The SRA paper, ‘Arrangements for SRA regulation of CILEX members’, open until 22 November, confirms that the distinct identities of authorised CILEX lawyers and solicitors would be maintained, with separate codes of conduct for each, while the extra costs would be covered by CILEX lawyer practising certificate fees.
Paul Philip, SRA chief executive, said the move had ‘obvious benefits in terms of simplification and consistency of regulatory processes and procedures and more consistent protection to the public’.
However, Law Society president Lubna Shuja said: ‘While the SRA and CILEX have said they believe the proposals will benefit consumers, our view is that there is a higher risk of causing greater confusion for when they are choosing the appropriate legal provider to meet their needs.’
CILEX launched its own consultation in August on proposals to re-delegate the regulation of its members to the SRA, which ends on 5 November.
