SRA Standards and Regulations

Fit to sit

A 'Fit to Sit' Policy operates for the SQE. Candidates who present themselves for any part of the SQE will be required to sign a declaration that they are fit to sit the assessment. Being 'Fit to Sit' means that the candidate knows of no reason why their performance would be adversely affected during the assessment or why they may subsequently bring a claim for mitigating circumstances.

Reasonable adjustments

The Statement of Solicitor Competence and the Functioning Legal Knowledge set out in the SQE1 Assessment Specification and the SQE2 Assessment Specification set out the competences and knowledge which all candidates must achieve to demonstrate their ability to practise. The Threshold Standard sets out the standard which must be achieved to qualify as a Solicitor of England and Wales. All...

Malpractice and improper conduct

In these Regulations the term 'malpractice' refers to any activity carried out by a candidate (whether or not done intentionally) which could result in either the candidate or a fellow candidate obtaining an unfair and/or undue advantage in connection with the SQE. "Improper conduct" refers to any disruptive activity carried out by a candidate before, during or after any assessment (whether or...

Client money and assets

You properly account to clients for any financial benefit you receive as a result of their instructions, except where they have agreed otherwise. You safeguard money and assets entrusted to you by clients and others. You do not personally hold client money save as permitted under regulation 10.2(b)(vii) of the Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, unless you work in an authorised body, or...

Referrals, introductions and separate businesses

In respect of any referral of a client by you to another person, or of any third party who introduces business to you or with whom you share your fees, you ensure that: clients are informed of any financial or other interest which you or your business or employer has in referring the client to another person or which an introducer has in referring the client to you; clients are informed of any...

Conflict of interests

You do not act if there is an own interest conflict or a significant risk of such a conflict. You do not act in relation to a matter or particular aspect of it if you have a conflict of interest or a significant risk of such a conflict in relation to that matter or aspect of it, unless: the clients have a substantially common interest in relation to the matter or the aspect of it, as...

Cooperation and accountability

You keep up to date with and follow the law and regulation governing the way you work. You are able to justify your decisions and actions in order to demonstrate compliance with your obligations under the SRA's regulatory arrangements. You cooperate with the SRA, other regulators, ombudsmen, and those bodies with a role overseeing and supervising the delivery of, or investigating concerns in...

Client identification

You identify who you are acting for in relation to any matter.

Complaints handling

You ensure that, as appropriate in the circumstances, you either establish and maintain, or participate in, a procedure for handling complaints in relation to the legal services you provide. You ensure that clients are informed in writing at the time of engagement about: their right to complain to you about your services and your charges; how a complaint can be made and to whom; and any right...

Client information and publicity

You give clients information in a way they can understand. You ensure they are in a position to make informed decisions about the services they need, how their matter will be handled and the options available to them. You ensure that clients receive the best possible information about how their matter will be priced and, both at the time of engagement and when appropriate as their matter...