SRA overhauls the Handbook
The SRA recently announced that it would be proceeding with changes to the SRA Handbook, which it consulted on last summer. This overhaul of the Handbook makes major changes, including removing restrictions on where solicitors can practise, two separate codes of conduct for solicitors and firms, and a shorter Handbook.
The SRA believes the changes will offer solicitors more freedom and flexibility in the way they chose to practise. However, the Law Society is concerned that the changes will leave clients and consumers with less protection and could result in a ‘two-tier’ solicitors profession. We will be sending out a members briefing on the changes. In the meantime, you can read materials we developed last year: a briefing for members on the changes, the research we conducted ; and The Law Society’s response to the SRA.
The SRA will be consulting on further Handbook proposals in autumn 2017. The new requirements will likely take effect no earlier than autumn 2018.
New SQE gets go ahead for September 2020 amid concerns
The new Solicitor Qualifying Exam SQE will go ahead from September 2020, the SRA are again consulting on the proposals, see here.
The consultation is open until 26 July and can be found here.
The Law Society has produced a briefing document to provide a broad summary of the SQE, describing the key points to be aware of in this latest consultation. The briefing can be downloaded here.
Read the latest news and comment on the proposals here:
Society calls for SQE clarity as consultation opens
Super exam may hit trainees
Concerns that provider could be bother trainer and examiner