The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) published updated guidance on race equality in the workplace on 9 April 2025. The extensively revised guidance provides detailed frameworks for law firms to address representation disparities, noting that while minority ethnic lawyer representation has increased to 19% in 2023, only 8% of partners in large firms come from minority ethnic backgrounds. The guidance covers multiple aspects including workforce data monitoring, recruitment practices, diversity target-setting, and addressing the ethnicity stay gap—where minority ethnic lawyers' average tenure is 18 months shorter than white colleagues.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a reminder to law firms that any money missing from a client account must be replaced with extreme urgency. In a new warning notice, the SRA has said that whatever the underlying reason, it is pivotal that any shortfall be redressed immediately upon discovery. The notice also states that law firms should have clear internal processes in place for regular checks that the balance in a client account is correct and that firms should be aware of all obligations should they discover that this is not correct.

A new independent report commissioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has found increased confidence among law firm employers in the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), alongside strong support for solicitor apprenticeships and generally positive views of qualifying work experience (QWE). Produced by IFF Research as part of the SRA’s ten-year evaluation of the SQE reforms, the report draws on evidence from more than 2,000 stakeholders and indicates high levels of candidate satisfaction with QWE, while also identifying ongoing concerns around the cost of the SQE, transparency in the training market and the clarity and fairness of assessments. The findings reflect perceptions of candidates who sat the SQE between September 2023 and July 2024 and will inform further technical evaluation of the reforms due to take place next year.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published research examining technology adoption among sole practitioners and small law firms with four or fewer partners. The study surveyed 138 small firms and found that while awareness of common legal technologies is high, only 12% have adopted GenerativeAI. The research identified cost, uncertainty and compliance concerns as key barriers to technology adoption. The SRA announced plans to enhance its resources on Artificial Intelligence and expand case studies showing successful technology implementation in small firms.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed that, from April 2023, it will re-introduce a requirement for solicitors without practising certificates to apply to remain on the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales. This follows the SRA’s consultation on restoring the annual keeping of the roll exercise that ran from March–May 2022. The annual application will also incur an administration fee expected to be between £20–£40 and will be confirmed once the costs of re-introducing and administering the process are finalised. Failure to complete the annual application and pay the administrative fee will result in loss of right to be referred to as a non-practising solicitor.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed that proposed rules requiring the separation of compliance roles from roles carrying unilateral control over law firms will not be introduced in January 2027 as planned. The pause follows feedback that the proposals could have unintended consequences for smaller firms and sole practices. The SRA will work with stakeholders to explore the proposals, test alternatives and consider wider approaches to firm governance, allowing firms appropriate time to implement any future requirements. Through its supervision pilot, the SRA is also developing more proactive oversight of potentially higher-risk firms, including enhanced engagement, ongoing monitoring and corrective action where necessary. This includes seeking assurances that firms have appropriate governance arrangements and that their compliance functions can operate with sufficient independence to protect consumers from harm.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has submitted proposed rule changes to the Legal Services Board (LSB) for approval intended to strengthen protections around client money and support ongoing compliance within firms. The proposals follow a consultation held between December 2025 and February 2026. All firms holding client money will be required to submit annual accountants' reports to the SRA. Fixed financial penalties will apply for late or non-submission. Higher-risk firms with turnover exceeding £600,000, or holding more than £2 million of client money, must separate compliance officer roles from those with significant management authority over the firm. A partial exemption applies to sole owner manager firms. Subject to LSB approval, the rules are expected to come into force by early 2027.

Law360: The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) said on 23 October 2024 that it has appointed a new director of anti-money laundering (AML), as it awaits a decision from the government on whether it will continue to supervise the industry in this area.

Law360, London: The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) said in updated guidance, published on 12 June 2026, that solicitors overseeing unauthorised staff in litigation might need awareness of every file in some cases, as it urged the profession to take a risk-based approach when deciding on appropriate supervision following the Mazur decision.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced that its annual anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions data collection exercise is scheduled to take place in July 2026, with the form opening on 29 June 2026, and accompanying guidance available to assist firms in preparing and submitting the required questionnaire. The guidance notes that the exercise will be conducted through the mySRA portal, and compliance officers will be contacted directly. All regulated firms must provide information on work within the scope of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, SI 2007/2157, contact or involvement with the sanctions regime or designated person and any suspicious activity reports submitted to the National Crime Agency. Failure to complete the questionnaire may result in regulatory action.

The Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) has updated its lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) warning to solicitors. The updated notice provides further detail on the definition of a SLAPP, examples of when regulatory action may be taken and more detailed guidance.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has updated its Sectoral Risk Assessment for anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing and sanctions. The changes are: (1) economic uncertainty and capital flight have been revised under a new heading, ‘Global instability and uncertainty’; (2) the technology risk section has been updated to address artificial intelligence risks; (3) new risks concerning high street crime, passporting and company registration have been added; (4) new risks concerning the circumvention of sanctions against Russia have been added; (5) risks relating to client accounts, politically exposed persons and supply chains have been incorporated into existing categories and (6) risks relating to firms’ business models and external support have been removed as they are not specific to money laundering.