Regulatory Role of the SRA

Which of the following are NOT one of the 8

objectives of the Legal Services Act 2007 ?

• protecting / promoting the public interest

• supporting the constitutional rule of law

• improving access to justice

• improving legal service providers total revenues

• promoting competition in the provision of legal services

Which 3 of these 4 bodies below, does the Legal Services Board oversee ?

• The SRA

• The Legal Ombudsman

• Bar Standard Board

• Civil & Criminal Court Service

A solicitor has been instructed by a client company that is suffering cash flow difficulties. The solicitor has been instructed by the client to advise on its directors’ duties in respect of monitoring the company’s financial position. In the course of discussions, the client mentions that it is considering attempting to improve its financial position by investing in equity securities and asks whether the solicitor can recommend any stockbrokers. The solicitor's brother is a partner in a firm of stockbrokers which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and which has made substantial returns for the solicitor and other clients. The solicitor has concluded that making the referral would: (i) not in any way compromise his independence as the client’s legal advisor; and (ii) be in the best interests of the client because the stockbrokers are the best available in this field. The solicitor will not get a financial benefit from the referral. The solicitor knows that the brother would be grateful for the business introduction. Which 2 steps should the Solicitor take ?

• Cease to act for the client.

• Refer the client to an individual at the stockbrokers other than the solicitor's brother.

• Get written confirmation from the brother that the solicitor will not get a financial benefit in return for the business referral.

• Inform the client that the solicitor's brother is a partner of the stockbrokers.

• Ask somebody else in the solicitor's firm to refer the client to the stockbrokers.

Which below are Breaches of Code of Conduct that may warrant an SRA investigation ? (Multiple correct answers)

• Breach of undertaking

• Discriminating against a client based on personal views

• Breaking Solicitors Accounts Rules

• Failing to call back a client within 1 hour of the call

• Failing to handle a client's complaint appropriately

Which members of your SRA regulated Firm are required

to be aware of the SRA Codes of Conduct ?

• Directors only

• Solicitors only

• Paralegals only

• Support staff only

• All members of the firm

What Powers to discipline a Solicitor do the SRA

have under s47 of the Solicitors Act 1974 ?

(multiple correct answers)

• Exclude Solicitor from undertaking Legal Aid Work

• Stop the firm paying the offending Solicitor their wages

• Suspend a Solicitor from practice for an indefinite period

• Fines to the Firm or Solicitor.

Professional Indemnity Insurance is not compulsory for an SRA regulated firm ?

• True

• False

Which of these is not a reserved legal activity

under 12 (a) to (f) of the Legal Services Act 2007 ?

• Administration of Oaths

• Conduct of Litigation

• Preparing a will

• Notary Public activities

• Probate activities

Are Barristers subject to the SRA or the Bar Services Board ?

• SRA

• Bar Services Board

• Both

• Neither

Are CILEX subject to the SRA or the CILEx Regulation ?

• CILEx Regulation only

• SRA only

• Neither

• Both