In the November 2024 COLP & COFA Conference the SRA gave notice that it would be starting spot checks in 2025 on firms to check that Client Account Audits were being carried out when they were supposed to be. We've just received notification from one of our law firm clients that they have received an […]
Following a thematic review in 2023 and consultation, the SRA has issued guidn=ance for the 34,5000 inhouse solicitors that it regulates. The include practical examples, resources and checklists. Here's a link to the page on their website: https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/news/press/support-in-house-solicitors/ The Guidance: Assistance from us We support businesses in the legal profession with compliance - with SRA […]
On 30th September the SRA published new Guidance on how it expects firms to comply with the Transparency Rules. There is no change to the rules, but they have published new and updated resources. Whereas before the information was a little difficult to follow, now it is more detailed with templates. It should be easier […]
The Legal Ombudsman has issued Guidance from with case studies, setting out the types of issues involved in these cases, and how they're likely approach them if they were referred to them. Although mention is made early on in the advice about success fees, the guidance is of general application to all costs complaints and […]
We have received clarification from the SRA of their ambiguous word concerning legal work experience. In their helpful tool summarising what they want with regard to those qualified in certain jurisdictions which they have considered, the SRA write: "xx months legal work experience post-qualification as a xxx advocate (substitute in the description of a qualified […]
This applies to all SRA-regulated firms and people. Here is a link: https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/guidance/financial-sanctions-regime/ Below is a summary of the changes, taken from the SRA web page: "Summary of changes This guidance was first published on 28 November 2022. This version provides updates based on legislative changes and our more recent proactive supervision. The major changes […]
The SRA has now send this out. You will have until 15th August 2025 to complete and submit the form. Their questions are the same as those from last year. Here is a link to the page of advice on the SRA website: https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/news/firm-anti-money-laundering-sanctions-data-requirements/ What is noticeable is that it is mandatory for every firm […]
We have obtained clarification from the SRA concerning the requirement for the Letter of Reference being on Headed Paper. The SRA requires the form you submit for your application for exemption from the SQE2 exam to be accompanied by a Letter of Reference from the applicant's supervisor - who directly supervised the legal work that […]
The SRA asked to review our process for confirming QWE as an External Solicitor for an Aspiring Solicitor we'd helped: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/ We've always been very careful to ensure our process follows what the SRA requires and that each step is carefully documented (Ingemar is a litigator and so naturally prepares his work as if he […]
It seems that the SRA sent out emails en mass on 2nd July 2024 informing many, if not all, law firms that it regulates that they will be sending out to them a Financial Crime Questionnaire in early August that they will want completed by mid-September. Here is a link to the Sample of the […]
