SRA advances deregulation agenda despite Law Society objections

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed that it plans to push for deregulation of training for solicitors, despite concerns raised by the Law Society.

Discussions between regulators and their respective professional bodies have been ongoing since the publication of the Legal Education and Training Review (LETR) in June 2013. The SRA launched its consultation, Training for Tomorrow, in October 2014; it promised an end to the "one-size-fits-all" approach to qualification for solicitors. Alongside the policy paper outlining the proposed changes to training requirements, the regulator held a number of roadshow events to discuss the proposals with stakeholders. Some of the principle changes included no longer requiring trainees to complete their training under the terms of a contract specified by the regulator.

As Legal Futures reported, the SRA found that 72% of the organisations and individuals responding to the consultation supported the change.  Julie Brannan, director of education and training at the SRA, commented: "Overall, the proposed changes to the regulations were welcomed by most of those who responded, although in some cases support was on the basis that the SRA would provide clear and accessible guidance. We will be publishing guidance at the same time as we implement the new rules on 1 July, if approved." The Law Society is opposed to removing the requirement for trainees to experience both contentious and non-contentious work, and has expressed some reservations over the removal of the specified SRA contract requirement.