Solicitors should give feedback on SRA plans amid threat to profession
01 Sep 2016
Solicitors are being urged to give their views on proposed changes to the SRA Handbook that would have a dramatic effect on their profession and clients by creating a two tier profession and significantly reducing client protections, depending on where solicitors work.
To help solicitors share their views, the Law Society has released guidance, case studies and a template submission. Designed to be easily tailored to reflect individual views, the template provides solicitors with a framework to make their views on the SRA’s proposed changes known.
‘The changes proposed by the SRA have huge implications for the solicitor profession and for clients. It is vital the profession has its say on these proposals, said Law Society chief executive Catherine Dixon.
‘Our template is designed to make that process easier, and maximise the number of solicitors contributing to this important consultation.
The Law Society holds grave concerns about many of the proposed changes, which risk undermining the quality and standing of the solicitor profession and vital client protections.
Catherine Dixon added: ‘We know solicitors from all over the country are gravely concerned about the SRA proposals as they fear that the reputation and standing of solicitors will be tarnished if these changes go ahead, resulting in two tiers of solicitors and vital client protections lost depending on where the solicitor is working.
‘Each solicitor will have their own experiences and draw their own conclusions on these proposals. A comprehensive response from the profession can only help improve the final decision.’
The Law Society is also running a survey of solicitors, round-table discussions, and roadshows to inform its own full and evidence-based response to the consultation, which closes 21 September 2016.
Download the submission template (Word 742kb).
Read the Law Society’s briefing for members and member survey on the SRA’s consultation.
