Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Solicitors Regulation Authority definition

What does Solicitors Regulation Authority mean? The Solicitors Regulation Authority is the independent regulator of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales. In practice, it authorises individuals and firms, issues practising certificates, sets and enforces the SRA Standards and Regulations (including the Codes of Conduct and SRA Accounts Rules on client money), supervises anti-money laundering compliance, and takes enforcement action to protect clients and the public interest. Enforcement includes investigations, fines and rebukes, conditions on practice, interventions into firms, and prosecution before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal; it also administers the SRA Compensation Fund. Although “SRA” is not a statutory term, its regulatory remit and powers flow...

SRA regulatory framework in England and Wales: scope, reserved activities, immigration work, Standards and Regulations, risk-based authorisation, supervision and enforcement, and COLP/COFA responsibilities

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Practice notes

The solicitors regulation authority (SRA) has continually adapted how it oversees the solicitors’ profession since it began. This Practice Note sets out the scope, including the people and activities it oversees and the ways it does so. It mirrors the requirements of the SRA Standards and Regulations.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority

The SRA is the Law Society’s independent regulatory arm. It regulates the solicitors’ profession in England and Wales—covering individuals and legal services entities. Its purpose is to ensure consumers receive a good service and uphold the rule of law. It does not represent the solicitors’ profession; that is the Law Society’s function. For more on the SRA’s structure, role and powers, see Practice Note: Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Who the SRA regulates

In addition to individuals, the SRA regulates every type of business model as entities, including sole practitioners and alternative business structures (ABSs). This is referred to as firm-based regulation.

Direct regulation of individuals

The SRA directly authorises and regulates the following individuals in England and Wales:

solicitors
registered European lawyers (RELs)
registered foreign lawyers (RFLs)
registered Swiss lawyers (RSLs)
non-solicitor authorised role holders in regulated...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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