Law firms struggle with compliance, risking penalties and reputational harm.
- The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) penalised 475 law firms for not meeting transparency rules.
- Since December 2018, 439 warnings and 36 fines have been issued.
- New pricing templates aim to help firms adhere to SRA guidelines.
- Public access to information remains a critical focus for legal compliance.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently sanctioned 475 law firms for failing to comply with its transparency rules, highlighting the sector’s ongoing challenges with regulation adherence. Since the rules’ inception in December 2018, the SRA has been proactive, issuing 439 official warnings alongside 36 fixed penalty fines in an effort to enforce compliance among legal firms.
These measures are part of a broader initiative to ensure that consumers have adequate access to information when deciding on legal services. The importance of this transparency push is underscored by the Legal Services Board’s policy on empowering consumers, which set a deadline of 30 September 2024 for regulators to prove they are meeting these expectations.
In response to these challenges, the SRA has introduced new and updated resources to assist law firms, including the provision of pricing templates designed to be compliant with SRA requirements. The regulator’s research consistently indicates that facilitating public access to key service information enhances the likelihood of individuals seeking professional legal assistance.
Despite existing mandates on providing price and service details, the development of quality indicators remains a complex issue for legal regulators, necessitating further efforts. A joint pilot conducted by the SRA, Council for Licensed Conveyancers, and CILEx Regulation explored the use of quality indicators and comparison websites.
The successful pilot has now led to the establishment of a voluntary code for comparison websites, which has already been adopted by several platforms including ReviewSolicitors and Trustpilot. Among other commitments, these platforms ensure a transparent review process that allows legal service providers to contest reviews they believe are inaccurate.
Further, the SRA advises against pursuing legal action over potentially defamatory online reviews. Instead, law firms are encouraged to consider requesting the removal of such comments and to engage in professional responses to negative feedback. The guidance also suggests leveraging positive client experiences to counterbalance negative perceptions, thereby maintaining professional integrity and trust.
Paul Philip, the SRA’s chief executive, reiterates that by presenting clear and accessible information regarding pricing, law firms not only comply with existing regulations but also empower consumers, fostering greater transparency and trust within the legal services market.
Transparency remains a pivotal element in fostering public trust in legal services.
