Key reporting requirements have been introduced by the new SRA Standards and Regulations (STaRs). This requires solicitors to:
- co-operate with regulators and ombudsmen
- respond to the SRA when asked
- notify the SRA, (as laid down in section 7 of the SRA Code for Solicitors, and section 3 of the SRA Codes for Firms (section 3 also covers non-solicitors))
- justify decisions and actions in order to demonstrate compliance (obligations set out under the SRA’s regulatory arrangements under section 7 of the SRA Code for Solicitors; and under section 3 of the SRA Code of Conduct for Firms).
- Topic:
- Legal
There shouldn’t be any surprise that the new SRA Standards and Regulations (STaRs) have a major focus on the competency of staff, especially when the Legal Services Board (oversight regulator) is looking at whether solicitors should be the subject of similar re-accreditation requirements as doctors.
Principle 2 of the STaRs requires solicitors and employees to “act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors’ profession and in legal services provided by authorised persons”. One of the key ways this can be achieved is by ensuring all staff are competent to carry out their roles.
- Topic:
- Legal
