On 25 November 2019 the SRA’s new Standards and Regulations come into force replacing the SRA Handbook. The SRA say that they are “shorter, simpler”, “focus on high professional standards and protecting the public” and are intended to put “more trust” in those who are subject to regulation.

Against that background, this podcast focuses on three of the main areas of change arising out of the new Standards and Regulations.

First, the new SRA Principles and the new and separate codes of conduct for individual solicitors and firms. We look at the different regulatory burdens being placed upon firms and people practising as sole freelance solicitors, and whether the public has sufficient protection so far as freelancers are concerned.

Second, the new SRA Regulatory and Disciplinary Rules. We focus, in particular, on the change in the standard of proof and the widening (we consider) of the number of non solicitors who might become subject to SRA action.

Third, the new Accounts Rules. These have reduced the current 52 rules down to just 13. However, we look at whether that brevity is likely to deliver the greater flexibility and simplification which they are intended to bring.

We hope that this provides a guide to some of the main changes and some of the areas which we consider will be ripe for consideration in future regulatory and disciplinary action.

Podcast authors: Ben Hubble QC, Jamie Smith QC, Paul Parker, Clare Dixon and Miles Harris of 4 New Square Chambers, London.