Compl-i - August 2009
Open Consultations
Regulating ABS’s
The SRA are looking at how ABS’s should be
regulated. They argue that they should be subject to the same
ethical standards of service and consumer protection as any other
kind of law firm. The SRA are encouraging solicitors to
respond to their nine discussion points highlighted in the
paper. Consultation
ends 31 August 2009.
An Agenda for Quality
The SRA are seeking views from those in the
profession regarding the development of a professional standards
framework which will identify the standards of knowledge, skills
and behaviours of qualified solicitors in the roles they
undertake. Consultation
ends 2 September 2009.
Moving Toward a Fairer Fee
Policy
The SRA are looking at a new structure
regarding the cost of regulation. They propose a shift from
allocating the cost only among individuals to allocating part of
the cost to regulated firms. Consultation
ends 28 September 2009.
Schedule of Charges – SRA (Cost of
Investigations) Regulation 2009
The SRA have proposed a number of changes to
costs of investigations which result in a formal regulatory
sanction. Consultation
ends 30 September 2009.
Improving Residential
Conveyancing
The Law Society is seeking solicitors’ views
on the future of residential conveyancing. They have launched
a debate on significant changes which could improve the home-buying
and selling process for solicitors and consumers. Measures
being considered include an electronic conveyancing portal, a
bespoke membership scheme and moving away from the principle of
caveat emptor.
Consultation ends 18 September 2009.