The SRA Transparency Rules & New Fining Powers - Is Your Firm Compliant?

Introduction

So, it has now actually started to happen. The SRA have issued their first fixed penalties to three firms for not complying with the transparency rules! The breaches included:

• Failure to publish information explaining key stages and likely timescales relating to services
• Failure to publish details on experience and qualifications of those working on some, or all, of the service areas covered by the rules
• Failure to include information on disbursement costs and VAT in published prices

The £750 fines have been issued to the three firms. If the fined firms continue to not comply with the rules they could potentially face another fine of £1500!

They are also working on other live cases which might result in further fixed penalties for not complying with the transparency rules.

The SRA are reviewing the websites of 2,500 law firms who signed a declaration in August 2021 stating that they were complying with the rules. They have already reviewed 500 of those law firms with the results indicating a ‘continued low level of full compliance’.

So, what is on your website in relation to the Transparency Rules?

Is the information on it correct and up to date? Does it include all the information required? Do your staff know what’s on the website when dealing with clients?

This virtual classroom will bring you up to date with the requirements.

Your name may be next on the SRA list for review! Act now!

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• Why the transparency rules were introduced
• Which services you provide are covered by the transparency rules
• What you need to do:
• Publish cost information in a prominent place - total cost/average cost/hourly rate
• Experience and qualifications of staff handling the work
• Disbursement details
• Any VAT?
• Timescales and key stages
• Complaints information
• The firm’s complaints handling process
• How to complain
• Complaints to the Legal Ombudsman
• An update on the complaints data from the Legal Ombudsman
• Clickable logo

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.