Multi-disciplinary practice definition

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SRA authorisation of firms and ABSs 2011 [Archived]

The SRA has three core operational functions: authorisation, supervision and enforcement.The authorisation function deals with applications by:•firms (including sole practitioners) for authorisation to provide legal services•individuals for:◦admission as solicitors under the Admission Regulations◦approval as managers, owners or compliance officers of firmsThe SRA has developed a specialist team within its authorisation function to work with those who are interested in applying to become an ABS. The ABS team is the point of contact for all enquiries relating to ABSs.SRA's statusThe SRA authorises and regulates:•solicitor practices in its capacity as an approved regulator•ABSs in its capacity as a licensing authorityA licensing authority is an approved regulator that has been granted additional powers by the Legal Services Board to regulate ABSs.Authorisation by activityUpon authorisation, a solicitor practice will be authorised to conduct the full range of reserved legal activities, whereas an ABS will be granted a licence specifying which reserved legal activities it is authorised to undertake.Type of bodyAuthorised reserved legal activitiesRecognised body (ie solicitor practice including sole practitioner)All of the following reserved...

SRA regulatory regime

SRA regulatory regime The way the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates the solicitors’ profession has been evolving since its inception—from a prescriptive rules-based regime in the early days of the SRA, via outcomes-focused regulation between 2011 and 2019, to a more principles-based regulatory scheme from 2019 onwards. This Practice Note outlines the SRA regulatory regime. It reflects the requirements of the SRA Standards and Regulations. The Solicitors Regulation Authority The SRA is the independent regulatory arm of the Law Society. It regulates the solicitors’ profession in England and Wales—both individuals and entities providing legal services. The SRA’s purpose is to ensure consumers receive a good service and that the rule of law is upheld. It does not represent the solicitors’ profession, which is the function of the Law Society. For more information on the structure, role and powers of the SRA, see Practice Note: Solicitors Regulation authority. Who the SRA regulates Until March 2009, the SRA concentrated on regulating individual solicitors rather than the entities through which they...