Consultations

We value the views of our stakeholders. Any open consultations are listed below. For full details, or to find out how to participate, follow the links. If no open consultations are listed, please return at a later date or subscribe to SRA consultation alerts.

You can also check information about consultations that have closed.

To stay informed about our consultations, subscribe to SRA consultation alerts.

Open consultations

Better regulation: A new approach to regulating legal services firms and solicitors

We are seeking views on the way we plan to adapt our policies relating to enforcement and disciplinary action in the light of our new statutory powers relating to firms.

Start—6 January 2009
End—31 March 2009
Status—OPEN, respond now

Regulatory-risk information requirements – 2009

The SRA is developing processes to regulate firms as well as individuals, as a means of regulating legal services more effectively and efficiently, and according to risk. You are invited to participate in a consultation on the information we propose to seek from firms in 2009, as a first step.

Start—6 January 2009
End—31 March 2009
Status—OPEN, respond now

Conflict and confidentiality rules – proposed amendments

We invite comments on proposals to amend the rules dealing with conflicts of interest (rule 3) and the duties of confidentiality and disclosure (rule 4). The proposal in relation to rule 3 would extend the circumstances under which firms can act with clients' consent where there is a conflict of interests and, in relation to rule 4, extend the circumstances under which information barriers can be used. These proposals represent significant change and we would very much like views from all practitioners and other stakeholders.

Start—11 December 2008
End—31 March 2009
Status—OPEN, respond now

New disciplinary powers – public rebukes and fines

You are invited to comment on the draft SRA (Disciplinary Procedure) Rules. We anticipate that new statutory powers to fine and rebuke will come into force on 1 March 2009, and we hope to be able to introduce the rules as soon as possible after that date.

Start—1 December 2008
End—23 February 2009
Status—OPEN, respond now

Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme

We are seeking views on proposals to introduce a new scheme that will allow qualified lawyers from within the UK, Europe and many other countries to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales without following the full domestic requirements. The new scheme, the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme, will replace the current Qualified Lawyers Transfer Regulations and the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test.

Start—11 November 2008
End—6 February 2009
Status—OPEN, respond now