Welcome to the latest issue of SRA Update which comes to you as we near the end of an unprecedented year. There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected us all in many ways. Our recently published Risk Outlook discusses a number of these issues, as well as wider risks to your business and clients that you should be considering and mitigating against as we move into 2021. One specific issue we want to highlight is the significant increase in scam attempts we are seeing as criminals look to take advantage of the lockdown to trick people into parting with sensitive information or money.
Of course, December 31 is an important date for the Brexit negotiations and in this issue you will find a link to our latest information and resources. Above all else though, after what has been a challenging year for us all, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, however you are spending it.
This year’s Risk Outlook, which provides you with an overview of the key and emerging threats and challenges facing firms at the moment was published last month. As you would expect, some of the issues we identify are made even more acute this year due to the uncertainty and challenges posed by issues such as Covid and Brexit. Understand more about the risks and how you can mitigate against them by reading the Risk Outlook.
Read more about: Covid risks still relevant, warns latest Outlook
Leaving the European Union will change the way legal services work in a number of ways, while for those of you who employ European solicitors, or have non-solicitor European managers, you need to make sure you know what the direct implications of Brexit will be on your business.
Read more about: Brexit reality brings big changes
We know that for some the PII market has been hardening and some firms have been finding it more difficult to obtain professional indemnity insurance. If you did not secure a renewal on 1 October, you should have told us and your last insurer so we can help you protect the interests of your clients. For any firm still unable to secure cover, you must tell us immediately and be aware of your obligations to your staff and clients.
Read more about: Have you been unable to renew your professional indemnity insurance?
As if dealing with Covid-19 was not challenging enough, there is increasing evidence that criminals are attempting to exploit the pandemic to steal data or money from you and your clients. Since March reports of phishing scams are up 300%, while at least £2.5m has been stolen from law firms. We have also seen recent emails where the scammers are impersonating the SRA to trick the legal profession. So it’s more important than ever that you and your firm continue to be vigilant.
Read more about: Pandemic sees big rise in scam attacks
Figures announced last month have revealed that the Legal Choices website, which we run on behalf of most of the other legal services regulators, has massively increased its visitor numbers over the last three years. Attracting more than 3 million visits, the site acts as a guide to the legal sector for those that have not used it before.
Read more about: Legal Choices helping potential clients
Our Solicitors Qualifying Examination, which aims to ensure all new entrants to the profession have achieved the same high standards of skills and knowledge, will be introduced in September next year. We are making resources available for would-be solicitors and training providers to help them prepare, with the latest addition the sample questions for SQE2.
Read more about: SQE2 sample questions
We are holding a webinar at 12 midday on Monday 7 December to mark ten years of the Equality Act. Hosted by Anna Bradley, Chair of the SRA Board, and joined by Lubna Shuja, future president of The Law Society, the webinar will discuss the roles we can all play as individuals and as law firms in creating an anti-racist legal profession.
Read more about: Race, past present and future: webinar
Are you worried about your health affecting your work? Life as a solicitor can be challenging and the demands and pressures can easily build up. We can signpost you to sources of help and make adjustments for you if you are in difficulty.
Read more about: Your health, your career
