Disproportionate referrals for BME solicitors

A report commissioned by the SRA as part of its equality and diversity strategy concludes that solicitors in smaller firms are more likely to have a case raised against them and that BME solicitors are over-represented in those firms.

Consultants Pearn Kandola, conducted the research and recommend that regulators review the monitoring of support provided by firms to trainees and solicitors and whether solicitors’ Continuing Professional Development is effective. They recommend regular monitoring of data about solicitors who qualify via the qualified lawyer transfer route, and more guidance to people on what constitutes a fair complaint against a solicitor.

SRA chief executive Antony Townsend says: The SRA is firmly committed to acting fairly and valuing equality and diversity.

“For the first time, we have a detailed picture of where the disproportionately high involvement of BME solicitors in our work is arising, identifying the external and internal factors.”