New training to improve solicitor competency

This initiative is particularly significant for personal injury cases, where expertise can greatly influence outcomes for individuals seeking legal help.

Matthew Tuff, the immediate past president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), commented on the importance of these proposals. “Solicitors would need to keep much more detailed records of their training, and must demonstrate how they have identified and reached their learning and development goals. It would provide much stronger evidence that solicitors have reached the level of competency that their clients need and deserve,” he stated, highlighting the need for a more rigorous approach to training.

APIL is keen to see successful existing initiatives, such as its own accreditation scheme for personal injury lawyers, integrated into the new regulatory framework. Tuff noted “APIL’s own highly respected accreditation scheme for personal injury lawyers is based on competency and reassures personal injury victims that their legal representatives have the essential expertise and experience they need. We’re pleased that the SRA wants existing, successful training schemes, like APIL’s accreditation scheme, to continue,” underscoring the value of established programs in providing assurance to clients.

The SRA also aims to make ethics discussions mandatory as part of the new training requirements. However, Tuff has pointed out that many firms already engage in ethical discussions and believes flexibility should be allowed. “Our members say firms already undertake discussions with staff, so these need not be as rigid as the three hours a year the SRA suggests. It should be for firms to certify, as part of the declaration when they renew their practice certificates, that ethics discussions in whatever form they deem appropriate, have taken place with staff,” he argued, calling for a more tailored approach.

Additionally, Tuff addressed the need for clearer communication regarding updates or changes in regulations. “We also urge the SRA to flag warning notices or guidance notes so they are seen by all who need to see them. Our solicitor members say they often only find out about new important directives through their own monitoring. Flagging anything new would help to ensure solicitors do not miss important information,” he concluded, reinforcing the necessity for transparency in legal communication.