In-house lawyers are celebrating victory in their long-running campaign to reduce the cost of their practising certificate fees
Earlier this month, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) confirmed the level of practising certificate fees. Solicitors will pay £428, while law firms will pay a separate rate calculated by turnover.
In-house lawyers will be exempt from the firm-based part of the levy, a move acknowledged by the SRA as more accurately reflecting the cost of regulation and is therefore fairer.
John Bleasdale, chairman of the Commerce and Industry Group (C&I), an organisation for in-house lawyers across the UK, said: “This marks the culmination of an eight-year campaign in which we have lobbied extensively for reform, so that the proper costs of regulation are borne where most appropriate, and are proportionate, fair, and justifiable to members. We are delighted that the SRA has accepted our submissions by making our members only responsible for the individual element.”
He said the new regime would be welcomed by corporate employers in the current economic climate.
