The Law Society wants to ease the regulatory burden on firms and is inviting members of the profession to offer their views on how red tape can be reduced.
A recent Law Society survey revealed that solicitors' firms regard the still evolving regulatory landscape as disproportionately burdensome.
Law Society chief executive Desmond Hudson said:
'Our members are clear that the current regime places too great a burden on firms.'
'The cost of compliance is a major concern. We are listening, and will do all we can to help ease the burden.'
'The Society already provides advice and support for members to help them through the ongoing changes but as the latest survey indicates, our members remained concerned.'
'We need to know what changes can be considered that will help most so do get in touch with us.'
Outcomes-focused regulation (OFR) is a move away from a rules-based approach and instead focuses on high-level outcomes governing practice and the quality of outcomes for clients. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) implemented OFR from 6 October 2011.
While the growing burden was problematic, many firms identified a greater focus on risk and clients as key benefits of OFR. Firms see the SRA's enforcement under OFR as a 'credible deterrent'.
Currently, the SRA is working to improve their contact centre and is streamlining the application processes relating to authorisation and approvals; an area where members report troubling delays.
The Law Society welcomes the focus by the SRA on these issues and will be closely monitoring its progress in reducing delays.
Members can visit the website for more information or call the Practice Advice Service on 0870 606 2522 for help with OFR.
The results of the survey can be found on our website.
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About the Law Society of England and Wales
The Law Society is the independent professional body, established for solicitors in 1825, that works globally to support and represent its members, promoting the highest professional standards and the rule of law.
Press contact
Rebecca Kiernan
Law Society Press Office
020 7316 5581
rebecca.kiernan@lawsociety.org.uk