Summary
The law profession is currently seen by many as an over-regulated, but under-represented profession, with many smaller law firms feeling disenfranchised by the very bodies put in place to represent and regulate them.
But with one such body, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), who are making significant regulatory changes, this could be dangerous, resulting in a lack of action or even awareness from the profession, putting them – and their livelihoods – at risk.
This report explores how the legal profession is dealing with the changes on the horizon and whether it is prepared and protected to face what’s coming next.
Topics Include:
Representation VS. Regulation
Independent law firms form a large percentage of the legal market, but are their interests duly represented?
Forewarned is forearmed
Most firms are unaware of the changes and are therefore unprepared and unprotected to face what’s coming next. Is this the fault of the solicitors for not educating themselves, or the regulatory body for not getting through to them? Could the SRA do more to engage with independent law firms?
The issue of self-interest
Solicitors are disillusioned with both the Law Society and the SRA, with many believing that the regulators are more concerned with self-interest than looking after the profession.
The perceived impact of the SRA changes
Solicitors consider the changes to be a risk and are more likely to impact the profession than their firms. Is this a misunderstanding or a failure to grasp the potential impact of these regulatory changes.
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The SRA is just doing these things to kick the hornet’s nest and get a reaction.
I’ve been thinking about how this would impact me and I quite like the idea. I think the advantage would be that I could take on a role that was a bit more flexible.
Take a look at the previous Bellwether reports:
The Riddle of Perception
The Age of the Client
Brave New World
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