legal services in England & Wales
The Legal Services Board (LSB) have called for the abolishment of all regulatory bodies, including themselves, and for a sole independent regulator to oversee the legal profession.
SRA submit proposed practising fees proposal
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have submitted proposals for lowering mandatory practising fees to the Legal Services Board (LSB). The current fee for an individual is £320, however for the 2016/17 practising year the fee will be £290 with LSB approval. The SRA say practising fees are used to pay statutory levies to the LSB, Legal […]
Number of bogus law firms doubles in three years
Bogus law firms are sprouting up at an alarming rate with 700 a year springing up. According to the Solicitors Regulation Authority the number of reports they receive has more than doubled since 2012 with almost half of these involving criminals copying the identity of an existing law firm. Bogus law firms can directly target […]
ABS firms often “more innovative” according to LSB report
Alternative Business Structure firms are more innovative than their more traditional colleagues according to a report on changes in the legal services market by he Legal Services Board. The report also states more consumers are handling legal matters alone rather than seeking advice with analysis putting this down to better technology enabling online probate applications. […]
SRA unveil fees level calculator
The Solicitors Regulation Authority have unveiled their fees calculator in an effort to help practitioners plan for next year. The proposed individual fee has fallen from £320 to £290 with the SRA’s net funding requirement going from £54.1 million to £53.5 million. Paul Philip, SRA Chief Executive, said: “We know that planning ahead is a […]
House prices and transaction levels predicted to fall in response to Brexit
Accountancy firm KPMG have forecast a flat 2016 with a subsequent fall of 5% in 2017 for house prices outside London. Harpal Singh of Broker Conveyancing attempted to put a brave face on the situation. Singh said: “The main fear now is fear itself. If people believe the negative forecasts then we will realise their […]
Cost of Solicitors Practicing Certificate to come down by £30
The cost of the practising certificate looks set to come down after the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority published a joint consultation on bringing the price down to £290 per year per solicitor for 2016-17. The reduction of 9% amounts to around £30. the Law Society say this will mean the cost has […]
SRA open up consultation on size and scope of handbook
The Solicitors Regulation Authority are proposing slashing their handbook to enable Solicitors to work across new fields and markets like will writing, advice on social welfare, employment or tax The consultation is set to run until September with the SRA saying they want to move away from “complex, prescriptive rules” to a focus on “principles and […]
SRA research shows profession has progressed on diversity but more to be done
The legal sector is increasingly diverse according to research published by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, with 18% of the profession from Black and Asian minority ethnic groups, and 47% of the profession being female. However the SRA say they believe more work is to be done for the profession to truly reflect the population it […]
