What are the consequences of a breach that the SRA could impose?

For licensed bodies (Alternative Business Structures or ABS) and the individuals (including solicitors) which work in them, we can impose a financial penalty, ourselves, of up to £50 million for an individual or up to £250 million for the entity.

What is an SRA breach?

The SRA’s view is that reports should only be submitted where the breach is material and client money is at risk. A material breach may be one where there is intention to breach the rules, or if there is a significant weakness in the processes and controls in the practice which has led to the breach.

What is an SRA report?

Secure Remote Access (SRA) reporting allows you to configure and design the way you view your reports and the manner in which you receive them. This feature offers various types of static and dynamic reporting in which you can customize the way information is reported.

Does a lawyer have a duty to report a crime UK?

The majority of solicitors and employees in law firms understand that they are under a duty to protect confidential information relating to their relationship with clients.

What happens if a solicitor breaches SRA?

We may impose a disciplinary sanction against a firm or individual, where we are satisfied that they have committed a serious breach of our Standards and Regulations. Individuals include solicitors, registered European lawyers, registered foreign lawyers, employees and managers of all firms we authorise.

Can the SRA strike off a solicitor?

In particular, it can prevent a solicitor from practising by suspending them indefinitely or for a fixed period, or permanently striking them off the Roll. It can also impose an unlimited fine.

What do you have to report to SRA?

Under these changes, all it requires for you to report or self-report is that there are: “Facts or matters that you reasonably believe are capable of amounting to a serious breach”. It means you do not have to gather evidence in advance to report a breach – the SRA will do so as part of its investigation.

How do I submit an SRA accountants report?

Reports must be submitted via mySRA, the deadline for submitting them via email was the end of September 2020. Accountants can continue to use the Accountants Report Form (AR1) form to provide information on unqualified reports to clients, these do not need to be provided to the SRA, unless requested by the SRA.

Can I complain about someone else’s solicitor?

You can also complain about someone else’s solicitor or advocate if their poor service or behaviour has affected you. You must complain within 12 months of when the service you’re complaining about ended, or 12 months after the incident you’re complaining about took place.

What do you have to disclose to SRA?

You must disclose to us motoring offences that resulted in a criminal conviction and/or were heard before a court. Motoring offences that do not result in a criminal conviction and/or were not heard before a court do not need to be disclosed.

Do I need to report a data breach to the SRA?

It is saying that even if you are not entirely sure that a breach has occurred, you must report to the SRA if it has the potential to be a big issue. This significantly lowers the bar for reporting to the SRA and has the potential to catch COLPs and COFAs out.