SRA Standards and Regulations

Applications to the tribunal

An authorised decision maker may decide to make an application to the Tribunal in respect of a firm or an individual under rule 3.1(g) only where they are satisfied that: there is a realistic prospect of the Tribunal making an order in respect of the allegation; and it is in the public interest to make the application. Where an authorised decision maker has made an application to the Tribunal,...

Cooperation and accountability

You keep up to date with and follow the law and regulation governing the way you work. You cooperate with the SRA, other regulators, ombudsmen and those bodies with a role overseeing and supervising the delivery of, or investigating concerns in relation to, legal services. You respond promptly to the SRA and: provide full and accurate explanations, information and documentation in response to...

Referrals, introductions and separate businesses

In respect of any referral of a client by you to another person, or of any third party who introduces business to you or with whom you share your fees, you ensure that: clients are informed of any financial or other interest which you or your business or employer has in referring the client to another person or which an introducer has in referring the client to you; clients are informed of any...

Service and competence

You only act for clients on instructions from the client, or from someone properly authorised to provide instructions on their behalf. If you have reason to suspect that the instructions do not represent your client's wishes, you do not act unless you have satisfied yourself that they do. However, in circumstances where you have legal authority to act notwithstanding that it is not possible to...

Applicable standards in the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs

The following paragraphs in the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs apply to you in their entirety as though references to "you" were references to you as a firm: dispute resolution and proceedings before courts, tribunals and inquiries (2.1 to 2.7); referrals, introductions and separate businesses (5.1 to 5.3); and standards which apply when providing services to the public or a...

Confidentiality and disclosure

You keep the affairs of current and former clients confidential unless disclosure is required or permitted by law or the client consents. Any individual who is acting for a client on a matter makes the client aware of all information material to the matter of which the individual has knowledge except when: the disclosure of the information is prohibited by legal restrictions imposed in the...

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...

Eligibility requirements

The SRA shall only grant an application for a practising certificate, or registration in the register of European lawyers or the register of foreign lawyers if you meet the eligibility requirements in this regulation. You will be eligible to apply for a practising certificate if: your name is on the roll; and you are not suspended from practice as a solicitor. Subject to regulation 6.3A you...

Eligibility for admission of qualified lawyers

You will be eligible for admission as a solicitor if the SRA is satisfied: you hold a legal professional qualification that is recognised by the SRA, which confers rights to practise in England and Wales or in an overseas jurisdiction; and subject to regulation 3.2, you meet the criteria in regulation 1.1(a), (b),(d) and (e). Subject to regulation 3.3, if you hold a qualification recognised...

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...