- * Intermediate/Introductory
The new SRA Handbook, which becomes effective on 6 October 2011, overhauls the regulatory framework for all law firms and lawyers and requires legal practices to have robust systems in place for the governance and management of their businesses. Firms are advised to draw up a compliance plan to demonstrate to the SRA that their practices comply with the new requirements, and there are different types of compliance plan that can apply to different types of practice.
This course looks at the principles that apply to drawing up a compliance plan for litigation practice and provides practical guidance to help firms to do so. The course will cover:
Background
- * The SRA's approach to regulation and risk
- Overview of the Handbook
The role of the COLP and COFA
The need for a compliance plan
- * New firms
- Existing firms
What should the compliance plan cover?
- * Principle 8
- Authorisation rules
- The outcomes required by the Code of Conduct
- Information requirements
What will govern the contents?
- * Type of clients; Size of firm - business model; Areas of practice
Litigation - special considerations
- * Referral arrangements
- Client care, including costs
- Conflicts of interest
- Confidentiality
- Duty to the court
- Separate businesses