Vulnerable clients

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Solicitors and law firms often provide legal services to clients who are going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Some of these clients may be vulnerable and it is essential that they are able to exercise their rights in the same way as anyone else.

There are several regulatory requirements to be aware of in relation to vulnerable clients. It is important to identify and respond to their particular attributes, needs and circumstances to facilitate effective access to justice.

What is a vulnerable client?

There is no clear definition of ‘vulnerable client’ for the purpose of law firms.

The SRA appears to be moving towards a more general principle of taking account of clients’ attributes, needs and circumstances.

In 2025, a research study commissioned by the SRA found the term ‘vulnerability’ to be problematic as it can impact people’s self-perceptions, be sitgmatising and lack consistency. It recommended considering vulnerability as universal and something potentially affecting all clients at one time or another. The study advocates designing accessible and inclusive services, founded on trust and respect, rather than identifying individuals deemed to be vulnerable, then

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