Compl-i - February 2010

Open Consultations

The following SRA consultations are open at present:

• Assigned Risk Pools – A review of the proposed changes: Ends 12 February 2010.
• Indemnity Insurance Rules – A review of the successor practice definition: Ends 12 February 2010.
• Conflict and Confidentiality – This is the second consultation on amendments to rule 3 and 4 of the Code of Conduct. .  It looks at situations where the clients are sophisticated users of legal services.  Views are requested on whether it is felt the draft rules are flexible enough whilst still protecting the interests of the clients and the public.  Ends 12 February 2010.
• Achieving the Right Outcomes – The SRA is proposing a fundamental overhaul of the regulatory regime for solicitors, to take effect next year.  The plan is to moving towards outcome-focused regulation which looks less at prescribed ways of delivering a service to a client and more at the quality of the service delivered.  Ends 6 March 2010.
• Advocacy Standards – This consultation looks at the development and quality assurance of overreaching standards for legal advocacy.  Ends 1 April 2010.

The SRA has also published a summary of responses to their consultation on the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme which was launched at the end of 2008.  This can be viewed by clicking on this link.

The new Legal Services Board Consumer Panel has an open consultation on referral fees.  The consultation is looking at the fees paid by solicitors receiving instructions as well as, for example, the fees paid by experts to solicitors in order to secure instructions.  The consultation will also look at arrangements which do not involve payment.  To view the consultation click on this link.