The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates the professional conduct of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales.

Consider this article a beginner's guide to the SRA. We'll take a look at what it does and answer common questions about its activities.

What does the Solicitors Regulation Authority do?

The SRA is a regulatory body that sets out standards and regulations that solicitors must follow. If the SRA believes these standards aren't being met, they can investigate the solicitor or firm and potentially take action.

Anybody who calls themselves a solicitor in England or Wales must register with the SRA. To register, a solicitor must be qualified and must abide by the SRA's regulations.

The SRA regulates more than 200,000 solicitors. But not every legal professional is a solicitor. Barristers, for instance, have their own regulatory board, as do licensed conveyancers.

There are also unregulated lawyers, who can offer certain services like will writing and general legal advice. These professionals are not regulated by the SRA.

The SRA maintains a solicitors register, so members of the public can determine whether a firm or solicitor is registered. It also publishes guidance for solicitors and the public, including advice on how to choose and instruct a solicitor.

What rules do registered solicitors have to follow?

The SRA has many, many rules and standards. These cover everything from professional transparency to accounting to international legal practice.

Arching over all of these rules are the SRA Principles – the fundamental tenets by which all SRA-registered solicitors must abide. The Principles state that solicitors must uphold the rule of law, protect the best interests of their clients and act with honesty and integrity, among other things.

The SRA's rules and principles exist to protect the public, first and foremost. As the SRA states in its corporate strategy, "people need to be able to place their trust in the rule of law and the administration of justice. High professional standards for entry to the profession and throughout practice are fundamental to that trust".

How does the Solicitors Regulation Authority deal with complaints?

If the SRA receives a complaint about a solicitor or firm, it will look into the complaint and – if necessary – investigate further.

A complaint can come from almost anyone. It could be from the police, the Legal Ombudsman or even the firm itself. Clients are also allowed to report concerns.

You can't complain to the SRA if you're unhappy with the work a solicitor carried out or if you think you were charged too much. These types of complaints should be directed to the firm itself or, if the complaint isn't resolved, to the Legal Ombudsman.

However, you can complain to the SRA if:

• The solicitor was dishonest.
• They stole your money.
• The firm closed down and you weren't informed.
• They failed to follow the SRA's rules.

If the SRA finds evidence of wrongdoing, it can take action. This could include fines of up to £50 million (for individuals) or £250 million (for firms). In serious cases, the SRA can remove a solicitor's right to practise.

Who regulates the Solicitors Regulation Authority?

As explained in this Freedom of Information request, the SRA is an independent body and has no direct regulator.

However, the SRA does report to several organisations about its work and the way it's carried out. These include the Treasury, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Legal Services Board – the body that oversees legal regulation in England and Wales.

The SRA is also part of the Law Society Group, so reports to the Law Society's elected Council. The Council is responsible for making strategic decisions and overseeing policy changes for the Law Society and its related organisations.

Who funds the Solicitors Regulation Authority?

The SRA charges solicitors and firms for registration, as well as for certain services like issuing certificates. Fees like this are the SRA's primary source of income.

The SRA also maintains a compensation fund. This exists so that clients can recover their loss if a solicitor has failed to pay back money they owe.

How does the Law Society fit into this?

The SRA's history is heavily intertwined with that of the Law Society. When the SRA was founded in 2007, it was called the Law Society Regulatory Board – and it remains part of the Law Society Group to this day. However, the SRA is independent of and operates as a distinct legal entity to the Law Society.

The organisations have different functions, too. While the SRA regulates solicitors in England and Wales, the Law Society represents solicitors. The Law Society is a professional association, so its primary functions are to protect and speak for solicitors, as well as to promote and advance the legal profession.

Is there an equivalent to the Solicitors Regulation Authority in Scotland?

The Law Society of Scotland acts as the governing body for solicitors in Scotland. It regulates, investigates and sets rules for Scottish solicitors, much like the SRA does in England and Wales.

The Law Society of Scotland also supports its members in areas like professional training and career growth. In this way, it's a little like the (English and Welsh) Law Society and the SRA rolled into one.

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